Ground Turkey Bowl (Printable)

Seasoned turkey with roasted veggies and grains create a satisfying, protein-rich bowl perfect for any meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
05 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
10 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
11 - 1 medium red onion, diced
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - 2 cups broccoli florets
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
15 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Grains

16 - 1 cup brown rice or quinoa, uncooked
17 - 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
18 - Pinch of salt

→ Garnish

19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
20 - 1/2 avocado, sliced
21 - Lime wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
02 - Roast vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
03 - Rinse rice or quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine grains, water or broth, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes for rice or 12 to 15 minutes for quinoa, until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
04 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until turkey is browned and cooked through.
05 - Divide cooked grains among four bowls. Top each with a portion of seasoned turkey and roasted vegetables.
06 - Garnish bowls with fresh cilantro or parsley, avocado slices, and lime wedges if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and actually tastes like you spent all day on it.
  • The proportions are balanced enough that you feel nourished without the heavy feeling that comes from less thoughtful meals.
  • Leftovers stay fresh for days, which means you can say goodbye to mid-week takeout temptation.
02 -
  • Stirring your vegetables halfway through roasting is non-negotiable—neglect this step once and you'll get soft spots and burnt edges instead of even caramelization.
  • Don't crowd your baking sheet; if your vegetables are piled on top of each other, they'll steam instead of roast, and you'll lose all that delicious caramelization.
  • Taste your turkey mixture before serving because seasoning is where most home cooks get timid, and these spices need enough salt to actually shine.
03 -
  • Use a meat thermometer if you're nervous about doneness—ground turkey is fully cooked at 165°F, which takes the guesswork out entirely.
  • Buy pre-cut vegetables if you're short on time; yes, they cost more, but a bowl you actually make beats a perfect-in-theory bowl you skip because prep felt overwhelming.
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