📖 Instructions

1. Gather Your Gear: Lay out all of your ingredients and the necessary tools – a large skillet, cutting board, chef's knife, measuring cups and spoons. It’s like prepping your battle station before the culinary adventure begins!
2. Prep the Turkey: If using ground turkey, ensure it’s fully thawed. Pat it dry with paper towels. This will help it brown nicely in the skillet rather than steam.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the bell pepper softens—about 5-7 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell amazing, I promise!
4. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's browned, ensuring no pink remains. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease from the skillet; nobody wants a greasy bowl!
5. Spice It Up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, so the spices bloom and release their flavors. Trust me, this step makes a world of difference!
6. Simmer with Beans and Salsa: Pour in the black beans (rinsed and drained), corn (if using), diced tomatoes, and salsa. Mix everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Cook the Rice: While the turkey mixture simmers, cook the rice according to package directions. Fluff it with a fork once it’s done. If you're using pre-cooked rice, just heat it up.
8. Prep the Toppings: While the turkey and rice are cooking, prepare your toppings. Dice the avocado, chop the cilantro, shred the cheese (if using), and slice the green onions. Get creative and add anything else that tickles your fancy!
9. Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice evenly among bowls. Spoon the turkey and black bean mixture over the rice. Top with your prepared toppings – avocado, cilantro, cheese, green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or a squeeze of lime juice. The more toppings, the merrier!
10. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your turkey and black bean bowls immediately. Every bite is a fiesta in your mouth!