If you’re hunting for a high-protein dinner that comes together in minutes, this creamy ground turkey and spinach bowl might just earn a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s fast, satisfying, and surprisingly rich—thanks to the magic of cottage cheese, which melts into the turkey and salsa to create a savory, velvety sauce.
With just one skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and 15 minutes on the clock, this dish delivers big flavor and balanced nutrition without slowing you down. Whether you’re meal prepping or need something quick after work, it’s a comforting, fuss-free meal you’ll make more than once.
Let’s break down how to bring it all together.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe isn’t just about saving time—it’s about building deep flavor in a short window. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- One-pan simplicity: Less mess, faster cleanup.
- High-protein, low-carb: Ideal for those watching carbs or upping protein.
- Customizable heat level: Control the spice with your salsa of choice.
- Creamy without cream: Cottage cheese offers richness without the heaviness of cream or cheese sauce.
- Nutrient-dense: Spinach, lean turkey, and fermented dairy make this bowl feel both hearty and wholesome.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
Each ingredient here brings something important to the table—flavor, texture, or nutrition. Understanding their roles will help you riff on this recipe if needed.
- Ground turkey: A lean, mild protein that absorbs surrounding flavors. Ground chicken also works well.
- Cottage cheese: Melts into the skillet to create a creamy base. Look for 2% or 4% fat for better texture.
- Salsa: Adds moisture, acidity, and spice. Go hot for kick, mild for a more mellow profile.
- Spinach: Adds color and nutrients without much prep. Kale or arugula can be subbed in.
- Worcestershire sauce: A subtle umami booster that enhances depth.
- Onion & garlic powder: Aromatics to build flavor quickly.
- Butter: Adds a hint of richness and smooths the sauce.
- Herbs & red pepper flakes: For extra layers of seasoning and heat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
You won’t need anything fancy here—just a good skillet and 15 minutes.
- Brown the turkey
Heat a swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned—about 6–7 minutes. - Add aromatics
Stir in diced onion, garlic powder, oregano, and basil. Cook for 3–5 minutes, letting the onion soften and the herbs bloom in the heat. - Incorporate salsa and spinach
Pour in the salsa and drop in the butter. Once it melts, add the spinach and cook until just wilted—about 2–3 minutes. - Create the creamy base
Stir in the cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cottage cheese warms and the sauce begins to unify. - Simmer and finish
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. - Serve your way
Spoon into bowls over rice, quinoa, or roasted sweet potatoes—or keep it low-carb by eating it as-is.
Tips for Best Results
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a silkier texture. Low-fat versions can get a bit watery.
- Choose a salsa that fits your palate. A chipotle-style one adds smokiness; a tomatillo blend brings brightness.
- Don’t skip the simmer. This short resting cook time allows flavors to meld and moisture to balance out.
- Need more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce when stirring in the salsa.
Storage & Meal Prep Suggestions
This dish stores beautifully and reheats well, making it ideal for batch cooking.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in individual containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave in 1-minute bursts or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Variations to Try
This base recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian version: Swap turkey for plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- Extra veggies: Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers in step 2.
- Dairy-free: Use a cashew-based ricotta or dairy-free cottage cheese substitute.
- Over grains: Serve atop brown rice, farro, or cauliflower rice for a complete bowl.
What to Serve It With
Though it’s great on its own, you can round out the meal with simple sides:
- Steamed broccoli or roasted carrots for added fiber
- Tortilla chips or warm naan for scooping if you’re not low carb
- Pickled red onions or avocado slices to add brightness
Nutritional Highlights
This bowl checks a lot of boxes for those tracking their nutrition:
- High protein (~30g per serving depending on cottage cheese type)
- Low in carbs, especially if served without a grain base
- Rich in calcium and iron from the spinach and cottage cheese
- Naturally gluten-free as written
Final Thoughts
This creamy turkey and spinach skillet bowl proves that quick cooking doesn’t have to mean boring meals. With minimal prep and maximum flexibility, it’s a weeknight workhorse you’ll find yourself making on repeat.
Whether you enjoy it over rice, scoop it with flatbread, or dig in straight from the pan, the combination of lean turkey, melted cottage cheese, and zesty salsa packs a flavorful punch in every bite.
Simple, hearty, and nourishing—exactly what a modern home-cooked meal should be.
Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl
Ingredients
Main 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
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for cooking
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6–7 minutes.
- Add diced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the onion softens and the herbs release their aroma.
- 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.
- Stir in 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.
- 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.
- Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to preference.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Adjust salsa heat level according to your spice preference.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve over grains or eat on its own for a low-carb option.
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