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Ground Turkey Loaded Taco Bowls - A Fresh, Easy Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey: 1 to 1.25 pounds, preferably 93% lean
  • Cooked rice or grains: 3 to 4 cups (white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, canned, or fresh grilled kernels)
  • Bell peppers: 2, any color, diced
  • Red onion: 1 small, diced (plus extra for garnish if you like)
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (or 2 Roma tomatoes, diced)
  • Avocado: 1 to 2, sliced or diced
  • Romaine or shredded lettuce: 2 cups
  • Cilantro: Small bunch, chopped
  • Lime: 2, cut into wedges
  • Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija (optional)
  • Salsa: Your favorite jarred or fresh pico de gallo
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: For topping
  • Olive oil: 1 to 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper: To taste
  • Homemade taco seasoning: 2 to 3 tablespoons total: Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Smoked paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Crushed red pepper or cayenne (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: 1/3 cup (optional, for simmering the turkey)

Method
 

  1. Cook your base. Prepare rice or grains according to package instructions. For faster nights, use microwave-ready rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Mix the taco seasoning. In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add a pinch of cayenne if you want heat.
  3. Sauté the veggies. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add diced bell peppers and half of the red onion. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until slightly softened and charred in spots. Remove to a bowl.
  4. Brown the turkey. In the same skillet, add a splash of oil if needed and the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula. Cook 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink.
  5. Season and simmer. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the turkey. Stir to coat. Add 1/3 cup broth or water. Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until saucy and fragrant. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  6. Warm the beans and corn. Add black beans and corn to the skillet with the turkey for 1 to 2 minutes, just to heat through. Alternatively, warm them separately if you prefer to keep layers distinct.
  7. Prep cool toppings. Chop tomatoes, slice avocado, shred lettuce, and chop cilantro. Cut limes into wedges. Stir remaining red onion into the salsa for extra bite, if you like.
  8. Assemble the bowls. Add a scoop of rice to each bowl. Top with a generous spoonful of turkey-bean-corn mix. Add sautéed peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and cheese.
  9. Finish with flair. Spoon on salsa, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream, and squeeze fresh lime over the top. Sprinkle cilantro for a bright finish.
  10. Serve and enjoy. Set out extra lime wedges, hot sauce, and chips for crunch on the side.