Are you looking for a delicious, nutritious meal that fits perfectly into your Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 lifestyle? Look no further than these Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice! This recipe combines lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables, all served over a bed of savory cabbage rice. It’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Plus, it’s simple to make, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
With the delightful crunch of cabbage and the heartiness of turkey, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of creating this wholesome meal that everyone will love!
The Upside of Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice (Keto, Paleo, Whole30)

Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice is a versatile dish that is not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. Ground turkey is a lean source of protein, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. The cabbage acts as a low-carb alternative to traditional rice, fitting perfectly into a Keto or Paleo diet. Moreover, this dish is packed with colorful veggies, ensuring that you’re getting a variety of vitamins and minerals in every bite.
Whether you’re following a strict diet or just looking to enjoy a tasty meal, these bowls provide a nourishing option that won’t leave you feeling deprived. Plus, they are easy to customize according to your preferences, making them a win-win for everyone at the table!
Ingredients at a Glance
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 zucchini squash, chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sea salt, to taste
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 large head green cabbage, grated
- 1/2 tsp sea salt, to taste
Tools of the Trade
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing all your ingredients together.
- Cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables and prepping your ingredients.
- Sharp knife: A good knife is key to making quick work of your chopping tasks.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing the ingredients as they cook.
- Grater or food processor: For quickly shredding the cabbage into rice-like pieces.
Mastering Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice (Keto, Paleo, Whole30): How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Rice
Begin by grating the large head of green cabbage using a grater or a food processor. This will serve as your base for the bowls, mimicking the texture of rice. Set it aside for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and chopped apple, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Incorporate the chopped mushrooms and zucchini squash into the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground ginger, and sea salt. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
Step 4: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Stir in the Spinach
Once the turkey is cooked through, fold in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine with Cabbage Rice
Add the grated cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Season with additional sea salt if desired and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Scoop the mixture into bowls, and enjoy your Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice while it’s warm. This dish is perfect on its own, but feel free to top it with avocado slices or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Fit It to Your Goals

- For a lower-carb option, stick with the cabbage rice and skip any additional grains.
- Make it more filling by adding nuts or seeds as a topping.
- For added flavor, consider including spices like paprika or cumin.
- If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or any seasonal veggies you enjoy.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the turkey is too dry, consider adding a splash of chicken broth to the skillet while cooking.
- Overcooked cabbage can become mushy; aim to sauté it just until it softens slightly.
- To prevent sticking, ensure your skillet is adequately greased with avocado oil.
- If you find the flavors bland, adjust the seasoning with more herbs and spices to your liking.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To cool, let the dish come to room temperature before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. The flavors will meld even more, making your second serving just as delicious as the first!
Troubleshooting Q&A
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
You can easily swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if you prefer a different protein source. Both options will work wonderfully in this recipe!
Can I freeze the Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just ensure that it is stored in an airtight container and consumed within 2-3 months for the best flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also serve it with a spicy sauce on the side!
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils or chickpeas, and the dish will remain hearty and flavorful without the meat.
Cook This Next
See You at the Table
There you have it! Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice (Keto, Paleo, Whole30) is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and health. With the ease of preparation and the ability to customize to your liking, this dish is perfect for anyone striving to maintain a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in a bowl of goodness that’s sure to please your palate and nourish your body. Happy cooking!

Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice (Keto, Paleo, Whole30)
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and chopped
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups mushrooms chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini squash chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp sea salt to taste
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 large head green cabbage grated
- 1/2 tsp sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by grating the large head of green cabbage using a grater or a food processor. This will serve as your base for the bowls, mimicking the texture of rice. Set it aside for later.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and chopped apple, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the chopped mushrooms and zucchini squash into the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, ground ginger, and sea salt. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the turkey is cooked through, fold in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the grated cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine all the ingredients. Season with additional sea salt if desired and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
- Scoop the mixture into bowls, and enjoy your Ground Turkey Bowls with Cabbage Rice while it’s warm. This dish is perfect on its own, but feel free to top it with avocado slices or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Grater or food processor
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, stick with the cabbage rice and skip any additional grains.
- Make it more filling by adding nuts or seeds as a topping.
- For added flavor, consider including spices like paprika or cumin.
- If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or any seasonal veggies you enjoy.
