Creamy Ground Turkey and Spinach Protein Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This creamy ground turkey and spinach protein bowl is a flavorful, nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Combining lean turkey with fresh spinach and a rich cottage cheese sauce, it’s both comforting and packed with protein. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1.5 cups hot salsa (use mild or medium to reduce heat if preferred)
• 1.5 cups cottage cheese (preferably 2% or 4% fat for best texture)
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 medium onion (diced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp dried basil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for cooking

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a flat nonstick skillet helps cook the turkey evenly and prevents it from drying out.
2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the diced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and the herbs become fragrant.
4. Step 4: Pour in the salsa and add the butter. Stir until the butter melts, then add the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cottage cheese warms and the sauce turns creamy.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra spice as desired.
7. Step 7: Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use mild or medium salsa to control spiciness according to your preference.
• Swap cottage cheese with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a different creamy texture.
• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for extra veggies.
• For a dairy-free version, omit the cottage cheese and increase salsa or add avocado slices on top.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture is too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well and will produce a similar flavor and texture. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, this protein bowl is low in carbs and high in protein, making it suitable for a keto diet especially when served without rice or other grains.

Creamy Ground Turkey and Spinach Protein Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

This creamy ground turkey and spinach protein bowl is a flavorful, nutritious dish featuring lean ground turkey cooked with fresh spinach, tangy salsa, and creamy cottage cheese. Seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe is a quick and satisfying option perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Protein Bowl
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Dairy

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1.5 cups cottage cheese (preferably 2% or 4% fat for best texture)

Vegetables & Herbs

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 0.5 medium onion, diced

Seasonings & Sauces

• 1.5 cups hot salsa (mild or medium to reduce heat if preferred)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Fats & Oils

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for cooking

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large flat nonstick skillet over medium heat, ensuring even heat to prevent the turkey from drying out.
2. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking it apart with a meat chopper for even browning, about 6–7 minutes until fully cooked.
3. Sauté onion and herbs: Stir in diced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and the herbs release their aroma.
4. Add salsa and butter: Pour in the salsa and add butter, stirring until the butter melts completely.
5. Wilt the spinach: Add fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the mixture.
6. Incorporate cottage cheese and seasonings: Stir in cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cottage cheese warms and the sauce turns creamy.
7. Simmer to meld flavors: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional spice if desired.
8. Serve: Serve the creamy ground turkey and spinach mixture hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to your preference.

Notes

• For less heat, use mild salsa or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.
• Using a flat nonstick skillet ensures even cooking and prevents the turkey from drying out.
• A meat chopper helps achieve uniform browning of ground turkey easily.
• This recipe pairs well with grains like quinoa or rice or can be eaten on its own for a low-carb option.
• For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cottage cheese with a creamy plant-based option.

Keywords: ground turkey, protein bowl, spinach, cottage cheese, healthy dinner, quick recipe, creamy turkey