Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl is a delicious, nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with fresh spinach and a creamy cottage cheese sauce, it’s packed with flavor and protein to keep you satisfied.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1.5 cups hot salsa (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.
2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey, 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 release their aroma.
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 becomes creamy.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice as needed.
7. Step 7: Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to preference.

Tips & Variations

• Use a flat nonstick skillet for even cooking and to prevent the turkey from drying out.
• Substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangier creaminess.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level or omit for a milder dish.
• Add other greens like kale or swiss chard if you want to mix up the veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will produce a similar taste and texture.

Is it necessary to use cottage cheese for creaminess?

Cottage cheese adds a nice creamy texture and boosts protein, but you can substitute with ricotta or Greek yogurt if preferred.

Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl is a hearty, flavorful, and nutritious dish featuring lean ground turkey simmered with fresh spinach, cottage cheese, and vibrant salsa. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, it delivers a creamy texture and a balanced mix of protein, greens, and spices. Perfect for a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare on the stovetop.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Dairy

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey
• 1.5 cups cottage cheese (preferably 2% or 4% fat for best texture)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 0.5 medium onion, diced
• 1.5 cups hot salsa (use mild or medium to reduce heat if preferred)

Spices and Seasonings

• 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

Oils

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

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Instructions

1. Heat the Cooking Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large flat nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using a flat skillet helps ensure even heat distribution to prevent the turkey from drying out.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add 1.5 pounds of ground turkey to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a meat chopper or spatula for about 6–7 minutes to ensure quick, even browning.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: Incorporate diced half a medium onion, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano, and 0.5 teaspoon dried basil. Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and the herbs release their fragrance.
4. Add Salsa, Butter, and Spinach: Pour in 1.5 cups of hot salsa and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir until the butter melts, then add 3 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts completely.
5. Mix in Creamy Elements and Seasonings: Stir in 1.5 cups cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cottage cheese warms through and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Simmer to Thicken: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld all the flavors together. Adjust salt, pepper, and spice levels as desired.
7. Serve: Serve the creamy turkey and spinach mixture hot, either alone or over your choice of rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Using a flat nonstick skillet is key to preventing the turkey from drying out during cooking.
• Adjust the salsa heat level (mild, medium, hot) based on your spice preference.
• A meat chopper tool helps break up turkey evenly for consistent browning.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute cottage cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it.
• This dish pairs well with grain bases like brown rice, quinoa, or low-carb options like cauliflower rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: ground turkey recipe, creamy turkey spinach bowl, high protein meal, healthy turkey dinner, stovetop turkey recipe, cottage cheese in savory dishes