• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

  • New? Start Here
  • Contact

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Sides
      • Salad
      • Soups & Stews
      • Drinks
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • One Pot Meals
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Nut Free
    • Protein
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lentils
      • Seafood
      • Pork
    • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Shop Favorites
  • Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Home Meal Prep Meal Prep Lunch
4.94
/5
1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls

Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Annie131 Comments
Posted: 11/5/19 Updated: 1/4/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These turkey taco meal prep bowls are made with juicy turkey taco meat, corn, pico de gallo and brown rice and are simple, but filling. Make them ahead for four delicious lunches.

Meal prep is the best way to ensure that you avoid wasting a whole bunch of money buying your lunch...some of my favorites include these honey sesame chicken bowls and these caprese chicken salad bowls. These turkey taco lunch bowls are perfect if you are craving Mexican food!

overhead view of four Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls

These meal prep bowls are not only one of the most popular meal prep recipes on Sweet Peas & Saffron, but one of my personal faves as well!

Inspired by a burrito bowl, but with turkey taco meat, brown rice, corn and a quick pico de gallo for a pretty and delicious meal.

Think of this as a really loose recipe that you can adapt with your favorite toppings.

Reasons you'll ♡ this recipe

  • so tasty!
  • they are simple to prep and make 4 lunches
  • the recipe is easily adaptable

Recipe Video

These meal prep bowls are super simple to prep, but it always helps to have a visual. Watch the video below to see exactly how this recipe comes together. You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

overhead view of the ingredients needed to make Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls

Which ingredients do we need?

This recipe is highly adaptable and are loosely based on a burrito bowl. Here are the components:

  • turkey taco meat- swap the turkey for ground beef, crumbled tofu, or your favorite protein. I used my homemade taco seasoning.
  • brown rice- cooked in my rice cooker. See How to Cook Brown Rice. Swap with long grain white rice, quinoa or cauliflower rice.
  • corn- from a can, frozen or fresh corn work as well
  • pico de gallo- normally I don't love tomatoes in my meal prep but since it's meant to be somewhat 'juicy', it works well in this one!
  • cheese- optional but recommended. I used shredded mozzarella!

Other toppings that would be great in this recipe?

  • roasted sweet potato
  • avocado slices (add just before serving)
  • salsa
  • black beans
  • bell peppers

close up view of Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls in meal prep container

Are these served hot or cold? 

They are meant to be served cold, however you can certainly heat them up! If you do plan to heat, I might store the pico de gallo separate and add it in after heating through.

Can I use chicken? 

Yes, you certainly can. I would cut the chicken into small pieces, sautee until cooked through, then add the taco seasoning + water to make the sauce.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes, you can! I would follow directions for the tofu taco 'meat' in this Tofu Tacos post.

What about low carb? 

I would swap the rice for cauliflower rice (here's How to Make Cauliflower Rice!), swap the corn for bell peppers or your favorite lower carb veggie, and maybe add in some healthy fats like avocado to make it more filling.

close up overhead view of Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls

More delicious meal prep ideas

  • Cold Sesame Noodle Meal Prep Bowls
  • Maple Ginger Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
  • Vegan Spring Roll Bowl Meal Prep
  • Easy Buddha Bowls 
  • 38 Easy Lunch Meal Prep Recipes

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of four containers filled with turkey taco meal prep bowls

Turkey Taco Meal Prep Bowls

4.94 from 77 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes mins
Cook Time: 50 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Print Rate
These turkey taco meal prep bowls with turkey taco meat, corn, pico de gallo and brown rice are simple, but filling. Make them ahead for four delicious lunches.
4

Ingredients

Rice

  • ¾ cup brown rice (uncooked; may be swapped for quinoa or long grain white rice)
  • ⅛ tsp salt
  • 1 lime (zested)

Turkey

  • ¾ lb lean ground turkey (beef or chicken may be swapped)
  • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • ⅔ cup water

Salsa

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 jalapeno (finely chopped)
  • ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
  • ½ lime (juiced)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt

Other:

  • 12 oz can corn kernels (341 mL; drained)
  • ½ cup mozzarella (shredded)

Instructions 

  • Cook brown rice according to package directions, adding the lime zest and salt to the cooking water. Allow to cool slightly before portioning out.
  • Add turkey to a medium pan and cook over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink (approximately 10 minutes).
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat, then add the water. Stir and simmer for a couple of minutes, until sauce has thickened.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before portioning out.
  • Combine all salsa ingredients and toss together.
  • To assemble lunch bowls, divide ingredients evenly between four 2-cup capacity meal prep containers.

Storage

  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • You may serve cold or warm up in the microwave before enjoying (see * notes)

Tips:

* If you plan to warm these bowls up before serving, you may want to store the pico de gallo separate until after warming the rest of the ingredients up.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1lunch bowl, Calories: 370kcal, Carbohydrates: 52g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 58mg, Sodium: 553mg, Potassium: 781mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 900IU, Vitamin C: 41mg, Calcium: 114mg, Iron: 3mg
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
  • Share
  • Flipboard
  • Email

You May Also Like...

  • collage image that says 15 ground turkey meal prep recipes
    15 Ground Turkey Meal Prep Recipes
  • four glass meal prep containers with satay chicken lunch bowls
    Satay Chicken Meal Prep Lunch Bowls
  • overhead shot of four spicy tofu noodle meal prep bowls in glass containers
    Spicy Tofu Noodle Meal Prep Bowls (vegan)
  • overhead shot of a falafel salad bowl with pita bread and dressing drizzled on top
    Falafel Salad Bowls (Meal Prep)
collage image of foods with text overlay saying 5 fall freezer meals in 1 hour
Previous Post
Fall Freezer Dinner Stock Up
overhead shot of a white bowl and spoon filled with smoky white bean and kale soup
Next Post
Smoky White Bean and Kale Soup

Reader Interactions

4.94 from 77 votes (50 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Ashleigh says

    Posted on 3/7/22 at Posted on 3/7/22

    5 stars
    Love love love this receipe, super easy and fuss free but packs a punch with the flavours!

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 3/7/22 at Posted on 3/7/22

      Hi Ashleigh, we're so glad that you enjoyed these turkey taco meal prep bowls! They are a classic, and so easy but tasty! Thanks for leaving a rating and review 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jessica says

    Posted on 2/15/22 at Posted on 2/15/22

    5 stars
    This turned out good! I think I will use frozen corn next time though..didn't like the canned stuff as much.

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 2/16/22 at Posted on 2/16/22

      Hi Jessica, we're glad you enjoyed it, and hope you've found a new favorite to enjoy again and again! Thanks for taking the time to leave a rating and review.

      Reply
  3. Angela Pachciarz says

    Posted on 11/17/21 at Posted on 11/17/21

    5 stars
    Just made this recipe today for lunch for my husband and I. It was delicious and so easy! Thank you for a quick and yummy lunch recipe!

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 11/17/21 at Posted on 11/17/21

      Hi Angela, we're so glad that both you and your husband enjoyed these turkey taco meal prep bowls! Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a rating and review 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lisa says

    Posted on 11/2/21 at Posted on 11/2/21

    Hello, what exactly are the portions for the nutrional facts?

    3 oz cooked turkey
    .5 cup of rice
    ????

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 11/2/21 at Posted on 11/2/21

      Hi Lisa, Denise's go-to "formula" for portion sizes is: 1/2 cup cooked rice, 1/2 cup protein, 1 cup of vegetables. As this recipe serves 4, the nutrition facts are for 1/4 of the ingredients. I hope this helps!

      Reply
  5. Sean says

    Posted on 10/3/21 at Posted on 10/3/21

    Put your conjecture at the bottom, then take the ingredients and recipe and put it at the top.

    Reply
    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Posted on 10/4/21 at Posted on 10/4/21

      Hi Sean, thanks for your feedback. There is a "jump to recipe" button that you're free to use at the top of each page, that will take you directly to the ingredients and recipe if you wish to skip over the ingredient details and FAQ. 🙂 We do include some information about the recipe at the beginning of the post, as this helps search engines and users to find our recipes!

      Reply
  6. Debbi Collier says

    Posted on 1/13/21 at Posted on 1/13/21

    5 stars
    So delicious! These are perfect for a grab and go lunch during the week and they were so easy to make! I also love that they can be served hot or cold and both are equally yummy!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 1/15/21 at Posted on 1/15/21

      Hi Debbi! Yay, I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the taco bowls! Thanks so much for reporting back <3

      Reply
    • James Mullins says

      Posted on 9/4/21 at Posted on 9/4/21

      4 stars
      Can all of these meals be frozen

      Reply
      • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

        Posted on 9/7/21 at Posted on 9/7/21

        Hi James, we haven't had great success with freeze/thawing rice. The turkey and the corn could be frozen, but the salsa definitely will not freeze well. If you are in search of freezer meals, you might enjoy this post that includes 59 Freezer Meals. I hope that helps!

        Reply
  7. Laura Young says

    Posted on 1/13/21 at Posted on 1/13/21

    5 stars
    Super simple and tasty! Love it! 😍

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 1/15/21 at Posted on 1/15/21

      Hi Laura! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the taco bowls! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a review, I really appreciate it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Leah says

    Posted on 1/4/21 at Posted on 1/4/21

    5 stars
    Absolutely obsessed with this!! Made it as a meal prep a few weeks back and have been craving it every week since. I swapped the turkey mince for quorn mince but so impressed. Can’t recommend enough 😍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 1/4/21 at Posted on 1/4/21

      Hi Leah! I'm so happy to hear you've been enjoying this recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review 🙂

      Reply
  9. Melissa says

    Posted on 9/15/20 at Posted on 9/15/20

    Hi!

    Would you know how much cauliflower rice I would need to make this recipe? I usually try to eat less carb for lunch.

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 9/20/20 at Posted on 9/20/20

      Hi Melissa! I would aim for 2 cups total, around 1/2 cup per bowl. I generally use 1/2 cup rice portions. Hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  10. Lucy Benton says

    Posted on 8/18/20 at Posted on 8/18/20

    Do you know the nutrition facts for this recipe with Chicken without the salsa?

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 8/20/20 at Posted on 8/20/20

      Hi Lucy, unfortunately I don't have that information. You could try putting it through a calculator like on My Fitness Pal?

      Reply
  11. Cooked Best says

    Posted on 7/7/20 at Posted on 7/7/20

    Love us a taco bowl and this one looks absolutely immense! Great job Denise 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 7/13/20 at Posted on 7/13/20

      So happy to hear you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  12. Daniele says

    Posted on 1/14/20 at Posted on 1/14/20

    5 stars
    I made these for lunch for this week. I LOVE the turkey taco bowls! I made it as directed, minus the onions (I do not like onions) and my own taco seasoning recipe, It was fantastic. I was a little leary of eating it cold but it was very tasty. I have also made the Thai Turkey lettuce wraps a couple of times and love those as well. I invested in the 2 cup snap ware containers and they are a game changer for my lunches! Thank you so much.

    Reply
  13. Sandy Whitby says

    Posted on 9/10/19 at Posted on 9/10/19

    5 stars
    I started following your blog about a year ago, and this is still one of my favorite recipes! It is my "go-to" recipe when I don't feel like I have time to meal prep. It's so easy... I do the rice in my steamer and the turkey in my instant pot and it is done in no time. I like to add some black beans and salsa too. Thank you for showing me that meal prep can be done easily!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/16/19 at Posted on 9/16/19

      Hi Sandy! I'm so happy to hear that you love this recipe! Thank you for following along, and for leaving a review! XO

      Reply
  14. Jamie says

    Posted on 2/26/19 at Posted on 2/26/19

    I just made this yesterday to take for lunch the rest of the week. I just ate my first one and it was DELICIOUS!
    I currently have the same aversion to brown rice that you had, so I used quinoa instead - a little less carbs, a little more protein, but altogether delicious 🙂 (maybe I'll try your recipe for brown rice in the oven next time!)

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 3/5/19 at Posted on 3/5/19

      So glad you enjoyed, Jamie!

      Reply
  15. havee says

    Posted on 2/13/19 at Posted on 2/13/19

    Nice muffins! thank you!

    Reply
  16. Eleanor says

    Posted on 12/9/18 at Posted on 12/9/18

    I tried these swapping Turkey out for Quorn and it was great! Recipe made 4 so I ate one fresh and have 3 lunches backed up for the week. Recipe is tasty and the layout looks really beautiful.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 12/10/18 at Posted on 12/10/18

      So happy to hear that! Thanks for reporting back, Eleanor!

      Reply
  17. Tammy Bowman says

    Posted on 11/7/18 at Posted on 11/7/18

    This recipe is in my top 5 all time favorite lunch meal prep. The flavor is wonderful and I feel full after I am done eating it. Very simple to make I just love it and I can't say that enough.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 11/10/18 at Posted on 11/10/18

      Wow, I'm so happy you enjoyed it so much, Tammy!

      Reply
  18. Annetta says

    Posted on 10/21/18 at Posted on 10/21/18

    Sorry if this is a really dumb question...but you heat them or eat them cold? I eat lunch in my car 3x week so would be perfect if it didn’t need to be heated. 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/29/18 at Posted on 10/29/18

      Hi Anetta! Not dumb at all! I have done it both ways and I have enjoyed it both ways...it comes down to personal preference 🙂

      Reply
  19. Deborah says

    Posted on 10/19/18 at Posted on 10/19/18

    This recipe was my first foray into meal-prep, which I have wanted to try doing for a while but have felt too overwhelmed to get started. The recipe was fantastic--quick and easy to prepare, and a great balance of nutrients, flavours and textures that kept me on my feet and didn't leave me craving snacks in the afternoon. The mental relief from not having to devise new lunches for me and my husband each day was huge, and the time I saved gave me energy and enthusiasm to try a couple of dinner meal-preps too! Thank you SO much for your wonderful site, Denise.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/20/18 at Posted on 10/20/18

      Yay Deborah! Way to go! Glad you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  20. Alisha Moore says

    Posted on 9/22/18 at Posted on 9/22/18

    5 stars
    Hi, Denise
    Interesting recipes, they look so yummy. I can't wait to make this recipe for my family. It's really healthy. Do you have a video about in this recipe? That can make easy to do beter.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/25/18 at Posted on 9/25/18

      Hi Alisha! I do have a video for this but for some reason it seems that it never was uploaded to the post. Here's a link to it on Facebook for now until I have a chance to hunt it down and upload it 🙂 https://www.facebook.com/sweetpeasandsaffron/videos/2235310013422699/

      Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments

Primary Sidebar

photo of annie meal prepping ingredients

Hi, I'm Annie

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

Meal Prep

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker

Breakfast

Popular

overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

overhead shot of a variety of seven easy rice recipes with text description

7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker)

5 minute asian salad dressing in a mason jar on gray background

5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Reader Faves

overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with blueberries on top and syrup being drizzled over them

Perfect Fluffy Protein Pancakes (no banana!)

ingredients to make greek seasoning blend with labels on white background

Easy Greek Seasoning Blend

collage image that says 25 popular meal prep ideas

25 Most Popular Lunch Meal Prep Ideas

As seen on:

Wondering where to start?

Get my Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Join My Free Meal Prep Challenge!
  • Browse Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Freezer
  • Meal Prep 101
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Meal Prep Basics
    • Meal Prep Challenge
    • Quick Start Guide
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Disclaimers

Contact

Accessibility

Causes

About

© 2025 Sweet Peas and Saffron
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Logo by Wooden Spoons

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.