Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl for Healthy Family Meals

Turkey bacon is the healthier cousin of traditional bacon, making its debut in the late 20th century as a leaner, poultry-based alternative. Crafted to mimic the smoky, savory flavor of classic pork bacon, it quickly won over fans looking for a guilt-free breakfast option. While it might lack the sizzle of its porky counterpart, turkey bacon has carved out a crispy niche in kitchens everywhere!

Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl

This Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl is a balanced, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Packed with fiber-rich brown rice, protein from turkey bacon & kidney beans, and plenty of veggies, it’s a comforting dish that doesn’t compromise on nutrition. Plus, it's easy to make in one pan - less cleanup, more time around the table.

Ingredients for Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl.

Ingredients

• 1 cup  long-grain brown rice, uncooked

• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 cup onion, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 cup onion, finely chopped

• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, finely crushed

• 6 slices turkey bacon, finely chopped

• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

How to make Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl

• Cook the rice according to the package directions, using 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Uncooked rice added to water and salt.

• Meanwhile, in a large nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium heat.

• Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Then add the bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, and thyme cooking in olive oil & salt.

• Stir in the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.

Turkey bacon added to cooked onion and bell pepper mixture.

• Add the beans and tomatoes (with their liquid). Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Red beans and tomotoes added to bacon and cooked vegetables.

Ingredients simmering in pan on low heat for 15 minutes.

• Serve the bean mixture over the hot rice. Enjoy!

Red bean bowl mixture served with hot rice.

THE RECIPE

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Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl

Yield: 6

Author: Veronica Allende

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain brown rice, uncooked
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, finely crushed
• 6 slices turkey bacon, finely chopped
• 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Instructions

1. Cook the rice according to the package directions, using 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
2. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Then add the bell pepper, celery, garlic, thyme, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
5. Add the beans and tomatoes (with their liquid). Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve the bean mixture over the hot rice. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

356

Fat

7 g

Carbs

56 g

Protein

18 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes! White rice cooks faster and has a softer texture. Just adjust the cooking time and follow the package instructions.

Q. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Just skip the turkey bacon or swap it for plant-based bacon or smoked tempeh to keep that savory, smoky flavor.

Q. Can I meal prep this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully. Store the rice and bean mixture separately for best texture.

Q. Are canned beans healthy?

Definitely. Canned beans are a great time-saver and still packed with protein, fiber & nutrients. Just rinse them to reduce sodium.

This Hearty Turkey Bacon Red Bean Bowl is the kind of feel-good meal that checks all the boxes - easy to make, full of flavor, and nourishing for the whole family. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or just craving a cozy dinner, it's a reliable go-to that keeps things wholesome without feeling like “health food.” Dig in, enjoy, and don’t forget to share leftovers (if there are any)!

Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,

Founder of HealthWealth

Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.

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