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High-Protein Turkey Taco Meal Prep - Easy, Flavorful, and Filling

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

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (2 pounds, 93% lean or leaner)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Yellow onion (1 large, diced)
  • Bell peppers (2 medium, any color, sliced)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  • Low-sodium chicken broth or water (1/3 cup)
  • Black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Corn (1 cup frozen or 1 can drained; optional)
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can, drained; optional for heat)
  • Cooked rice (3–4 cups; white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
  • Lime (1–2, for zest and juice)
  • Fresh cilantro (small bunch, chopped)
  • Shredded cheese (1–1½ cups; cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Greek yogurt or light sour cream (for topping)
  • Avocado (1–2, sliced; optional)
  • Green onions (2–3, sliced; optional)
  • Taco seasoning (store-bought packet or homemade):
  • Chili powder (2 tablespoons)
  • Cumin (2 teaspoons)
  • Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Oregano (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1–1½ teaspoons, to taste)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, to taste)

Method
 

  1. Cook the base grain. Make 3–4 cups of rice according to package directions. For extra flavor, stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro at the end. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
  2. Sauté the veggies. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell peppers with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly charred. Remove to a bowl.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add the remaining oil to the same skillet. Crumble in ground turkey. Cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up until no longer pink and slightly browned.
  4. Season deeply. Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add broth or water to loosen and create a saucy coating.
  5. Add beans and extras. Stir in black beans and corn. If using diced tomatoes with green chiles, add now and simmer 2–3 minutes until heated and thickened.
  6. Finish with brightness. Stir the sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet. Squeeze in half a lime and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. Add more seasoning if needed.
  7. Assemble meal prep bowls. Divide rice among 5–6 containers. Top with turkey mixture. Sprinkle with cheese while warm so it melts slightly.
  8. Cool before sealing. Let containers cool 15–20 minutes, uncovered. Then add lids and refrigerate.
  9. Top at serving time. Add Greek yogurt or sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and green onions right before eating. A squeeze of lime goes a long way.