Southwest Turkey & Black Bean Meal Prep Bowl

• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the turkey: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 minutes until starting to brown.
3. Add spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the turkey. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until turkey is fully cooked and browned. Remove from heat.
4. Make the salsa: In a bowl, combine corn kernels, diced bell pepper, chopped cilantro, and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and stir gently to combine.
5. Prepare the black beans: In a small saucepan, warm the black beans over medium heat until heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt if needed.
6. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four containers or plates. Top each with seasoned turkey, warmed black beans, and the corn bell pepper salsa.
7. Optional garnish: Add extra chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice on top of each bowl before serving for added freshness.
8. Store: Let bowls cool completely before sealing and refrigerating. These meal prep bowls keep well for up to 4 days.

Chef tips

• For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with cooked quinoa or seasoned tofu and use vegetable broth for the rice.
• If fresh bell pepper is unavailable, frozen diced bell peppers can be used in the salsa, though fresh adds better texture.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the turkey while cooking or serve with sliced jalapeños.
• Use brown rice instead of white for higher fiber; adjust cooking time according to package instructions.