Flavorful Ground Turkey Quinoa Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Turkey Quinoa Bowl is a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare. Packed with lean protein and wholesome vegetables, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots)
- 2 cups water or broth (for cooking quinoa)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: your favorite herbs or spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, cumin)
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: While the quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, and optional spices, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove turkey and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables. Sauté for 4-6 minutes until tender but still crisp. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked quinoa, ground turkey, and sautéed vegetables in a large bowl. Stir gently to mix everything evenly.
- Step 5: Serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use low-sodium broth to cook quinoa for extra flavor without too much salt.
- Try adding beans or chickpeas for additional protein and texture.
- Swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as spinach, kale, or broccoli.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or stovetop until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain freshness and safety.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or beef work well as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times as needed depending on the meat’s fat content.
Is quinoa gluten-free?
Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this bowl a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
PrintFlavorful Ground Turkey Quinoa Bowl Recipe
This Ground Turkey Quinoa Bowl is a healthy and protein-packed meal combining lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich quinoa, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this bowl is easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite veggies. It offers a balanced blend of flavors and textures for a satisfying, wholesome dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
Grain
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or low sodium broth
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup chopped spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and 2 cups of water or broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the vegetables: While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onions, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Then add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and chopped spinach or kale. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Cook the ground turkey: Push vegetables to the side of the skillet and add ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper while cooking for flavor.
- Assemble the bowl: Divide cooked quinoa into serving bowls. Top with the sautéed ground turkey and vegetable mixture. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Notes
- Quinoa can be cooked in advance and refrigerated to save time when preparing the bowl.
- You can customize this bowl by adding other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or tomatoes based on your preference.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of your favorite dressing before serving.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean beef depending on dietary needs.
Keywords: ground turkey quinoa bowl, healthy quinoa bowl, lean turkey recipe, protein-packed meals, easy quinoa bowls
