Spiced Turkey and Black Bean Rice Bowls with Fresh Salsa and Cotija

These vibrant rice bowls are a celebration of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Seasoned ground turkey and black beans are simmered with a warm spice blend, then paired with charred bell pepper and onion for a smoky touch. All served over fluffy lime-zested rice and finished with fresh salsa, crumbled cotija cheese and a sprinkle of cilantro.

A squeeze of lime juice brightens every bite, making this a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, these bowls are sure to become a staple.

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Ingredients

1 unit Green Bell PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Red OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground TurkeyView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 cup Cotija CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Fresh Red SalsaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Black BeansView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Mexican Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. In a small pot, combine the jasmine rice, 1¼ cups water (2¼ cups for 4 servings) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until the rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
2. While the rice cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve, peel and dice half the red onion; thinly slice the remaining half into strips. Trim, deseed and thinly slice the green bell pepper into strips. Zest and quarter the lime. Finely chop the cilantro.
3. Heat a drizzle of cooking oil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, ½ teaspoon sugar (1 teaspoon for 4 servings) and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the black beans (with their liquid), half the Mexican spice blend (you’ll use the rest later), ½ teaspoon salt (1 teaspoon for 4) and pepper. Cook until thickened, 5-10 minutes more. Turn off the heat; stir in 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4) and a squeeze of lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep covered off heat.
4. While the beans cook, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and fragrant, 3-4 minutes.
5. To the pan with the vegetables, add the ground turkey, remaining Mexican spice blend, a big pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat into pieces, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes.
6. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in the lime zest, 1 tablespoon butter (2 tablespoons for 4 servings), salt and pepper. Divide the rice between shallow bowls. Top with the turkey and vegetable mixture, the black beans, fresh salsa, crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve with the remaining lime wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well as a substitute. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

Feta cheese or grated Parmesan can be used as a substitute for cotija.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.