Protein Packed Low Carb Burrito Bowl

This burrito bowl puts seasoned ground turkey, black beans, diced tomatoes and shredded cheese on a bed of cauliflower rice, topped with salsa and diced avocado. The turkey is browned in a skillet with taco seasoning, so the only real cooking is one pan on the stove. The recipe makes 2 bowls and takes 25 minutes in total.

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The card lists 35 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates per bowl. Cauliflower rice stands in for the usual rice, and the black beans account for part of the rest.

What Goes in the Bowl

Full amounts are in the recipe card. These are the parts of the bowl.

• Ground turkey (1 cup, cooked and seasoned): browned in olive oil with the taco seasoning. Its mild flavor takes on the spices easily.
• Cauliflower rice (1 cup): the base. Prepare it according to the package instructions.
• Black beans (1/2 cup, rinsed and drained): add an earthy flavor and a creamy texture.
• Diced tomatoes (1/2 cup): fresh and juicy.
• Shredded cheese (1/4 cup): melts over the warm ingredients.
• Salsa (1/4 cup) and diced avocado (1/4 cup): go on top just before serving.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon) and taco seasoning (1 teaspoon): for cooking the turkey.

Building the Bowl

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the turkey and taco seasoning, and cook until the turkey is browned. If you want a bolder flavor, add a pinch of cumin or chili powder.

Go easy on the cauliflower rice. Cook it just until tender so it keeps a bit of crunch and does not turn mushy.

Layer the cauliflower rice in a bowl first, then the turkey, then the black beans, tomatoes and cheese. Finish with the salsa and avocado.

Ways to Change the Bowl

• Heat: diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce, or a different taco seasoning blend.
• Vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini, corn or onions. Sauté them in the pan with the turkey.
• Protein: ground chicken, ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken in place of the turkey.
• Fewer carbs: chopped mushrooms or more cauliflower in place of the black beans.

Sides, Toppings and Meal Prep

A side salad of greens and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette works well, as do guacamole or a fresh corn salad. For toppings, try sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro or a spoonful of Greek yogurt.

The bowl keeps well for meal prep. Cook the turkey and the cauliflower rice ahead and store them in separate containers. When you are ready to eat, reheat them and add the fresh toppings such as avocado and salsa.

Timing

Prep takes 15 minutes and cooking takes 10 minutes, for 25 minutes in total. Cooking the turkey and preparing the cauliflower rice in advance cuts that down.

Nutrition per Bowl

Each bowl has approximately 450 calories, 20 grams of fat (8 grams saturated), 30 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 35 grams of protein and 600 milligrams of sodium. These are estimates.

FAQ

What is in a Protein Packed Low Carb Burrito Bowl?

Seasoned ground turkey, cauliflower rice, black beans and fresh toppings such as tomatoes, cheese, salsa and avocado.

How can you customize it?

Add vegetables such as bell peppers, corn or onions, adjust the heat with jalapeños, or try different cheeses or salsas.

Is it suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Prepare the ingredients in advance and keep them in separate containers, then reheat and assemble when you are ready to eat.

How many servings does the recipe make?

Two. Double the ingredients if you need more.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us