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Ground Turkey Taco Bowls Recipe with Cilantro Lime Rice Easy and Flavorful

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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy, well-seasoned ground turkey served over fresh cilantro lime rice, perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (lean, around 93% lean recommended)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup (180g) long-grain white rice (basmati works well too)
  • 2 cups (475ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, avocado slices or guacamole, fresh jalapeño slices, crumbled tortilla chips or strips, sour cream or Greek…

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup (180g) of long-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups (475ml) of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  3. Remove from heat and let rice sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil, the zest and juice of 1 lime, and ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro. Add salt to taste and mix gently. Set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink.
  7. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  8. Pour in ¼ cup water or chicken broth to keep the turkey moist, stirring and cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the turkey is juicy.
  9. Divide the cilantro lime rice between bowls. Top with generous portions of the ground turkey mixture.
  10. Add optional toppings such as shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream.
  11. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

If turkey feels dry, add a splash of chicken broth during cooking to maintain moisture. Do not skip the cilantro lime rice as it adds a fresh zing that balances the savory turkey. Let turkey brown without rushing to develop a caramelized crust. Rinse rice before cooking for fluffiness. Fresh herbs and lime juice should be added after cooking to preserve brightness.

Nutrition

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