Name: Healthy Turkey Taco Bowl (Dinner or Meal Prep)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/4 cup water; 2 cups cilantro lime cauliflower rice (or brown rice/quinoa); 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup sweet corn, drained; 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup shredded Mexican-style cheese; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo; Creamy southwest dressing:; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp salsa; 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

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A nutritious, flavour-packed bowl that combines seasoned ground turkey with rice (or cauliflower rice), beans, corn, fresh veggies, cheese, avocado, and a creamy southwest dressing—a wholesome meal perfect for dinner or prepping ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I appreciate how this recipe is both satisfying and wholesome. It features lean protein, wholesome carbohydrates, and vibrant veggies—all balanced in one bowl. It’s incredibly versatile and ideal for meal prepping, which makes busy weeknights so much easier.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

olive or avocado oil
yellow onion, diced
garlic cloves, minced
ground turkey
chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper
tomato sauce
water
cilantro lime cauliflower rice (or substitute with brown rice/quinoa)
romaine lettuce, chopped
black beans, drained and rinsed
sweet corn, drained
grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped
shredded Mexican‑style cheese
avocado, sliced
fresh cilantro, chopped
fresh salsa or pico de gallo
Creamy southwest dressing ingredients:
- plain Greek yogurt
- lime juice
- cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- salsa
- chopped cilantro

directions

Make the dressing. I blend Greek yogurt, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, fresh salsa, and cilantro until smooth. I chill it until serving.
Cook the turkey. In a skillet over medium heat with oil, I sauté onion and garlic for about 3‑5 minutes. Then I add ground turkey, breaking it apart as it browns (about 5‑7 minutes). I stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper for another minute, then pour in tomato sauce and water. I simmer until the liquid is absorbed (5‑7 minutes).
Assemble the bowls. I start with cauliflower rice, then layer romaine, turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, cilantro, and salsa. I drizzle or serve the southwest dressing on the side.
Meal prep option. I layer cauliflower rice, corn, beans, turkey, lettuce, and tomatoes in containers, topping with cheese and cilantro. I keep the dressing separate until serving. When I’m ready to eat, I add dressing and avocado.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings. Prep takes around 20 minutes, cook another 20 minutes, totaling roughly 40 minutes overall.

storage/reheating

I store meal‑prep bowls in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. The dressing stays fresh separately. When I want them warm, I microwave the bowl (without dressing and avocado), then add fresh toppings before serving.

Variations

Protein swap: Use ground chicken, beef, or tempeh for a vegan option.
Grain base: Replace cauliflower rice with brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or farro.
Beans: Swap black beans for pinto, kidney, chickpeas, or refried beans.
Veggies: Add bell pepper, zucchini, cucumber, cabbage, spinach, or kale.
Toppings: Use jalapeños, pickled onions, queso fresco, sour cream, cotija cheese, hot sauce, or pineapple salsa.

FAQs

What can I use if I don’t have cauliflower rice?

You can use brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or farro as a delicious alternative to cauliflower rice.

Can I freeze turkey taco bowls?

I don’t recommend freezing assembled bowls, but you can prep and freeze the cooked turkey separately. Once thawed, just layer with fresh toppings.

Will the avocado go brown?

Yes, it can oxidize. I store avocado slices in lime juice or brush them with oil to help keep them fresh.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Absolutely—I use gluten‑free spices and sauces, and naturally gluten‑free ingredients like turkey, beans, corn, rice, and veggies.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spiced. I adjust the chili powder and add jalapeños or hot sauce if I want more heat.

Conclusion

I love how this turkey taco bowl delivers on flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether enjoying it fresh for dinner or portioned out for the week, it’s a dish that satisfies and adapts easily to my tastes. I hope it becomes one of your go‑to meals too!