BityMexican ground turkey rice bowls are a hearty and healthy twist on your favorite Mexican rice dish. This easy dinner is perfect for any night of the week, and you can even make it ahead of time to save time!
If you’re looking for a healthy Mexican twist on restaurant-style rice bowls, this recipe is for you. It incorporates black beans for protein and fried rice for some extra carbs. For an even deeper flavor, consider using slow cooker black beans, which bring out a rich and tender texture that complements this dish perfectly. You can even add in some spinach or lettuce to up the vegetable intake!
If you’re looking for a delicious meal that is also healthy and easy to make, then this recipe is for you! It’s quick and easy, doesn’t require much work, and will be sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Tips for a Perfect Ground Turkey Rice Bowl Recipe:
1. When cooking the rice, be sure to rinse it thoroughly before adding it to the pot. This will help to remove any excess starch and prevent the rice from sticking together.
2. If you’re using frozen ground turkey, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Otherwise, it may not cook evenly. “Try lean ground turkey”.
3. To add some extra flavor to your rice bowl, try stirring in a little bit of salsa or hot sauce before serving.
4. Top your rice bowl with some fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and/or avocado slices for a delicious and healthy meal.
Pro Tips for Rice Bowl Success
- Use cold, pre-cooked rice: Leftover refrigerated rice is ideal for fried rice bowls! Freshly cooked rice tends to get mushy in the pan, so plan ahead if you can. If you’re in a hurry, cook a fresh batch, spread it out on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and pop it in the freezer for 10–15 minutes until thoroughly chilled.
- Brown rice works great: Leftover brown rice is just as tasty and adds a wholesome twist.
- Season generously: Ground turkey has a very mild flavor, so don’t be shy with your seasonings. Taste before serving and add more salt or salsa if needed.
- Low-carb swap: Want a lighter version? Substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice. Just add it along with your tomatoes, salsa, and spices, cover, and cook until softened, then finish uncovered until any extra liquid evaporates.
- Get creative with add-ins: Toss in some corn or swap black beans for kidney beans if that’s what you have on hand.
Mix and match these tips to make your turkey rice bowl truly your own!
How to Quickly Chill Freshly Cooked Rice
No leftover rice in the fridge? No problem! If you need chilled rice but only have a fresh batch, here’s a fast trick: Simply spread the warm rice evenly onto a large baking sheet or tray. Try to make a thin, even layer so the heat escapes quickly. Cover lightly with plastic wrap, then pop the tray into the freezer for about 10 to 15 minutes. The rice will cool down and firm up, making it perfect for stir-frying—no clumpy, mushy mess!
Quick Breakdown
Conclusion:
These Mexican ground turkey rice are the perfect healthy weeknight dinner. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be customized to your liking. Plus, they’re great for leftovers! If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that the whole family will love, give these bowls a try.
Ingredients For This Mexican Ground Turkey Rice Bowls:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion, diced or chopped
- 2 minced garlic cloves or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 green bell pepper, diced or chopped
- 1 lb Ground turkey or ground chicken (preferred lean ground turkey)
- 16 Oz or two cups leftover cooked rice. If you don’t have leftover rice, you can cook 1 cup of dry rice.
- 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tbsp lime juice to taste. 2 tbsp lime zest to taste
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped + more for serving
- 1/4 tsp. Salt to taste
How to prepare this Mexican ground beef recipe:
STEP 1: Over medium heat, in a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and turkey. Stir frequently and break down the turkey with a spoon into small pieces, until the turkey changes its color.
STEP 2: Add rice, black beans, and salsa. Chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili powder. To let the flavors develop, reduce heat to low. Cook for approximately 5 minutes stirring frequently. You can add more salsa or tomato sauce to help it moisten if it becomes dry.
STEP 3: Turn the heat off and add lime juice and cilantro. Adjust the salt as needed.
STEP 4: Then you can serve it immediately with additional cilantro and lime. Or, pack containers for later.
Mexican Ground Turkey Rice Bowls FAQs?
What are Mexican ground turkey rice bowls?
Mexican ground turkey rice bowls are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a traditional Mexican dish. They are made with ground turkey, rice, and a variety of other ingredients, and can be served with a variety of toppings.
Does this ground turkey rice bowl taste good?
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal, you’ll definitely want to try this Mexican ground turkey rice bowl! I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed them—the flavors were spot on, and the dish was filling but not too heavy. Plus, it’s always nice to have a meal that’s packed with protein and veggies.
Why make Mexican ground turkey rice bowl instead of going to a restaurant?
There are a few reasons why making Mexican ground turkey rice bowls at home is a great idea. First, it’s a lot cheaper than going out to eat. Second, you can control the ingredients and make sure they’re healthy and fresh. Third, it’s a quick and easy meal to throw together. Plus, it’s really delicious!
How do you season ground turkey to make it taste better?
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your ground turkey rice, try one of these seasoning ideas:
– Add some taco seasoning for a Mexican-inspired flavor.
– Mix in some BBQ sauce for a delicious twist on classic ground turkey.
– Stir in a bit of teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired dish.
– Incorporate some herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and black pepper for a simple but flavorful dish.
How important is seasoning when cooking with ground turkey, and how should you adjust it?
Seasoning is absolutely key when cooking with ground turkey because the meat itself is quite mild and can easily fade into the background without a flavor boost. Don’t hesitate to taste the rice as you go, and don’t be shy about adjusting your seasonings. Add extra salt, more salsa, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spices if everything needs a little lift. Ground turkey acts like a blank canvas—just waiting to soak up all those zesty flavors you throw its way!
How long should you cook the ground turkey and rice?
Ground turkey should generally be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat. Lean blends work best to avoid excess fat. Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef or pork and works beautifully in this rice bowl recipe while still delivering tons of flavor.
What goes with Mexican rice?
There are so many delicious things that go well with Mexican rice:
– Grilled chicken or steak
– Black or pinto beans
– Corn
– Salsa
– Avocado
These rice bowls are also perfect for using up leftovers and make an easy weeknight meal.
Can you marinate ground turkey overnight?
Yes, you can marinate ground turkey overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Simply combine your marinade with the turkey and refrigerate for at least 8 hours before cooking.
How do I cook ground turkey and rice without drying it out?
Add moisture like broth, tomato sauce, or water while cooking, and avoid overcooking the turkey. Cook just until it’s no longer pink, then stop—overcooking is the fastest way to dry it out.
Mexican Ground Turkey Rice with white rice or brown rice?
White rice is lighter and lower in fiber, while brown rice is heartier and more filling. Both work great—it really depends on whether you want a lighter bowl or something more satisfying.
How do you store leftovers, and how long will they last in the fridge?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. They reheat well in the microwave and also make an easy grab-and-go lunch.
How can you make a low-carb version of this dish using cauliflower rice?
Swap regular rice for cauliflower rice and cook it with the tomatoes, salsa, and seasonings for about 5–7 minutes until tender. Let excess liquid cook off, then finish with lime juice and cilantro for a lighter, flavor-packed option.
Check out the printable recipe below and let me know what you think about these Mexican Ground Turkey Rice Bowls (comments below).
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Mexican Ground Turkey Rice Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion diced or chopped
- 2 minced garlic cloves or 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 green bell pepper diced or chopped
- 1 lb Ground turkey or ground chicken preferred lean ground turkey
- 16 Oz or two cups leftover cooked rice. If you don't have leftover rice you can cook 1 cup of dry rice.
- 1 15 oz can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tbsp lime juice to taste. 2 tbsp lime zest to taste
- 1/3 cup cilantro chopped + more for serving
- 1/4 tsp. Salt to taste
Instructions
- STEP 1: Over medium heat, in a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and turkey. Stir frequently and break down the turkey with a spoon into small pieces, until the turkey changes its color.
- STEP 2: Add rice, black beans, and salsa. Chili powder, cumin, tomato sauce, salsa, and chili powder. To let the flavors develop, reduce heat to low. Cook for approximately 5 minutes stirring frequently. You can add more salsa or tomato sauce to help it moisten if it becomes dry.
- STEP 3: Turn the heat off and add lime juice and cilantro. Adjust the salt as needed.
- STEP 4: Then you can serve it immediately with additional cilantro and lime. Or, pack containers for later.
