High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl

Name: High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup bell peppers, diced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Everyday Food

I love creating meals that are both nutritious and delicious, and this High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl has become a go-to favorite in my kitchen. Packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and an abundance of colorful veggies, it’s an easy meal to throw together that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The burst of flavors from the spices and the freshness of the toppings make every bite satisfying. Plus, it's easily adaptable for different preferences, so I can keep things interesting every time we make it!

Created by

Yasmin Thornton

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:25:36.359Z

After many attempts at creating a filling yet healthy meal, I finally landed on the perfect combination with this High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl. The lean turkey adds the protein punch that I was looking for, and the addition of black beans makes it hearty enough to feel like a full meal. With the variety of fresh veggies and a squeeze of lime, every ingredient complements each other beautifully.

What really sets this burrito bowl apart is the seasoning. I experimented with different spice blends but found that a mix of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder delivers the perfect depth of flavor. Tip: Make sure to let the turkey brown nicely in the pan—this not only enhances the flavor but also keeps it juicy!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        High protein content with lean turkey and beans
Bursting with flavor thanks to the spice blend
Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

      

Prep Smart

Before jumping into cooking, take a moment to prep your ingredients. Dicing the vegetables and measuring out the spices in advance not only speeds up your cooking time but also ensures everything is ready when you need it. This can be especially helpful during the week when time is tight. A chef's knife and a cutting board are all you need for efficient prep work. Aim for uniform diced pieces for even cooking, particularly with the bell peppers and onion.

While the turkey is browning, consider cooking your rice or quinoa in a separate pot or in a rice cooker. This allows for multitasking in the kitchen. The cooked grains will serve as a hearty base for your bowl, soaking up flavors from the turkey and veggies. Follow package instructions for timing, but generally, quinoa takes about 15 minutes to cook, while white rice typically cooks in about 18 minutes.

Flavor Building

The spices in this recipe play a crucial role in elevating the flavors of the dish. Cumin provides a warm, earthy base, while chili powder adds a gentle heat and depth. Feel free to experiment with the spice levels; if you like more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. Remember to taste as you go; this helps you adjust seasoning and ensure a balanced flavor profile that suits your palate.

Using fresh cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also a bright, zesty element that complements the richness of the turkey and beans. If you're not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onions can be excellent alternatives. Garnishing with lime wedges adds an additional burst of freshness; squeeze it over your bowl right before eating for a vibrant contrast.

Ingredients

Ground turkey
Black beans
Bell peppers
Onion
Rice or quinoa
Cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Fresh cilantro
Lime
Spices

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup bell peppers, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Prepare all ingredients before cooking for efficiency
Feel free to substitute or add any veggies you like

Cooking Steps

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it up, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Add the Veggies

Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the turkey. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Season It Up

Stir in the black beans and season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Assemble the Bowls

In bowls, layer the cooked rice or quinoa, followed by the turkey and vegetable mixture. Top with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for extra zest.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try marinating the turkey in lime juice and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.

Making It Your Own

One of the best features of this High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl is its adaptability to different dietary preferences. To make it vegetarian, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture. You can also add more fiber and nutrients by incorporating other beans such as kidney or pinto beans into the mix.

For those who are gluten-free, simply ensure that your tortillas or any additional sides follow those guidelines. If you wish to make the bowl more filling, consider layering on avocado for healthy fats or adding a corn salsa for a sweet crunch. Experimenting with toppings can keep this dish exciting each time you make it.

Storage and Reheating

This burrito bowl is meal prep friendly! Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, use a microwave for convenience or warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir often until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes depending on the portion size.

If you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider storing the components separately. Keep the turkey, beans, and veggie mix, grains, and toppings like cheese and sour cream in separate containers. This not only preserves their freshness but also allows you to assemble bowls just before eating, ensuring everything retains its ideal texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or diced mushrooms.

→ How can I meal prep this dish?

Cook the turkey and veggies, and store them separately from the rice or quinoa in airtight containers.

→ What toppings do you recommend?

Some great toppings include avocado, salsa, or diced jalapeños for a kick!

→ Can leftovers be stored?

Absolutely! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave.