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Feb 26

Ground Turkey Taco Bowls with Cauliflower Spanish Rice

Keto
Paleo
Whole30
Gluten Free
Kid-Friendly
Keto
Paleo
Whole30
Gluten Free
Kid-Friendly

These simple Ground Turkey Taco Bowls come together with cauliflower Spanish Rice and all of your favorite taco toppings! A wonderful and nutritious way to enjoy your tacos. Grain-free, Paleo, and Whole30 approved!

Hello Taco Tuesday, my favorite day of the week. You taste absolutely amazing a million different ways, but today we’re talking about taco bowls. Because tortillas are sooooo 2016…….

Kidding…….Don’t be mad taco people. I do love tortillas. But, ever since our round of Whole30, and eating this bowl of goodness every single Tuesday, I am pretty sure we can all agree that this form of tacos is just what we all need.

How to make Ground Turkey Taco Bowls with Cauliflower Spanish Rice

So let’s get this party started. First off you need to know a few things about this dinner: It’s lighter, it’s got a ton of flavor, and soooooo dang delicious.

I’ve been using my Cauliflower Spanish Rice  as a base for so many dishes. A true weekly staple in our house. Add it to the bottom of this flavorful ground turkey, some fresh tomatoes and cilantro, and avocado to make the best taco bowl ever.

We start by making the taco meat. This turkey taco meat is anything but ordinary. I’ve mixed up my favorite blend of spices, and added in some tomato paste and apple cider vinegar for the extra tang and flavor. While you are making the turkey, you can do the cauliflower rice at the same time. When both are done, simply add together and top with everything you love!

Recipe Adaptations:

Turkey: I love to use ground turkey as a substitution for ground beef, but beef is also delicious. Feel free to change it up. Although I do have to mention, Costco sells 1.5lb packages of organic ground turkey for less than $8, which is an absolute steal! This makes ground turkey a weekly addition to our dinner rotation.

Cauliflower Rice: You can use pre-riced frozen cauliflower rice to make this recipe extra easy. You can also use a different flavor of Cauliflower rice: my Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is also so delicious! Finally, if not following a grain-free diet, feel free to use regular rice.

Toppings: Whatever you want here! If dairy works for your body, feel free to add in some cheese.

Kid friendly: The kids will eat all the fun stuff, but just wrap it up in a tortilla. They don’t really have any idea that the rice they eat is made from cauliflower. They just know it tastes delicious!

Happy Taco Tuesday, and enjoy fixing up these bowls to please everyone!

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Ground Turkey Taco Bowls with Cauliflower Spanish Rice

Servings 4
Calories 347 kcal
Author Amy Rains
4.95 from 35 votes
Print

Ingredients

For the turkey tacos:

  • 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey or beef
  • 1/3 cup chopped white onion
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 3 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder optional
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth may need an additional 1/4 cup

For the Cauliflower Rice:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower*
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp salt + more to taste
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¼ - ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish optional

Instructions

  1. Begin by making the taco meat. You can make the cauliflower rice while the taco meat is cooking, or cook the cauliflower rice ahead of time. Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Once hot, add oil and onion. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, then add in your ground turkey or beef. Continue to stir so the meat cooks evenly.
  2. While the meat is cooking, in a small bowl mix together all of your spices (chili powder through salt or chipotle powder). Once meat is no longer pink, add in your spices. Coat the meat with spices. Now mix in tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and chicken broth. Bump up the heat just a tad and continue to mix everything until spices and liquid is evenly cooked. Reduce temperature to medium low. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until most of the liquid is completely absorbed.
  3. For the Cauliflower Spanish Rice:
  4. Cut your cauliflower in half and in half again. Remove stem and discard. Chop the head of the cauliflower into chunks (1-2 inch pieces). Place inside a food processor and pulse. You probably need to do this in 2-3 batches. Between each batch, remove and set aside.
  5. Heat up a large skillet to medium heat. Add onion and saute for 3 minutes, then add garlic and saute another 1-2 minutes.
  6. Add in riced cauliflower, salt, and cumin. Stir around the veggie mixture to coat.
  7. Add in tomato paste, then ¼ cup broth, and bump up heat to medium high. continue to stir around until the tomato paste dissolves in the mixture. If the mixture is too dry, add in more broth by the tablespoon. If the mixture is slightly wet, continue to cook until the liquid dissolves.
  8. Make your taco bowls:
  9. Assemble the cauliflower rice on the bottom, then top with taco meat. Add in all of your favorite toppings: tomatoes, avocados, green onion, cilantro, salsa, lettuce, cheese, etc.

Recipe Notes

*You can also use Trader Joe's frozen Organic Cauliflower in place of a large head of cauliflower. Follow the same instructions on heating.

Calories 347kcal
Fat 15g
Saturated fat 2g
Cholesterol 93mg
Sodium 1574mg
Potassium 991mg
Carbohydrates 12g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 4g
Protein 43g
Vitamin A 1460%
Vitamin C 24.7%
Calcium 65%
Iron 4.2%

 

 

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Reader Interactions

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Join the Conversation
  1. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

    March 1, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    This looks so good – I would be honored if you shared it at our Taco Tuesday link up!
    http://www.lazygastronome.com/chipotle-bean-tacos-taco-tuesday-linky-7/

    Reply
  2. Michelle at LuLaRoe Michelle Dmohowski says

    March 28, 2017 at 5:41 am

    5 stars
    So so delicious!!

    Reply
  3. Joan says

    April 13, 2017 at 12:31 am

    5 stars
    Made this tonight for son and Hubby…it was a big hit. I added black beans and my homemade salsa to the “sides”. They warmed up taco boats to eat with the meal. I will definitely make this again. I like having control over the amount of salt in the taco meat…you need very little or none with all the great spices. Thank you!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      April 25, 2017 at 1:43 am

      You are welcome! So glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply
  4. Zou Zou says

    April 19, 2017 at 11:41 pm

    I’d like to know which Costco is selling 15 pounds of organic ground turkey for $8.00, because today I bought the 8-lb package of organic ground turkey at Costco for $17.25! The price of organic ground turkey aside, I cannot wait to try this recipe. It sounds delish!!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      April 20, 2017 at 1:21 am

      It’s 1.5 lbs of organic turkey for $8. I can’t believe you found 8lbs for $17.25!!! That’s a crazy low price.

      Reply
      • Zou Zou says

        April 20, 2017 at 8:02 pm

        LOLOL! Well that makes much more sense. My Costco had a coupon price on the organic ground turkey — $3.00 off — which makes it $14.25!! I love ground turkey and actually prefer it in chili.

        Reply
    • Zou Zou says

      April 20, 2017 at 7:38 pm

      5 stars
      I made the Taco Bowl for dinner tonight and it was amazeballs! I have never added AC vinegar and chicken broth to my taco meat and I absolutely loved the flavor. There was a tiny bit of a tang, but it was the perfect complement. The whole family loved it. I am definitely adding this to my go-to dinner roster.

      Reply
      • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

        April 20, 2017 at 8:52 pm

        Oh yay!! So glad you loved it! IT’s a favorite around here too 🙂

        Reply
      • Chelsea says

        March 2, 2018 at 11:07 am

        4 stars
        Same here with the chicken broth and ac vinegar, I hesitated adding it, but so glad I just followed the directions! It turned out so good! I actually cheated and added some corn chips and cheese for the kiddos because, well why not?! Haha. It was a hit, everyone at the table loved it! My daughter actually prefers cauliflower rice to real rice but she isn’t a fan of spanish anything unfortunately. All in all, I can say I’m glad to have leftovers for lunch today!

        Reply
        • Amy says

          March 2, 2018 at 1:20 pm

          Great to hear Chelsea! Thanks for stopping by!

          Reply
  5. Renee says

    April 25, 2017 at 1:56 am

    5 stars
    I grew up eating so much Spanish rice! So nostalgic for me! I can’t wait to try this!

    Reply
  6. Kari Peters says

    April 26, 2017 at 5:51 pm

    5 stars
    I never get enough of taco flavors, and these bowls look wonderful! Our Costco just started carrying ground turkey too, and it’s such a good deal!

    Reply
  7. Irena Macri says

    April 26, 2017 at 5:58 pm

    I’ve never thought to make Spanish rice with cauliflower somehow – looks sooo good paired with these taco bowls!

    Reply
  8. Michele Spring says

    April 26, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    I love this – for some reason I forget ground turkey can be used like this. I always think it needs to be made into a turkey burger, haha!

    Reply
  9. Katja says

    April 27, 2017 at 5:31 am

    This is my kind of meal. Looks delish!!

    Reply
  10. Allison Wojtowecz says

    April 27, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve been eating more turkey lately and these look like a perfect way to switch it up!

    Reply
  11. Cristina Curp says

    April 28, 2017 at 6:37 am

    Everything tastes better in a bowl… and these have ALL THE GOODS! Yum!

    Reply
  12. ChihYu says

    April 29, 2017 at 5:37 am

    5 stars
    YUm ! love taco bowls and I am going to try the Spanish rice recipe. I love Spanish flavored dishes !

    Reply
  13. Vanessa Woozley says

    April 30, 2017 at 10:03 am

    5 stars
    hmmmm yummy this looks so colourful and delicious.. I love spicy food and this has so many great spices added to it, wonderful recipe..

    Reply
  14. Real Food with Dana says

    April 30, 2017 at 3:46 pm

    I could definitely eat this every tuesday! Love this idea! And such great flavors too!

    Reply
  15. STACEY CRAWFORD says

    April 30, 2017 at 10:39 pm

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe for Cinco de Mayo! I’m always game for anything involving the word “taco”. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Taesha Butler (The Natural Nurturer) says

    May 1, 2017 at 12:51 am

    Adding these to the Taco Tuesday line up!

    Reply
  17. Jessica DeMay says

    May 1, 2017 at 2:51 am

    Oh man- this bowl looks amazing! I totally prefer bowls over tacos. Also- your pics are gorgeous!

    Reply
  18. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    May 1, 2017 at 6:16 am

    5 stars
    This is jam packed with so many delicious flavors! It sounds absolutely delicious.

    Reply
  19. Becky Winkler says

    May 3, 2017 at 2:48 am

    Love loaded bowls like this! Perfect for meal prep this time of year.

    Reply
  20. Georgina Young says

    May 8, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    My meat eating friends would go absolutely insane over this! Love the colours <3

    Reply
  21. Christina says

    June 7, 2017 at 11:50 pm

    Made this night and it was amazing! Thank you so much for this delicious recipe. It’s definitely a keeper!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      June 8, 2017 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      Great, glad you loved it Christina!

      Reply
  22. Vanessa says

    June 12, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Helllo,

    I am doing an elimination diet and im not able to have tomatoes, im wondering what i could possibly sub in for the tomato paste.

    Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      June 13, 2017 at 9:40 am

      Hi Vanessa, you can just leave it out altogether.

      Reply
  23. Mara says

    June 26, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    Would ground chicken work? …..and would I need to adjust cooking time or anything? Thank you, in advance!!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      June 26, 2017 at 5:08 pm

      Sure! Ground beef or chicken! Cooking directions and spices would all be the same.

      Reply
  24. Jen says

    July 2, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    4 stars
    This is one of the first recipes I tried during my first round of Whole30, and it’s one of my favorites! I generally hate cauliflower and this still didn’t do it for me plain, but mixed in with the meat and everything, it was great! I made mine into taco salads, tons of lettuce and fresh spinach, and added salsa. Only thing I’m not sure of is the vinegar in the meat, may cut that back a bit, it doesn’t seem to affect the taste much but does affect the smell.. Otherwise, delicious, and I’m about to go make it again!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      July 3, 2017 at 8:10 am

      So glad to hear, Jen!! This is how I do tacos all the time, LOVE IT!!

      Reply
  25. Chrissy says

    July 21, 2017 at 1:54 pm

    What are the serving sizes for the cauliflower rice and meat? This looks delicious!!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      July 21, 2017 at 7:43 pm

      Hi Chrissy, about 1/2 cup meat with 3/4-1 cup cauliflower rice. Hope that helps!

      Reply
  26. Jessica says

    August 4, 2017 at 6:49 pm

    Looks delish! How many servings would you say this recipe would be?

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      August 5, 2017 at 10:54 pm

      Hi Jessica, about 4 adult sized servings.

      Reply
  27. Tori says

    August 6, 2017 at 4:49 am

    5 stars
    This meal is FANTASTIC! 🙂 Made it two nights in a row, it was so tasty. Man and child approved, also! Thank you!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      August 6, 2017 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      Love to hear this, Tori! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  28. Danielle W says

    August 13, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    What is the topping you used in the pictures? It looks like some sort of seed.

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      August 13, 2017 at 5:16 pm

      Pumpkin seeds!!

      Reply
  29. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

    August 29, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    I have some turkey in my freezer and I now know what to do with it! This looks amazing!

    Reply
    • amy@wholesomelicious.com says

      August 29, 2017 at 2:06 pm

      Enjoy Kelly!!!

      Reply
  30. Jennifer says

    September 19, 2017 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, wow, wow. Just made it for my 3 year old and she asked for seconds! She loved it. Itcmakea me do happy that I can feed her this and she is getting great nutrition and flavor. She is learning that health y tastes great.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      YESSSS!!! The best when kids love our healthy food!

      Reply
  31. Jennifer says

    September 19, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, wow, wow. Just made it for my 3 year old and she asked for seconds! She loved it. It makes me so happy that I can feed her this and she is getting great nutrition and flavor. She is learning that healthy tastes great.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:51 pm

      5 stars
      Love hearing that!!!

      Reply
  32. Carly says

    February 7, 2018 at 9:02 pm

    5 stars
    I’m doing whole 30 and had some frozen turkey, so I just googled ‘whole 30, ground turkey’ to see what I could make. This link came up and it was amazing! It’s recipes like this that make me think I could do Whole 30 for longer than 30 days. Thank you for posting it!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      February 7, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      Love to hear that, Carly!! So glad you found my site 😃

      Reply
  33. Mary Barber says

    April 9, 2018 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    Made this dish yesterday. I love it. Spices gave the perfect kick.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      April 9, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Love to hear that, thanks Mary!

      Reply
  34. DJBJ says

    May 6, 2018 at 7:30 pm

    5 stars
    Yummy with a nice spice

    Reply
  35. Ariel Daniel says

    June 26, 2018 at 10:17 pm

    This dish was sooooo good. Would you happen to have the nutritional facts?

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 27, 2018 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Ariel,

      I just updated the recipe to include nutrition facts! They are in the notes section of the recipe. Glad you loved it!

      Reply
  36. Sarah says

    September 18, 2018 at 11:26 pm

    I made this last night. It was absolutely delicious!! The leftovers the next day were even better. Thank you so much for sharing! I’m excited to have a healthy recipe that tastes this good.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      Wooohooo!!!

      Reply
  37. Tiffany says

    October 11, 2018 at 8:17 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The only this I omitted was the salt. I Used Mrs. Dash instead. Thank you for such a wonderful meal.

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      Yay!! And you are welcome 😉

      Reply
  38. Susan Irving says

    December 16, 2018 at 12:18 am

    5 stars
    Made the Taco Bowls tonight, added in drained, rinsed black beans and 2 Tablespoons of mild chopped green chiles to cooked meat. It was wonderful. Topped ours with salad and shredded blend mexican cheese. It’s definitely a keeper!!
    Thank you for a wonderful recipe

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      Such great additions!!

      Reply
  39. Koreena says

    January 13, 2019 at 11:02 pm

    5 stars
    Super good! I followed it exactly, but I used 3 cups of frozen Walmart riced cauliflower, and I added cayenne to both the rice and turkey. I can’t find any flaws with this recipe. Great for any night of the week. Wish I could post a pic!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      So glad it was a hit!!

      Reply
  40. Lauren says

    February 21, 2019 at 11:30 am

    Delicious! Awesome flavor!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:53 pm

      5 stars
      So glad you loved it!

      Reply
  41. Nasha Hu says

    April 7, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious

    Reply
  42. Debbie Gray says

    June 13, 2019 at 8:21 pm

    5 stars
    Both recipes are delicious! This recipe is a keeper… thank you!!

    Reply
  43. Kristen says

    June 17, 2019 at 10:43 pm

    Made this for dinner tonight and this recipe was so delicious and flavorful loved every bite!

    Reply
    • Amy says

      June 19, 2019 at 1:52 pm

      5 stars
      Yessss! Love to hear that!

      Reply
  44. Alice says

    September 3, 2019 at 6:52 pm

    5 stars
    Made this recipe today for my family! Everyone loved it – and we are all Mexican so we can be very picky haha! Thank you for this delicious, Whole30 compliant dish 🙂

    Reply

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Welcome!

I’m Amy, foodie, nutritionist, recipe developer, wife, and busy mom of 2. I am on a mission to create everyday nutritious recipes that taste absolutely DELICIOUS!!! I love comfort food with a healthy twist. Follow me as I share the simple meals I make for my family. I’ll make meal planning easy by telling you exactly what we eat every week! Read More

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