Weekly Meal Prep: Turkey Taco Bowls That Actually Keep Well All Week
These ground turkey taco bowls are my go-to weekly meal prep because they stay genuinely tasty all the way to day four. Seasoned turkey, fluffy rice, black beans, and fresh toppings come together in about forty minutes and set you up for the whole week.
By AmeliaUpdated 
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Use the visual cues in the instructions and adjust seasoning to taste.
Method
Cook the Rice
Add the rice and 2 cups of chicken broth to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.
Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and let it sit undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get some colour before breaking it apart. Cook, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 7 to 8 minutes total.
Season the Turkey
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper directly to the cooked turkey in the pan. Stir well to coat, then pour in the 2 tablespoons of chicken broth to help the spices bloom and keep the meat moist. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Warm the Beans and Corn
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the drained black beans and corn. Warm them through for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and cumin if you like. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Prep the Fresh Toppings
While everything is cooling, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the romaine lettuce, and cut the lime into wedges. Portion out the salsa, shredded cheese, and sour cream into small containers or bags. These will be stored separately and added fresh each day.
Assemble and Store the Bowls
Once the turkey and rice have cooled completely, divide the rice evenly among 4 meal prep containers. Top each with an equal portion of seasoned turkey, then add the bean and corn mixture alongside. Seal the containers. Store fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and salsa in separate small containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat the turkey and rice for about 90 seconds, then add the cold toppings and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Frequently asked questions
Can I freeze these turkey taco bowls?
Yes, the cooked turkey freezes really well for up to three months. The rice freezes fine too though the texture changes slightly. Freeze them separately in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. Skip freezing the beans and fresh toppings as they do not hold up well.
How do I keep the rice from getting hard in the fridge?
Store the rice in a container with a tight lid and place a slightly damp paper towel over the rice before closing. When you reheat it, add a teaspoon of water and cover loosely. That steam softens it right back up.
Is ground turkey healthy for meal prep?
It is a great option. Lean ground turkey is lower in saturated fat than ground beef and has a solid amount of protein per serving, usually around 22 to 25 grams depending on the leanness. Paired with beans and rice it makes a well-rounded, filling meal.
Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of making my own?
Absolutely. A packet of store-bought taco seasoning works perfectly and saves a bit of time. Just be mindful that some packets are quite salty, so taste before you add any extra salt to the turkey.
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