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Healthy Ground Turkey Taco Bowl with Black Rice and Cilantro Crema

Healthy Ground Turkey Taco Bowl - featured image

A quick, healthy, and flavorful taco bowl featuring lean ground turkey, nutty black rice, black beans, and a creamy cilantro crema. Perfect for meal prep and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 cup (185g) black rice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne)
  • 1 cup (165g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup of black rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
  2. While rice cooks, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 1 tablespoon lime juice, a pinch of salt, and 1 minced garlic clove in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, finely chop cilantro and garlic and whisk together in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground turkey to skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink. Season with 2 teaspoons taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir and let spices toast for a minute.
  5. Stir in black beans and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
  6. Divide black rice among 4 bowls. Top each with turkey and bean mixture. Drizzle generously with cilantro crema. Add optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Rinse black rice well to prevent stickiness. Avoid overcooking turkey to keep it juicy. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor in cilantro crema. A cast iron skillet adds great sear and flavor. Store leftovers separately and add crema fresh before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, taco bowl, black rice, cilantro crema, healthy meal, quick dinner, gluten-free, meal prep