Description
This Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal bursting with tender ground turkey, vibrant fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy salsa and cottage cheese sauce. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with aromatic herbs and spices, delivering a comforting dish packed with protein and wholesome veggies in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
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 Aromatics
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 medium onion (diced)
- 1.5 cups hot salsa (use mild or medium to reduce heat if preferred)
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) (for cooking)
- 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
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a large flat nonstick skillet over medium heat to prevent the turkey from drying out.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart continuously to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften and the herbs become fragrant.
- Add Salsa and Butter: Pour in the salsa and add the butter, stirring until the butter melts completely.
- Cook Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down.
- Incorporate Cottage Cheese & Flavorings: Stir in the cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture warms through and becomes creamy.
- Simmer to Thicken: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and let the flavors meld together.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes as desired. Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to your preference.
Notes
- Using a flat nonstick skillet helps prevent uneven cooking and keeps the turkey moist.
- You can adjust the heat level of the salsa (mild, medium, or hot) based on your preference.
- Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein; opt for 2% or 4% fat for the best texture.
- Serve with your choice of base such as rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: ground turkey recipe, protein bowl, healthy dinner, creamy turkey spinach bowl, quick weeknight meal, cottage cheese recipe, easy skillet dinner
