Ground Turkey Taco Bowls
Every time I make Ground Turkey Taco Bowls, it feels like a cozy gathering in my kitchen, filled with laughter and the delightful aroma of spices dancing through the air. I remember the first time I whipped up this dish; I was having friends over for a casual dinner, and I wanted something that was both satisfying and easy to prepare. The beauty of these bowls is that they’re versatile and can be customized to everyone’s liking. Whether you’re a spice lover or prefer something milder, you can adjust the toppings to suit your palate. I still chuckle recalling how we all ended up assembling our bowls in a variety of ways, each unique and delicious.
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
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Medium
420 kcal
30 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
20 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Peeler, Saucepan, Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl, Wooden Spoon
Why This Ground Turkey Taco Bowls Is a Winner
Flavorful and Satisfying
The first reason I absolutely adore Ground Turkey Taco Bowls is their incredible flavor. The combination of the seasoned ground turkey, fresh ingredients, and zesty lime creates a symphony of taste that’s simply irresistible. Every bite is a burst of flavor that leaves you craving more.
Healthy Yet Hearty
These bowls strike a perfect balance between being healthy and hearty. With lean ground turkey as the star protein, you’re getting a nutritious meal without sacrificing on taste. Plus, the addition of black beans and fresh veggies makes each serving packed with fiber and vitamins.
Customizable for Everyone
I love how easily you can customize these bowls to accommodate any dietary preferences or restrictions. Whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just looking to use up leftovers, the possibilities are endless. You can swap out ingredients or add your favorite toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal.
Quick and Simple to Prepare
Another fantastic aspect of these taco bowls is how quick they are to prepare. In under an hour, you can have a delicious dinner ready for your family or guests. Perfect for a busy weeknight, you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to get a wholesome meal on the table.
Great for Meal Prep
These bowls are also excellent for meal prep! You can batch cook the ground turkey mixture and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week. Just reheat and assemble your bowls with fresh toppings when you’re ready to eat. It’s a lifesaver for those hectic days.
A Fun Family Activity
Lastly, making Ground Turkey Taco Bowls can be a fun family activity. Everyone can get involved in assembling their bowls, which makes mealtime more enjoyable. It’s a great way to encourage kids to try new ingredients and get creative with their meals.
Everything You Need for Ground Turkey Taco Bowls

The ingredients for Ground Turkey Taco Bowls come together beautifully to create a well-rounded, flavorful dish. The combination of fresh produce, spices, and lean protein makes this not just a meal but an experience. Key players such as ground turkey, black beans, and fresh vegetables provide both nutrition and satisfaction.
- 1 T olive oil (divided) – This adds richness and helps in sautĂ©ing the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 small onion, diced – A classic flavor base that adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 1/2 T Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning – This spice blend brings all the classic taco flavors to life in just one convenient scoop.
- 2 tsp. dried granulated garlic or garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor profile and adds a nice aroma.
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey – A healthier protein option that’s lean yet satisfying.
- one 4 oz. can diced green chiles – Adds a mild heat and a touch of smokiness to the mixture.
- one 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes – Creates a saucy base that beautifully melds the other flavors.
- one 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed with cold water – Offers fiber and protein, making the dish heartier.
- 3 T fresh-squeezed lime juice – Brightens the dish and adds a refreshing zing.
- 2 T water – Used to adjust the consistency of the mixture.
How to Assemble Ground Turkey Taco Bowls

Assembling your Ground Turkey Taco Bowls is just as fun as cooking them! You get to layer ingredients in a way that’s not only visually appealing but also allows for a blend of flavors in every bite. Follow these steps closely for a delicious outcome!
- Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it starts to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. The onions will release their natural sugars, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Next, sprinkle in Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning and granulated garlic. Stir and let it sautĂ© for about a minute until fragrant. You’ll notice a rich aroma filling the kitchen!
- Now, add the ground turkey to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a turner. Keep stirring until the turkey is nicely browned, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning adds incredible depth to the flavor.
- Once the turkey is browned, stir in the diced green chiles, crushed tomatoes, rinsed black beans, lime juice, and water. Mix everything well, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, about 40 minutes. This slow cooking develops the flavors even more.
- While the turkey mixture simmers, prepare your toppings. Chop cilantro, red onion, and half of the Poblano chile for the salsa. Set aside.
- For the avocado salsa, peel and dice the avocado into half-inch pieces. Toss it in a bowl with 1 T lime juice, cilantro, diced red onion, diced poblano, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
- Slice the red and green cabbage thinly. You can use a knife or a mandoline for even slices. This will add a lovely crunch to your bowls.
- Next, whisk together mayo, lime juice, and Green Tabasco Sauce in a small bowl to make the dressing. This creamy element will contrast nicely with the other textures.
- Once the turkey mixture is done, combine the sliced green cabbage, red cabbage, and diced Poblano in a bowl. Toss with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Now, to assemble the bowls! Start with a scoop of the spicy slaw at the bottom. Top with about 2/3 cup of the turkey mixture, followed by a generous scoop of the avocado salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite.
Things Worth Knowing
- Adjust the spice: You can modify the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference. If you like it hotter, consider adding some diced jalapeños.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian option.
- Freshness is key: Ensure that your vegetables are fresh for the best flavor and texture in your bowls.
- Simmer time matters: Don’t rush the simmering process; it’s essential for building rich flavors in the meat mixture.
Change It Up

Personalizing the Ground Turkey Taco Bowls is part of the fun! Here are some great ways to change it up:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze the turkey mixture for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Pairing: Serve with corn tortillas or rice for a more filling meal.
- Adding layers: Layer in some shredded cheese or sour cream for a richer flavor profile.
- Vegetable variety: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for additional nutrition.
Serving This Ground Turkey Taco Bowls
When it comes to serving Ground Turkey Taco Bowls, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ideas:
- Perfect for lunch or dinner: These bowls make a satisfying meal any time of the day, especially for lunch or an easy weeknight dinner.
- Ideal for gatherings: Serve them at casual gatherings, potlucks, or game days where everyone can build their own bowls.
- Fresh toppings: Offer a variety of fresh toppings such as chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and lime wedges for guests to customize their bowls.
- Seasonal sides: Pair these bowls with a light salad or grilled corn on the cob for a refreshing summer meal.
- Storage tips: If you have leftovers, store them in separate containers to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
- Make it festive: Decorate your serving table with colorful bowls of toppings for a festive atmosphere!
FAQ
Conclusion
Ground Turkey Taco Bowls are a wonderful blend of flavor, health, and customization that make them stand out as a go-to dish. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also allows for creativity in the kitchen.
So why not give it a try? I guarantee it will become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine!

Ground Turkey Taco Bowls
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Peeler
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 T olive oil divided
- 1 small onion diced
- 1.5 T Kalyn’s Taco Seasoning or use any Taco Seasoning you have on hand
- 2 tsp dried granulated garlic or garlic powder
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 4 oz. can diced green chiles
- 1 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15 oz. can black beans rinsed with cold water
- 3 T fresh-squeezed lime juice I used my fresh-frozen lime juice
- 2 T water
Instructions
- Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large frying pan and saute the onion until it starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the taco seasoning and granulated garlic and saute about 1 minute more.
- Then add the ground turkey and cook over medium high heat, breaking apart with the turner as it cooks, until the turkey is nicely browned. This will take 8-10 minutes, but don’t rush the browning step.
- Add the green chiles, lime juice, crushed tomatoes, rinsed black beans, and water, stir to combine, turn the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer until most of the liquid is evaporated, about 40 minutes.
- While the meat simmers, chop the cilantro and finely dice the red onion and half the Poblano chile for the salsa.
- Peel the avocado, remove the stem and cut the avocado into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Put the avocado into a bowl and toss with 1 T lime juice.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced Poblano chile, olive oil, and the other 2 T lime juice, and season with Vege-Sal (or salt).
- Set salsa aside until you’re ready to use it.
- Thinly slice the red and green cabbage.
- Dice the other half of the Poblano chile into small pieces.
- Whisk together the mayo, lime juice, Green Tabasco Sauce, and Vege-Sal to make the dressing.
- When the meat mixture is about done, combine the green cabbage, red cabbage, and diced Poblano in a bowl and toss with the dressing.
- To assemble the bowls, put some of the spicy slaw in the bottom of each bowl. Top with about 2/3 cup of the meat mixture and a generous scoop of the avocado salsa. Eat right away.
Notes
- Tip 1: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat before serving.
- Tip 2: You can freeze the turkey mixture for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Tip 3: Serve with corn tortillas or rice for a more filling meal.
- Tip 4: Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for additional nutrition.
- Tip 5: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.


