Healthy turkey chili made with lean ground turkey, kidney beans and corn. This famous recipe is perfectly spiced, packed with plenty of protein and fiber, and is simply the BEST. Make it on the stovetop or in your slow cooker for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner.
I normally don’t declare recipes the best for just any reason. In fact, if I’m saying something is the BEST, then it’s for a very good reason. Most often because I had multiple people try out a recipe and tell me it’s the best thing they’ve ever tasted; this happens most frequently when I bake cookies.
I created this now-internet-famous healthy turkey chili back in 2015 not knowing that Ambitious Kitchen would soon be known for it. I remember the very first time I made it and I was surprised at the wonderful thick texture and truly addicting flavor. Fast-forward almost 10 years and it’s one of the all-time MOST POPULAR recipes on Ambitious Kitchen. And for good reason!
It has quickly become one of those recipes people tuck into their recipe boxes, share with friends and family, and bookmark on their phones. I’m obsessed and I’m pretty sure the chili lovers of the world are, too.
Ground turkey bowls have become an increasingly popular weeknight dinner option for busy families and individuals looking for a quick healthy meal. Made with lean ground turkey, vegetables grains and flavorful sauces, these bowls provide a nutritious and satisfying dinner that can be customized in endless ways.
In this article we’ll discuss the benefits of ground turkey bowls recipe ideas, how to cook ground turkey for maximum flavor, top ingredients and toppings, meal prep tips, and frequently asked questions. Let’s explore how simple and delicious it can be to make healthy ground turkey bowls at home any night of the week!
Why Choose Ground Turkey Bowls?
There are many reasons ground turkey bowls have become a go-to weeknight dinner:
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Nutritious – Ground turkey is lower in fat and calories compared to beef Turkey bowls provide protein, vitamins, and minerals.
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Endlessly Customizable – Bowls can be adapted to any flavor profile with global seasoning blends, sauces, and creative toppings.
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Quick and Easy – Bowls come together in less than 30 minutes with simple cooking techniques.
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Budget-Friendly – Ground turkey costs less than other ground meats. Bowls use affordable fresh produce.
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Perfect for Meal Prep – Components can be prepped ahead. Bowls store and reheat well for easy lunches.
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Kid-Friendly – Turkey’s mild flavor combines well with veggies for meals kids enjoy.
With so many benefits it’s easy to see why ground turkey bowls have become a staple for health-conscious home cooks.
Flavorful Ground Turkey Bowl Recipes
One of the best things about ground turkey bowls is how versatile they are. You can create globally inspired bowls using simple spices, sauces and fresh ingredients. Here are just a few flavorful recipe ideas:
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Mexican ground turkey bowls: Cumin, chili powder, salsa, black beans, cabbage slaw, avocado, cilantro
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Thai peanut ground turkey bowls: Peanut sauce, snap peas, bell pepper, peanuts, green onions, cilantro
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Greek ground turkey bowls: Lemon, oregano, spinach, feta, olives, onion, tzatziki sauce
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Italian ground turkey bowls: Basil, oregano, marinara, zucchini, parmesan, mozzarella
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Buffalo ground turkey bowls: Buffalo hot sauce, celery, carrots, blue cheese crumbles
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Asian ground turkey bowls: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, broccoli slaw, green onions, sesame seeds
With all these delicious global flavors to choose from, you could enjoy a different ground turkey bowl every night of the week!
How to Cook Flavorful Ground Turkey for Bowls
Ground turkey can sometimes be bland on its own. Here are tips for cooking flavorful, juicy ground turkey as the base of bowls:
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Brown thoroughly – Ensure turkey browns completely for maximum flavor. Use a nonstick pan.
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Use oil – A small amount of oil helps prevent sticking and retains moisture. Avocado oil has a high smoke point.
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Add aromatics – Cook garlic, onions, ginger or herbs early to infuse flavor.
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Boost moisture – Mix in shredded veggies like zucchini or carrots to add natural moisture.
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Spice generously – Use robust spice blends, chili powder, curry mixes, etc. Turkey soaks up big flavors.
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Splash acid – Add lime, lemon or vinegar at the end to brighten flavors.
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Stir in sauce – Cook turkey til browned, then add any sauce or creamy dressing and heat through.
With the right techniques, you can coax tons of flavor from mild ground turkey to create tasty bowls.
Top Ground Turkey Bowl Ingredients
When building bowls, using fresh contrasting ingredients provides appealing textures and nutrients. Here are some of my favorite add-ins:
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Vegetables: Broccoli slaw, shredded cabbage, spinach, zucchini, bell peppers
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Fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, mint, parsley
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Acidic toppings: Lime, lemon, tomato, salsa
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Crunchy toppings: Chickpeas, nuts, seeds, crispy onions
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Cheese: Feta, cheddar, pepper jack, parmesan
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Healthy fats: Avocado, olive oil, tahini, plain Greek yogurt
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Starchy base: Brown rice, quinoa, whole grain pasta
With mix-and-match ingredients from each category, you can build delicious and balanced turkey bowls for any craving.
Meal Prep Tips for Grab & Go Ground Turkey Bowls
Prepping ground turkey bowl components in advance saves you even more time at dinnertime. Follow these tips:
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Cook 1-2 pounds ground turkey on Sunday to use all week
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Prep and portion grains and vegetables on Sunday too
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Store turkey, grains and veggies separately in meal prep containers
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Make ahead versatile sauces and dressings like chimichurri or sesame-ginger
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Prep garnishes like chopped herbs and nuts into baggies
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Assemble bowls each morning for grab-and-go lunches
With some easy meal prep, you can enjoy flavorful home cooked ground turkey bowls every day without the daily cooking.
Frequently Asked Ground Turkey Bowl Questions
Is ground turkey healthy?
Yes! Turkey is lean with less saturated fat than beef and provides protein, vitamins and minerals. Choose 93% lean or higher.
What’s the best ground turkey to buy?
Ground turkey breast is leanest, around 93-99% lean. Ground turkey thigh has a bit more fat for moisture. Avoid preseasoned.
How do you add flavor to ground turkey?
Use bold spices, aromatics like garlic and ginger, acid like lime juice, sauces like chimichurri or teriyaki, and let turkey brown well.
What toppings go well in turkey bowls?
Get creative with mix-ins! Some tasty choices are avocado, nuts, shredded cheese, salsa, yogurt, cabbage slaw, and fresh herbs.
Make Delicious Ground Turkey Bowls Tonight!
With endless flavor options, meal prep ease, and healthy nutrition, it’s easy to see why ground turkey bowls have become so popular for weeknight dinners. Follow the tips in this article to start cooking quick and delicious turkey bowls at home.
From Thai peanut to Italian herb to Mexican fiesta bowls, the possibilities are endless. Ground turkey bowls provide a quick and easy way get creative with globally inspired flavors for healthy homemade meals any night of the week. Give them a try tonight!
What to serve with this turkey chili
This warming chili is absolutely wonderful paired with these honey pumpkin cornbread muffins, my best ever cornbread recipe, or even these easy gluten free crackers. If you’re serving a crowd for a party or game day, add these sides to your table:
Get all of my appetizers here, and side dishes here!
Our fav ways to customize this turkey chili
The fun part about cooking chili is all of the toppings and ways you can make it your own! Here are some suggestions:
- Add delicious toppings: I love topping my bowl with fresh avocado, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, tortilla chips, and sliced jalapeños.
- Get spicy: if you like a kick of heat, feel free to add extra cayenne pepper and/or top your bowl with sliced jalapeños.
- Make it mild: alternatively, if you’re sensitive to heat simply omit the cayenne pepper. Please note that I use McCormick chili powder in this recipe, which is very mild. If your chili powder is spicy, you’ll want to reduce the amount.
