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Easy Ground Turkey Taco Bowls - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey: 1 to 1.25 pounds (93% lean works best for flavor and moisture).
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing.
  • Onion: 1 small, diced.
  • Garlic: 2 to 3 cloves, minced.
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon for richness.
  • Chicken broth or water: 1/3 cup to loosen the sauce.
  • Black beans: 1 can (rinsed and drained).
  • Corn: 1 cup (frozen, fresh, or canned and drained).
  • Cooked rice: 3 to 4 cups (white, brown, or cilantro-lime).
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Diced avocado or guacamole
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
  • Hot sauce or salsa

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice. Get your rice going first so it’s ready when the turkey is done. For extra flavor, stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro once it’s cooked.
  2. Sauté the aromatics. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion with a pinch of salt and cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink. Season with a little salt and pepper.
  4. Add seasoning and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the spice blend and stir in the tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices and coat the turkey.
  5. Make it saucy. Pour in broth or water. Stir and simmer 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy. Adjust salt to taste.
  6. Warm the beans and corn. Stir black beans and corn into the turkey. Heat through for 2 minutes. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash more broth.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Spoon rice into bowls. Top with a generous scoop of turkey, then add your favorite toppings. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro.
  8. Serve. Taste and add hot sauce, extra salt, or more lime as needed. Enjoy right away.