High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl

Name: High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked brown rice; 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 avocado, sliced; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Lean & Nourishing

I’ve been on a quest to create quick meals that are both nutritious and satisfying, and this High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl is one of my favorites. The combination of lean turkey, fresh veggies, and hearty brown rice provides a substantial boost of protein and flavor. I love how easily customizable this bowl is; you can swap in your favorite ingredients and dress it up with various toppings. Perfect for meal prep, this dish keeps well in the fridge and tastes just as good reheated, which is a huge bonus for my busy weekdays.

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:13:36.875Z

When I first made this High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl, I was amazed at how quickly everything came together. I sautéed the ground turkey with spices and then layered it over fluffy brown rice, topped with fresh ingredients like avocado and tomatoes. The flavors melded beautifully, and each bite felt like a treat rather than a chore. I found that letting the turkey marinate in the spices for a few minutes made all the difference in flavor.

One of the best things about this bowl is its versatility. If I have different veggies on hand, I simply swap them in, or add some jalapeños for a kick! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover ingredients from my pantry. Whether for lunch, dinner, or even a post-workout meal, this high-protein bowl has become a staple in my kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Packed with protein to fuel your day
Customizable to suit your taste buds
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Ingredient Insights

The star of this High Protein Turkey Burrito Bowl is undoubtedly the ground turkey. Not only does it provide a substantial protein boost, but it also absorbs the spices beautifully, enhancing the overall flavor profile. For a different twist, consider using lean ground beef or shredded chicken. Adjust the cooking time slightly—beef may need a few extra minutes to reach the same doneness.

Fresh vegetables play a crucial role in balancing the dish. The diced tomatoes add juiciness and acidity, which cut through the richness of the turkey and avocado. You can also incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition. If you prefer a fresher taste, try using cherry tomatoes instead; just halve them and toss them in at the end to maintain their crunch.

Cooking Techniques

When cooking the ground turkey, make sure to break it up into small pieces to ensure even cooking. A wooden spatula works best for this. Look for a nice browned appearance on the turkey—this not only enhances flavor through the Maillard reaction but also gives it a more appealing texture. If the turkey releases excess moisture, simply drain a little for optimal browning.

Warming the black beans and corn in a saucepan is key for enhancing their flavors. Try sautéing them briefly with minced garlic or onion for an extra layer of depth. Heat them over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This small step transforms canned goods into something truly special.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your bowl:

For the Turkey Base

1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bowl

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 avocado, sliced
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Follow these steps for making your burrito bowl:

Cook the Turkey

In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Prepare the Base

While the turkey cooks, warm the black beans and corn in a small saucepan over low heat. Prepare the cooked brown rice according to package instructions if not pre-cooked.

Assemble the Bowl

To serve, spoon cooked brown rice into bowls, top with the turkey mixture, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. Try using quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This burrito bowl is an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare each component separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The turkey and vegetables will last up to four days, while the brown rice can maintain its quality for about a week. When reheating, just ensure that everything is heated thoroughly, as this will help retain moisture and flavor.

If you want to freeze portions for future meals, be aware that the texture of the avocado won't hold up well once thawed. Instead, prepare the avocado fresh when serving. Everything else can be frozen separately, and reheating is easy—just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until hot.

Serving Ideas and Variations

Feel free to get creative with toppings! Adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream gives a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the warm ingredients. For heat lovers, a drizzle of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños can elevate the dish. You might also sprinkle some cheese, such as crumbled feta or cheddar, for a richer taste profile.

To keep this recipe exciting, consider varying the grain base. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be used in place of brown rice for a different texture and nutritional profile. The cooking time will vary slightly; for quinoa, cook according to package instructions, which usually takes about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cauliflower rice heats up quickly and only needs a couple of minutes in the pan.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will work just as well and still provide a great source of protein.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, such as ensuring the spices and beans are certified gluten-free.

→ Can I freeze this burrito bowl?

Yes, you can freeze the turkey and veggies separately from the rice, and thaw to reheat when you're ready.