Low Carb Crockpot Turkey Burrito Bowl

Craving a delicious and satisfying burrito bowl without the guilt? Look no further than this Low Carb Crockpot Turkey Burrito Bowl! This recipe is packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for meal prepping or a weeknight dinner. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, seasoned ground turkey and a vibrant, healthy bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Turkey Burrito Bowl

This isn’t just another bland low-carb meal. It’s a fiesta in a bowl, offering a ton of benefits:

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker handles the majority of the cooking, freeing you up to do other things. Simply dump the ingredients in, set it, and forget it!
• Flavorful and Satisfying: A blend of spices and seasonings creates a deeply savory and aromatic turkey base that’s sure to please.
• Low Carb and Healthy: Ditching the rice and beans common in traditional burrito bowls significantly reduces the carbohydrate count, making it ideal for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
• Customizable: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the spices, add your favorite vegetables, and top it with your preferred low-carb toppings.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy healthy, ready-to-eat lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients for Your Low Carb Crockpot Turkey Burrito Bowl

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and healthy meal:

• Ground Turkey: 1.5 – 2 pounds of lean ground turkey (93/7 is a good choice).
• Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can, undrained.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons, for richness and thickening.
• Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped.
• Bell Pepper: 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped.
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced.
• Chili Powder: 2 tablespoons, for that classic burrito flavor.
• Cumin: 1 tablespoon, adding warmth and earthiness.
• Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for a smoky depth.
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried.
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste), for a kick.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, to prevent sticking and add moisture.
• Lime Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed, to brighten the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Optional Low-Carb Toppings:

• Avocado: Diced or sliced.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Full-fat for the best flavor and texture.
• Salsa: Choose a low-sugar or homemade version.
• Jalapeños: Sliced, for extra heat.
• Cilantro: Freshly chopped, for a burst of freshness.
• Lettuce: Shredded, for added crunch.
• Cauliflower Rice: As a base instead of traditional rice.
• Guacamole: Creamy and delicious.

How to Make Low Carb Crockpot Turkey Burrito Bowl

This recipe is so simple, it’s practically foolproof! Follow these easy steps:

1. Brown the Turkey (Optional): While not strictly necessary, browning the ground turkey before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. If skipping this step, add the raw turkey directly to the slow cooker.

2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the browned (or raw) ground turkey, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook on Low or High: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

4. Shred and Finish: Once cooked, use a fork to shred the turkey. Stir in the fresh lime juice.

5. Assemble Your Bowl: Spoon the turkey mixture into bowls. Top with your favorite low-carb toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, cilantro, and lettuce. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Low Carb Turkey Burrito Bowl

• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked turkey can become dry. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onion, and bell pepper will provide the best flavor.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
• Spice it Up: Add a can of diced green chilies or a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
• Low Carb Base Options: Cauliflower rice works great, or just use shredded lettuce as your bowl base!

Variations and Customization

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Spicy Chorizo Twist: Replace half of the ground turkey with spicy chorizo for a flavorful kick.
• Creamy Chipotle: Stir in a dollop of chipotle pepper sauce at the end of the cooking time for a smoky, creamy flavor.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Add diced cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. Use oregano and a bit of lemon zest for seasoning.
• Pizza Burrito Bowl: Add pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and pizza sauce for a fun and unexpected twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Low Carb Crockpot Turkey Burrito Bowl is a complete meal on its own. However, here are some serving suggestions:

• As a Salad: Serve the turkey mixture over a bed of mixed greens with your favorite low-carb dressings.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use the turkey mixture to stuff bell peppers for a delicious and healthy stuffed pepper dish.
• Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
• With Low-Carb Tortillas: Use low-carb tortillas to make tacos or burritos.
• Meal Prep for the Week: Divide the turkey mixture into individual containers and top with your favorite toppings for easy and healthy meal prep.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Low Carb Crockpot Turkey Burrito Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture has dried out.

FAQ About Low Carb Turkey Burrito Bowls

• Is ground turkey keto-friendly? Yes, ground turkey is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a ketogenic diet.
• What toppings are low-carb for a burrito bowl? Good low-carb toppings include avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa (low-sugar), jalapeños, cilantro, lettuce, and guacamole.
• Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Brown the turkey using the sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Can I freeze this burrito bowl? Yes, this burrito bowl freezes well. Allow the cooked turkey mixture to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can remove the lid from the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 30-60 minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can stir in a tablespoon of coconut flour or xanthan gum as a thickening agent.
• Can I use chicken instead of turkey? Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey in this recipe. The cooking time will remain the same.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free toppings and avoid any cross-contamination during preparation.