You know that feeling when it’s 5pm and you’re staring into the fridge wondering what the heck to make for dinner? Yeah, I’ve been there way too many times. That’s exactly why I fell in love with these turkey burrito bowls.
These ground turkey bowls hit different than your typical weeknight meal. They’re packed with protein, ready in about 20 minutes, and honestly taste better than what you’d get at most restaurants. Plus my kids actually eat them without complaining – which is basically a miracle.
Table of contents
- More Recipes ideas
- What Goes Into These Turkey Burrito Bowls
- How to Make Ground Turkey Burrito Bowls
- Why This Ground Turkey Chipotle Bowl Style Recipe Works
- Make-Ahead Tips for Ground Turkey Bowls
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Ways to Switch Up Your Turkey Bowls
- The Bottom Line on These Healthy Ground Turkey Bowls
More Recipes ideas
What Goes Into These Turkey Burrito Bowls
For the Ground Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean works great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or make your own)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Easy Burrito Bowl Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make Ground Turkey Burrito Bowls
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until it’s no longer pink.
Step 2: Season & Simmer Add taco seasoning and water to the turkey. Stir in black beans and corn. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the flavors blend together.
Step 3: Make the Sauce While turkey cooks, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust – I usually add more lime juice because I’m obsessed with that tangy flavor.
Step 4: Prep Your Toppings Chop everything up and get your rice ready. This is where you can get the kids involved if they’re around.
Step 5: Build Your Bowls Start with rice, add the turkey mixture, then pile on your favorite toppings. Drizzle with that creamy sauce and squeeze fresh lime on top.
Why This Ground Turkey Chipotle Bowl Style Recipe Works
The beauty of this taco burrito bowl is that it’s basically foolproof. Ground turkey cooks evenly and quickly, so you’re not standing over the stove forever. The seasoning blend gives you that restaurant flavor without any weird additives.
I love how customizable these healthy ground turkey bowls are too. My husband loads his up with extra cheese and hot sauce. I go heavy on the avocado and cilantro. The kids stick to basics but they actually eat their vegetables this way.
Nutrition per serving (approximate):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
Make-Ahead Tips for Ground Turkey Bowls
These turkey burrito bowls are perfect for meal prep. Cook a big batch of the ground turkey mixture on Sunday and you’ve got lunch sorted for days. Store the turkey mix separate from fresh toppings so nothing gets soggy.
The sauce keeps in the fridge for about a week. I usually double the recipe because we use it on everything – salads, wraps, you name it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a burrito bowl healthy for you? Yes! Burrito bowls can be super healthy, especially when you control the ingredients. This ground turkey version packs lean protein, fiber from beans and veggies, and healthy fats from avocado. Way better than processed fast food options.
What can go in a burrito bowl? The possibilities are endless. Start with a base (rice, quinoa, or lettuce), add protein (turkey, chicken, beans), then pile on veggies, cheese, and sauces. Popular additions include corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and fresh herbs.
What does a burrito bowl consist of? A typical burrito bowl has a grain base, protein, beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and sauce. It’s basically all the good stuff from a burrito without the tortilla – which means more room for toppings!
How to make a Mexican burrito bowl at home? Start with seasoned protein (like this ground turkey), add Mexican-inspired ingredients like black beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and avocado. The key is good seasoning and fresh toppings.
What is the name of the sauce on the burrito bowl? This creamy sauce is similar to chipotle’s cilantro lime crema. It’s basically Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice and spices – way healthier than mayo-based sauces but just as delicious.
More Ways to Switch Up Your Turkey Bowls
Once you master this basic ground turkey burrito bowl recipe, try these variations:
- Swap brown rice for cauliflower rice to cut carbs
- Add roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor
- Try different beans like pinto or kidney beans
- Make it spicy with jalapeños or hot sauce
- Use Greek yogurt ranch instead of the lime sauce
The Bottom Line on These Healthy Ground Turkey Bowls
Listen, I’m not gonna lie and say these taste exactly like your favorite restaurant chain. But they’re pretty darn close, way healthier, and you know exactly what’s going into them. Plus at around $3 per serving, they won’t break the budget either.
The best part? They’re ready in 20 minutes on a busy weeknight. That’s faster than ordering takeout and definitely better for you.
Remember, I’m a health coach, not a medical professional. The information shared here is for educational purposes based on my experience and research. Always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized medical or dietary advice.
Ready to try these turkey burrito bowls? Drop a comment below and let me know how you customize yours! And if you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, check out my [One-Pan Chicken and Vegetables] and [15-Minute Healthy Stir Fry] recipes.
Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with anyone who needs a new weeknight dinner solution. Trust me, they’ll thank you later.
Turkey Burrito Bowls
Equipment
- Large skillet
- mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
Ingredients
For the Ground Turkey:
- 1 lb ground turkey 93/7 lean
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can black beans drained & rinsed
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1 avocado sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges
Easy Burrito Bowl Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until fully browned.
- Season & Simmer: Add taco seasoning and water. Stir in black beans and corn. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Prep Toppings: While the turkey cooks, chop lettuce, tomatoes, onion, avocado, and prepare rice.
- Assemble Bowls: Start with a layer of rice. Add the turkey mixture. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cheese, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle with sauce and finish with a lime wedge.
