Go Back

Ground Turkey Mexican Rice Bowl - A Fresh, Flavorful Weeknight Meal

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, canned, or fresh)
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (plus zest, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, pickled jalapeños, sliced green onions, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice. Prepare 2 cups of rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, stir in lime zest, a squeeze of lime juice, and chopped cilantro after cooking.
  2. Heat the pan. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When it shimmers, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  3. Brown the turkey. Push the vegetables to the sides and add the ground turkey to the center. Break it up with a spoon and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Add garlic and spices. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant so the spices bloom.
  5. Tomato paste and salsa. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring so it coats the meat. Pour in the salsa and 2–3 tablespoons of water if the pan looks dry. Simmer 2 minutes.
  6. Fold in corn and beans. Add the corn and black beans. Stir and cook another 2–3 minutes to heat through. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
  7. Assemble the bowls. Spoon rice into bowls, top with the turkey mixture, and finish with cilantro and your favorite toppings. Serve with lime wedges.