Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired bowl that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! Imagine a perfect harmony of protein-packed ground turkey, fluffy quinoa, and vibrant Mexican-style seasonings that will transport your senses straight to a sunny Mexican kitchen. This recipe is not just delicious—it's a nutritional powerhouse that combines lean protein, complex carbs, and bold flavors in one incredible dish that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.
- Season turkey with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes until meat is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add rinsed black beans and corn to the skillet with the turkey. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to heat through.
- Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and divide evenly among four serving bowls.
- Top quinoa with the turkey, bean, and corn mixture.
- Garnish each bowl with sliced avocado, a generous spoonful of salsa, and fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately while warm, and optionally add extra seasoning to taste.
Tips
- Quinoa Rinsing Hack: Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer and rinse until the water runs clear.
- Seasoning Secret: Toast your spices (cumin and chili powder) in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding the turkey to enhance their flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado and cilantro separate until serving to maintain freshness.
- Protein Flexibility: Feel free to substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
- Extra Flavor Boost: For added depth, consider squeezing fresh lime juice over the bowl just before serving to brighten all the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
