Ground Turkey Taco Bowl

Name: Ground Turkey Taco Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa; 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh; Toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Highlighted under: No-Fuss Recipes

I love making a Ground Turkey Taco Bowl because it’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal that satisfies my cravings. The combination of lean turkey with vibrant toppings makes for a filling dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, it's easy to customize based on what I have on hand. Whether you're feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes while keeping things fresh and nourishing.

Created by

Phoebe Turner

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:12:48.913Z

When I first tried this Ground Turkey Taco Bowl, I was amazed at how much flavor packed into such a simple meal. Using ground turkey as a base not only makes it leaner than traditional beef tacos, but it also absorbs all the spices beautifully. I've also discovered that adding lime juice at the end brightens the whole dish, lifting up the flavors in every bite.

As I continued refining my method, I found that toasting my spices in a bit of the turkey fat before adding the meat enhances their aroma and taste. This little tip turned my already great recipe into something truly delicious and aromatic. Now, this dish is a staple in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Lean ground turkey makes it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
Easily customizable with your favorite toppings and ingredients.
Perfect for meal prep or a quick weekday dinner.

The Role of Ground Turkey

Ground turkey serves as the star of this dish, bringing both protein and deliciousness without excessive fat. By choosing lean ground turkey, you’re avoiding the greasiness common in some other meats, making for a light yet satisfying meal. When cooked properly, it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors of the spices and aromatics beautifully. Look for turkey labeled as 93% lean for a great balance of flavor and health.

When cooking, be careful not to overcook the turkey, as this can lead to a dry texture. Watch for a golden-brown color and a temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) for safety. The mixture should sizzle slightly when added to the hot pan and should smell aromatic from the spices and garlic. If the heat is too high, it can brown too quickly without cooking through; a medium heat is best to achieve perfect doneness.

Customizing Your Taco Bowl

One of the best aspects of this Ground Turkey Taco Bowl is its versatility. You can easily swap out the rice for a base of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or use brown rice for added fiber. Experiment with different beans, like pinto or kidney beans, to change up the flavor profile. Adding different spices or hot sauces during cooking can also give the dish an entirely new personality, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch.

Toppings can vary widely, too. If you’re not a fan of sour cream, Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative that adds creaminess. Consider using pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick or a sprinkle of lime juice for brightness. Fresh corn can be swapped with canned corn if you’re short on fresh ingredients, but sautéing it lightly can enhance its sweetness and flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! Prepare a large batch of the ground turkey mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. This allows you to assemble a fresh taco bowl in minutes throughout the week. If you prefer freezing, the turkey mixture can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and heat it up on the stovetop until warmed through.

For optimal freshness when storing your bowls, keep toppings separate until you’re ready to eat. Prepare your base and turkey in advance, but add fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro just before serving. This will help prevent ingredients like avocado from browning and ensuring your meal remains vibrant and appealing.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
Toppings: avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro

Feel free to mix and match your toppings to fit your taste!

Instructions

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula and season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

Once the turkey is cooked, mix in the black beans and corn. Stir well and let everything combine over low heat for about 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Bowl

In individual bowls, layer the cooked rice or quinoa as a base. Top with the turkey mixture, then add your favorite toppings like diced avocado, salsa, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Taco Bowl!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try marinating the ground turkey with the spices for 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor of your Ground Turkey Taco Bowl, consider marinating the turkey in a bit of lime juice and spices before cooking. This simple step will not only add depth but also help tenderize the meat. You can let it sit for as little as 15 minutes or up to a couple of hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion. The acid in the lime juice combined with the bold spices creates vibrant taste notes that truly enhance the dish.

Another fantastic flavor booster is fresh herbs. Do not underestimate the power of fresh cilantro and green onions sprinkled on top for a burst of freshness. Adding a few diced tomatoes can also lift the dish, providing juicy pops of flavor among the savory elements.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun presentation, serve your Ground Turkey Taco Bowl in halved avocado shells. This not only adds a beautiful visual element but also complements the flavors in a healthy way. If you want to make it more festive for gatherings, consider adding tortilla chips on the side for crunch, or even create small taco bowls using baked tortillas, making it interactive for guests to customize their meal.

Pair your taco bowl with a simple side salad of mixed greens topped with lime vinaigrette to balance out the meal. This not only adds freshness but also adds additional nutrients, ensuring you have a well-rounded dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground turkey with black beans or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

→ Can I freeze this recipe?

Absolutely! You can freeze the turkey mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

→ What can I use instead of rice?

You can use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.