Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl

Highlighted under: Balanced Meal Recipes

I absolutely love making this Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl for weeknight dinners! It's one of those meals that comes together quickly while still packing a flavor punch. The combination of spiced turkey, fragrant rice, and colorful veggies creates a delightful balance in every bite. Plus, it's super customizable, so I can use whatever veggies I have on hand. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-20T15:26:18.902Z

I first experimented with this Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl when I was looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner option. The secret to its incredible flavor comes from using a mix of spices that pairs excellently with the turkey. Letting the turkey marinate briefly ensures it absorbs all those delicious flavors.

Another tip I can share is to use jasmine rice instead of regular long-grain rice for a fragrant, fluffy texture that elevates the dish. Topping it with fresh cilantro and lime brings everything together beautifully. Give it a try; I promise it will become a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • A perfect balance of spice and freshness
  • Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes
  • Versatile with endless ingredient options

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious bowl.

For the Spicy Turkey

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl

  • 2 cups jasmine rice
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

With these ingredients ready, you're all set to create a fantastic dish!

Instructions

Follow these steps to enjoy your Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl.

Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Prepare the Turkey

Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Combine the Ingredients

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in diced bell pepper, corn, and black beans. Mix well and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Bowl

To serve, spoon the rice mixture into bowls, top with the spicy turkey, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy!

Your Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl is ready to be devoured!

Pro Tips

  • Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what's in season or what you have in your fridge. Adding avocado or jalapeños can enhance the flavor even more!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey and rice in advance. Just reheat them before serving.

→ What other proteins can I use instead of turkey?

Chicken or even tofu work great as alternatives!

→ How spicy is this dish?

The spice level varies based on the amount of chili powder you use. Feel free to adjust to your taste.

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Secondary image

Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl

I absolutely love making this Spicy Turkey and Rice Bowl for weeknight dinners! It's one of those meals that comes together quickly while still packing a flavor punch. The combination of spiced turkey, fragrant rice, and colorful veggies creates a delightful balance in every bite. Plus, it's super customizable, so I can use whatever veggies I have on hand. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration25 minutes
Overall Time40 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Balanced Meal Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Spicy Turkey

  1. 1 pound ground turkey
  2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
  3. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  4. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  5. 1 teaspoon cumin
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice Bowl

  1. 2 cups jasmine rice
  2. 4 cups chicken broth
  3. 1 bell pepper, diced
  4. 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  5. 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  6. Fresh cilantro, for garnish
  7. Lime wedges, for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a medium saucepan, combine jasmine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 02

Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 03

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in diced bell pepper, corn, and black beans. Mix well and let it heat through for about 5 minutes.

Step 04

To serve, spoon the rice mixture into bowls, top with the spicy turkey, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Enjoy!

Extra Tips

  1. Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what's in season or what you have in your fridge. Adding avocado or jalapeños can enhance the flavor even more!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 30g