Ground Turkey Bowls: Your Ultimate Easy & Healthy Weeknight Meal

Transform your dinner routine with these irresistible Ground Turkey Bowls! Featuring perfectly cooked, juicy ground turkey, an array of crisp, colorful vegetables, and a bed of fluffy, steamy rice, this recipe is elevated to new heights with the simplest yet most delicious spicy mayo sauce. It’s a complete, flavor-packed meal that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying.

Author’s Note

The Secret to Getting My Kids to Love Veggies: This Turkey Bowl!

Like many parents, I quickly discovered that plain ground turkey often receives a lukewarm reception at the dinner table. My kids, bless their hearts, have a knack for detecting “healthy” a mile away. So, I approached this stir-fry with the same strategy that made my Greek turkey bowls a household hit: infuse it with an abundance of bold flavors, mix in a generous amount of fresh vegetables, and serve it all over a comforting bed of fluffy rice.

The first time I served these Ground Turkey Bowls, I braced myself for the usual critiques. To my surprise and delight, there were zero complaints – only enthusiastic requests for second helpings! It was a genuine triumph. Since then, these bowls have become a permanent fixture in our meal rotation. They’re not just incredibly delicious; they also help stretch our grocery budget, cleverly sneak in essential produce, and deliver a satisfying meal that rivals their beefier counterparts in flavor and appeal.

Why Choose Ground Turkey for Your Next Dinner?

Ground turkey is a fantastic protein choice for a multitude of reasons, making it an ideal base for these delicious bowls. It’s significantly leaner than many cuts of ground beef, offering a healthier option without sacrificing flavor, especially when seasoned correctly. Its mild taste profile makes it incredibly versatile, easily absorbing the vibrant flavors of various spices and sauces – perfect for a dynamic dish like our Spicy Turkey Bowl.

Beyond its health benefits, ground turkey is also budget-friendly and widely available, making it a practical choice for weekly meal planning. It cooks quickly, which is a major plus for anyone seeking a Quick Weeknight Dinner. If you’re looking to diversify your protein sources, reduce red meat consumption, or simply enjoy a lighter, yet fulfilling meal, ground turkey is an excellent ingredient to incorporate into your cooking.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ground Turkey Bowls

Crafting the perfect Ground Turkey Bowl starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Ground Turkey: For the best balance of flavor and moisture, I highly recommend using 93/7 ground turkey. This ratio provides just enough fat to keep the turkey juicy and flavorful without being greasy. While 99/1 ground turkey is incredibly lean, it tends to dry out quickly in stir-fries, resulting in a less enjoyable texture.
• Mushrooms: Any type of mushroom will work beautifully in this recipe, adding an earthy depth and meaty texture. My personal favorites are baby bellas or crimini mushrooms, which are readily available and have a robust flavor that complements the turkey. Slice or dice them to your preferred size.
• Green Onions (Scallions): These versatile alliums add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color. The white parts are sautéed with other vegetables to build a foundational flavor, while the green parts are reserved for a fresh, aromatic garnish at the end.
• Red Bell Pepper: Sweet bell peppers not only add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color but also a satisfying crunch. A large red bell pepper is ideal, but feel free to use any sweet bell pepper you have on hand – even a green pepper will work, offering a slightly more peppery bite.
• Ginger and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses are non-negotiable for an authentic stir-fry flavor. Freshly minced ginger provides a warm, zesty kick, while minced garlic adds a pungent depth that ties all the flavors together.
• Matchstick Carrots & Shredded Cabbage: These vegetables add bulk, texture, and a touch of sweetness. Their quick-cooking nature makes them perfect for stir-fries.
• Cooked Rice: The essential base for your bowl, providing a neutral canvas to absorb all the delicious flavors. White rice is classic, but brown rice or quinoa also make excellent alternatives for added fiber.
• Lime & Cilantro: Fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness of the sauce, while fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous freshness.

The Irresistible Stir-Fry Sauce for Ground Turkey Bowls

The magic of these Ground Turkey Bowls lies significantly in their incredibly flavorful stir-fry sauce. This perfectly balanced blend of sweet, spicy, and savory notes coats every ingredient, ensuring a delectable experience in every bite. Here’s a breakdown of the sauce components and their roles:

Serving & Customizing Your Ground Turkey Bowls

These Ground Turkey Bowls are incredibly versatile, allowing for various serving styles and customization to suit any palate. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy and enhance your meal:

• The Essential Spicy Mayo Drizzle: Don’t skip this! A quick homemade spicy mayo transforms these bowls. Simply stir together mayo, an extra kick of chili-garlic sauce (adjust to your heat preference), and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. The creamy, tangy, and spicy drizzle adds a luxurious layer of flavor and texture. If you decide to skip the mayo, always finish your bowls with a squeeze of fresh lime for that crucial bright, acidic lift.
• Serve Over Fluffy Rice: The classic and most satisfying way to enjoy these bowls is piled high over a bed of warm, fluffy white rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious stir-fry sauce, making every bite a delight. For a healthier twist, consider serving it over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Add Extra Toppings: Elevate your bowl with additional garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for crunch, finely chopped roasted peanuts, or extra fresh cilantro. A drizzle of sesame oil can also enhance the nutty aroma.
• Protein Power-Up: While ground turkey is the star, feel free to add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost and a runny yolk that mingles beautifully with the sauce.
• Spice it Up (or Down): The recipe offers a good balance of sweet and spicy. If you love heat, increase the chili-garlic sauce. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount or opt for a sweet chili sauce.
• Variety is the Spice of Life: These bowls are perfect for meal prepping. Divide the turkey and veggie mix into containers with rice separately to maintain texture. Reheat and add fresh spicy mayo and lime just before serving.

Ground Turkey Bowls

By
Chelsea Lords

These Ground Turkey Bowls are a flavor-packed combination of sweet and spicy turkey and veggies served over rice. Finish with a drizzle of our optional homemade spicy mayo for an extra kick that takes it over the top!

This dish offers a delightful balance of spicy and sweet. If you are sensitive to spice, please refer to the recipe notes for adjustment suggestions.

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Equipment

• Large cast-iron pan or large skillet

Ingredients

Ground Turkey & Veggies

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil or vegetable oil
• 2 cups diced mushrooms (baby bella or crimini recommended, about 5-6 ounces)
• 1 bunch green onions, divided (white parts for sautéing, green for garnish)
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1-1/2 tablespoons minced ginger
• 1-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 ratio recommended)
• 2 cups matchstick carrots or shredded carrots
• 1 (10-ounce) bag shredded cabbage (green cabbage only, no blends)
• Cooked rice, for serving
• 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
• Fresh cilantro, for serving

Stir-Fry Sauce

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (regular, not low-sodium)
• 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (Lee Kum Kee’s recommended)
• 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce, divided (see note 5)

Creamy Sauce (Optional)

• 1/2 cup mayo (Hellman’s/Best Foods recommended, not sweet)
• 2 limes (for zest and juice)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Creamy Sauce (Optional): If you plan to use the creamy sauce, prepare it first to allow flavors to meld. In a small bowl, combine the mayo, 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, 3 tablespoons lime juice, and 2 to 3 teaspoons chili-garlic sauce (adjust to taste). Season with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth, then cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. (This may make more than needed; store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.)
2. Prep Vegetables & Aromatics: Wash, dry, and dice the mushrooms into small pieces. Thinly slice the green onions, separating the white parts from the greens. Dice the red bell pepper. Mince both the fresh ginger and garlic.
3. Sauté Vegetables & Cook Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a large cast-iron pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced mushrooms, diced red bell pepper, and the white parts of the green onions. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften, about 3-4 minutes. Push the vegetables to the edges of the pan, then add the ground turkey to the center. Cook, breaking up the turkey as it browns, until it’s mostly cooked through, approximately 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced ginger and garlic, continuing to cook and break up the turkey until no longer pink, about 2-3 more minutes.
4. Whisk the Stir-Fry Sauce: While the turkey is cooking, prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and soy sauce until smooth. Once smooth, add the chicken broth, hoisin sauce, and 2 tablespoons of chili-garlic sauce. Whisk again until thoroughly combined and smooth, then set aside.
5. Combine & Thicken: Return your attention to the turkey and vegetables in the pan. Add the shredded cabbage and matchstick carrots. Stir for 1 minute to lightly cook the vegetables. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce. Cook and stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, and the vegetables are tender-crisp, which should take about 2-3 more minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the green tops of the green onions.
6. Serve & Garnish: Spoon the flavorful turkey and vegetable mixture generously over warm cooked white rice. Drizzle with plenty of the creamy sauce, if using. Garnish each serving with fresh lime wedges and a sprinkle of cilantro for added brightness and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Bowls!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Mushroom Varieties: Almost any type of mushroom will work. I typically use baby bella or crimini mushrooms, which provide excellent flavor and texture. Two cups of diced mushrooms typically equates to about 5-6 ounces.

Note 2: Pre-Shredded Cabbage: To save time, use a bag of pre-shredded green cabbage. It cooks down very quickly and is super convenient. Just be sure to check the package to ensure it contains only green cabbage and no other veggie blends or dressings.

Note 3: Quick Rice Cooking Method (Basmati Only): For perfectly fluffy basmati rice every time:

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Once boiling vigorously, generously salt the water, then add your basmati rice.
• Cook the rice without reducing the heat for exactly 6 minutes (taste to ensure it’s tender), then drain immediately and fluff with a fork. It’s an incredibly easy and reliable method!

Note 4: Hoisin Sauce Recommendation: Hoisin sauce can vary significantly between brands. For consistently great results, I highly recommend using Lee Kum Kee’s® hoisin sauce. If you have a preferred brand, feel free to use it.

Note 5: Adjusting Chili-Garlic Sauce: Chili-garlic sauce is crucial for both heat and flavor. It adds a delicious depth! While the recipe calls for a specific amount, you can slightly reduce it if you are particularly sensitive to spice. If chili-garlic sauce is unavailable, you can substitute with Sriracha, though the flavor profile will be different. During testing, 1 tablespoon of Sriracha in the turkey mixture and 1 tablespoon in the sauce worked best (2 tablespoons was too hot for some).

Note 6: Choosing Your Mayo: For the optional creamy sauce, use a good quality, non-sweet mayonnaise like Hellman’s® or Best Foods®. If you skip the spicy mayo, remember to drizzle fresh lime juice over your bowls for essential acidity and freshness. For extra spice, simply add more chili-garlic sauce to the mayo.

Nutrition Note: The provided nutrition information is calculated for the ground turkey and vegetable mixture only, and does not include the optional spicy mayo or rice.

Storage & Meal Prep: Store any leftover turkey and veggie mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the cooked turkey and vegetables separate from the rice and spicy mayo if possible. When reheating, warm the turkey and rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add fresh spicy mayo just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 260kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 19.3g
|
Protein: 29.7g
|
Fat: 7.4g
|
Cholesterol: 67.8mg
|
Sodium: 755.1mg
|
Fiber: 4.6g
|
Sugar: 10g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.