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Ground turkey cottage cheese bowl with spinach in skillet ready to serve

Creamy Ground Turkey & Spinach Protein Bowl

A high-protein dinner bowl featuring ground turkey, cottage cheese, and spinach in a creamy salsa sauce, ready in just 15 minutes with one skillet.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey 93/7 lean preferred
  • 1.5 cups hot salsa use mild or medium to reduce heat if preferred
  • 1.5 cups cottage cheese 2% or 4% fat for best texture
  • 3 cups fresh spinach baby spinach works best
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.5 medium onion diced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for cooking

Equipment

  • Large skillet (flat nonstick recommended)
  • Meat chopper or sturdy spatula
  • Wooden spoon
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds until shimmering.
  2. Add ground turkey, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula or meat chopper into small, even pieces, about 6-7 minutes until no pink remains.
  3. Add diced onion, garlic powder, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent and the herbs release their aroma.
  4. Pour in the salsa and add the butter. Stir constantly until the butter melts completely, about 1-2 minutes, then add the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts completely, about 2-3 minutes, adding in batches if necessary.
  5. Stir in cottage cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook gently for another 2-3 minutes until the cottage cheese warms and the sauce becomes creamy, stirring occasionally.
  6. 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.
  7. Serve hot on its own or over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or your preferred base.

Notes

Ground turkey is a lean protein that absorbs surrounding flavors well. Ground chicken also works as a substitute. Use 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese for better texture and silkier consistency. Low-fat versions can get watery. Choose a salsa that fits your palate - chipotle-style adds smokiness, tomatillo blend brings brightness. Spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula. The 5-minute simmer allows flavors to meld and moisture to balance out properly.
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