Quick, easy, healthy, bright, and delicious, this Turkey Burrito Bowl will be your new weeknight go-to!
I make this turkey burrito bowl once a week, and I bet you will too, once you experience how easy and tasty it is. Years ago, my husband and I were strict with the Whole30 diet before our wedding in the Caribbean. Prior to following the diet, I didn’t cook much with ground turkey – then suddenly it was Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers, Turkey Meatballs, and No Bean Turkey Chili. These meals are all great, but sometimes I don’t want to cook an elaborate meal. So then I started just seasoning ground turkey and adding a couple toppings, which led to the creation of the turkey burrito bowl.
The turkey burrito bowl has all the flavors of a satisfying burrito, but it’s healthier and takes half the effort. You get rich, savory meat with the tangy, spicy seasoning, buttery, tart Monterey Jack cheese, tons of fresh veggies, brown rice, and protein-rich black beans. It really is so delicious and just goes into one bowl, not a carb-heavy, flour burrito.
Not only is this dinner delicious, it is foolproof and super versatile. If you are strapped for time, skip the diced onion and minced garlic and use onion and garlic powder. You can swap the turkey for ground beef or chicken, and the brown rice for quinoa or farro. Not a fan of Monterey Jack cheese? You can use cheddar or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to add whatever veggies or herbs you have in your pantry. The turkey burrito bowl is like a perfect outfit – you can dress it up or down.
Is This Turkey Burrito Bowl Healthy?
This burrito bowl is a great source of protein from the turkey and black beans. Peppers, onion, garlic, and avocado contain antioxidants, while brown rice is a great source of fiber. The turkey burrito bowl is gluten-free, but make sure you check for gluten in your taco seasoning ingredients. If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, skip the rice and double the veggies. For Whole30, you will also have to skip the rice and cheese.
Elevate Your Burrito Bowl With Homemade Seasoning
Take your turkey burrito bowl to the next level with the rich, vibrant flavors of homemade taco seasoning. Many commercial taco seasoning blends contain ingredients like starches, sugar, and even artificial coloring. Our Whole30 Taco Seasoning is a fantastic option for your turkey burrito bowl. Featuring cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, this blend complements the ground turkey without overpowering its natural flavor.
The best part of making your own seasoning is its flexibility. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder. Prefer milder flavors? Reduce the chili powder. Making your own seasoning ensures it’s clean and perfectly tailored to your taste, with only the ingredients you want. It’s versatile enough to enhance tacos, fajitas, soups, and even roasted vegetables, making it a spice rack essential. Whether you’re following Whole30, keto, or just prefer real, whole foods, homemade taco seasoning is a must-have.
How to make ahead and store
The turkey burrito bowl is perfect for meal prep! Assemble the ingredients in individual airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
This ground turkey burrito bowl is made with brown rice, which could be intimidating to prepare if you’ve never cooked it before. Check out this How To Cook Perfect Brown Rice post for some tips, or spice up your bowl with this Mexican Brown Rice. For a full gluten-free meal, serve your turkey burrito bowls with our One-Pan Mexican Quinoa Dish or Mexican Chicken Rice Soup. If you want to turn it into a fiesta, wash it all down with a perfect Spicy Margarita.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 16 ounces ground turkey
- 1 1/4 cups salsa
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess liquid from skillet.
- Stir in salsa, taco seasoning, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Most of the liquid will be gone, and the mixture will thicken.
- Assemble the bowls with brown rice at the bottom.
- Top with the turkey mixture, black beans, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Serve with fresh lime wedges for squeezing.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment