Dinner

Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl Recipe

Byanna orden February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean turkey with nutrient-packed spinach and a creamy sauce, it offers a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients.

The image shows a ground turkey bowl with a creamy orange sauce. The dish has several layers: chunks of cooked ground turkey, visible small pieces of green spinach leaves, and tiny red bell pepper bits. The sauce coats everything and looks smooth and rich. The top of the bowl is sprinkled with green herbs. The bowl is white, placed on a white marbled surface. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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.
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.
Step 4: Pour in the salsa and add the butter. Stir until the butter melts, then add the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2–3 minutes.
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.
Step 6: Reduce the 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 desired.
Step 7: Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to your preference.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, choose a mild salsa or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh twist.
Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a ground turkey bowl with two sections: the top half in a white bowl and the bottom half in a white plate. The dish consists of cooked ground turkey pieces mixed with vibrant red and green vegetables, including spinach leaves and small chunks of red bell pepper. The mixture is coated in a rich, slightly thick orange sauce. The meat looks tender and moist with a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs on top, adding freshness. The turkey and vegetables create a colorful contrast with the white bowl and plate, all set against a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free cream alternative or mashed avocado to maintain creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.