Sullivan 180 Youth Mental Health Program Manager

Who says turkey is only for Thanksgiving? Give taco night a fun fall twist with these easy Thanksgiving Turkey Taco Bowls! This colorful, family-friendly meal is packed with lean turkey, black beans, corn, fresh veggies and creamy avocado. Everyone gets to build their own bowl with the toppings they love, making dinner a little more fun and a lot less stressful.

Beyond being delicious, these bowls offer a variety of nutritional benefits. Lean ground turkey is a great source of protein, which helps the body build and repair muscles. Black beans provide fiber to support healthy digestion, while avocado adds heart-healthy fats. Fresh vegetables bring additional vitamins and minerals, making this a balanced meal the whole family can enjoy.

Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to serve on Football Sunday, these bowls are a great way to bring everyone together. Get the kids involved by letting them help prepare ingredients, choose toppings or build their own bowls. It's a fun way to encourage healthy eating habits while spending time together as a family!

Ingredients

For the Turkey

1 pound ground turkey

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2–3 tablespoons water

For the Bowls

2–3 cups cooked rice, white or brown

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained

1–2 avocados, sliced

1–2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1 cup shredded carrots

Shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Salsa, optional

Easy Salsa-Lime Sauce

½ cup sour cream

⅓ cup chunky salsa

Juice of 1 lime

¼ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon maple syrup

1–2 tablespoons water, as needed

Directions

• Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add 2–3 tablespoons of water and stir until the turkey is cooked through and nicely seasoned.
• While the turkey is cooking, prepare the rice according to the package directions.
• Warm the black beans and corn in a small saucepan or skillet.
• For the sauce, mix together the sour cream, salsa, lime juice, cumin, salt, and maple syrup. Add a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Set out the rice, turkey, beans, corn, vegetables, avocado, and other toppings.

Let everyone build their own bowl and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

• Make it kid-friendly: Put all the toppings in separate bowls and let kids pick what goes into their taco bowl.
• Mix it up: Try different toppings like bell peppers, cucumber, shredded cheese, or tortilla strips.
• Add a fall twist: A small spoonful of cranberry salsa or cranberry sauce adds a fun Thanksgiving-inspired flavor.
• Make it your own: There’s no need to follow a specific combination—use whatever your family enjoys.
• Make extra: Leftover turkey and toppings make an easy lunch for the next day.

This recipe and its healthy approach were adapted from Turkey Taco Rice Bowls with Salsa-Lime Sour Cream from The Together Table.

Nutrition Source: USDA and American Heart Association