This bowl is simple, tasty, and fast. It mixes seasoned ground turkey, beans, corn, and rice. You can make it for a weeknight meal or for meal prep. If you like baked dishes, try a related oven dish like ground turkey zucchini casserole for another easy dinner idea.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This recipe is quick and cheap. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. It is full of protein and fiber from turkey and beans. Kids and adults usually like it. You can change toppings to suit your taste.
How to make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
Start by cooking the rice. While rice cooks, heat oil in a pan and cook the onion until soft. Add garlic and cook one minute. Add ground turkey and break it up. Cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add taco seasoning or the spice mix and the water or broth. Let it simmer a few minutes to blend flavors. Stir in black beans and corn and heat through. Spoon the turkey mix over rice and add toppings. For a sweeter twist, you can try recipes like honey garlic ground turkey to change the flavor.
Ingredients :
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning OR 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- Optional toppings: salsa, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro (chopped), lime wedges
Directions :
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet.
- Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease. Stir in taco seasoning (or chili powder, cumin, and paprika) and water/broth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in black beans and corn.
- Cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- To assemble bowls, place a serving of cooked rice in each bowl.
- Top with the ground turkey mixture.
- Add desired toppings such as salsa, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Flavorful Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
A quick and delicious bowl filled with seasoned ground turkey, beans, corn, and rice, perfect for weeknight meals or meal prep.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning or 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 4 cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- Optional toppings: salsa, avocado slices, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro (chopped), lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning (or chili powder, cumin, and paprika) and water/broth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Stir in black beans and corn, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble bowls by placing a serving of cooked rice in each bowl and topping with the ground turkey mixture.
- Add desired toppings such as salsa, avocado, sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Use lean ground turkey to reduce fat. Prepping toppings ahead of time saves time during meal assembly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to serve Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
Serve warm in bowls. Put rice first, then the turkey mix. Add toppings like salsa, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Offer lime wedges to squeeze on top. Serve with tortilla chips or a side salad.
How to store Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
Cool the food to room temperature. Put in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, place in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.
Tips to make Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
- Use lean ground turkey to keep it lower in fat.
- Drain excess grease to avoid a soggy mix.
- Warm the beans and corn so the bowl stays hot.
- Use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor.
- Prep toppings ahead to save time.
Variations
- Make it spicy: add chopped jalapeño or hot sauce.
- Make it meatless: swap turkey for cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms.
- Use different grains: try quinoa or cauliflower rice for low-carb bowls.
- Add other veggies: bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes work well.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Yes. Ground beef works fine. Cook and drain it the same way.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in meal containers. It keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge.
Q: Is this dish freezer safe?
A: Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q: Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
A: Yes. Cook or grill fresh corn first, then add to the mix.
Q: How can I make it lower carb?
A: Use cauliflower rice or reduce the rice and add more beans and veggies.
Conclusion
These rice bowls are easy, tasty, and flexible. They work for busy nights and for meal prep. Use your favorite toppings and enjoy a healthy, filling meal.
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