Creamy Ground Turkey and Spinach Protein Bowl Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add salsa and butter: Pour in the salsa and add butter, stirring until the butter melts completely.
- Wilt the spinach: Add fresh spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
