Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a taco night to bring some zest and excitement to the dinner table, and these turkey tacos are about to become your new favorite go-to. With juicy, flavorful turkey and all the delicious fixings, each bite feels like a fiesta bursting with flavor, reminding you why tacos are life.

I love preparing dishes that provide a nutritious take on old favorites. Tacos made with ground turkey are a prime example.

Their spice mix—chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika, plus tender onions and garlic—gives these tacos the kind of flavor balance you’d expect from a meaty Mexican dish. Two fresh toppings: sliced avocado and a spritz of lime ensure a refreshing dinner.

Ingredients

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein source, low in fat, aids muscle building.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, rich in antioxidants, enhances flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness, fiber-rich, contains antioxidants.
• Garlic: Provides bold flavor, immune-boosting properties, antioxidant-rich.
• Chili Powder: Spicy kick, contains capsaicin, boosts metabolism.
• Cumin: Earthy aroma, aids digestion, rich in iron.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds moisture, rich in vitamin C, lycopene antioxidant.
• Avocado: Creamy texture, healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium-rich.
• Shredded Cheese: Adds richness, good calcium source, protein-rich.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make this

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the olive oil. When it is hot, add the very finely minced onion and cook until softened.

2. Add the garlic, which has been minced, to the skillet. Then, cook it in there for one more minute, and do so until it gives off a scent and smells good.

3. Place the ground turkey into the skillet and cook it. While the turkey is cooking, break it apart with a spoon to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and that there are no large, undercooked chunks of turkey in the final dish. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the meat is browned and cooked all the way through.

4. Incorporate the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.

5. Include the chicken broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Reduced to low heat, let simmer for about 5 minutes, waiting for the melding of flavors and the slight thickening of the sauce.

6. At the same time that the turkey mixture is to be simmering, you should prepare the corn tortillas in a dry skillet. Place the tortillas in the skillet and set the burner to medium heat. Leave the tortillas in the skillet for about 30 seconds, then flip them over to heat the second side. After another 30 seconds in the skillet, the tortillas should be warm and pliable. If they are not, you may need to repeat this process until they are.

7. For the tacos, warm the tortillas, then place a portion of the turkey mixture onto each.

8. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream go on top.

9. On top of each taco, add slices of avocado.

10. Immediately serve the tacos with wedges of lime on the side so that those dining may squeeze the lime over the tacos before consuming them. Enjoyment of this dish is highly recommended!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Dry skillet
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Measuring cups
8. Spoon (for sour cream)
9. Platter or plate (for serving tacos)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?Absolutely, ground turkey can be swapped for ground chicken or beef if you want a different flavor profile.
• How can I make the tacos spicier?To make it more fiery, add even more crushed red pepper flakes or throw in some diced jalapeños.
• Are there vegetarian options for this taco recipe?Certainly! You might substitute the ground turkey with either cooked lentils or a meat substitute such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• Can these be made in advance for meal prep?Indeed, the turkey filling can be prepared beforehand and kept in the refrigerator for as long as 3 days. Put together tacos when you are set to eat.
• Should I use hard or soft tortillas?This recipe prefers corn tortillas, but hard taco shells are also a great option for added crunch.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free?Do not include the cheese or sour cream; instead, use dairy-free substitutes.

Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Ground turkey: If substituting with ground chicken or ground beef.
Vegetable oil: Substitute with peanut oil or canola oil.
Corn oil: Substitute with safflower oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil.
Salsa or canned crushed tomatoes can be used in place of tomato sauce.
Chicken broth: Substitute with beef broth or vegetable broth.
Corn tortillas: You can use flour tortillas or whole wheat tortillas instead.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Spices Before adding the spices to the turkey, you can briefly toast them in the skillet to enhance their flavors. Just remove the cooked turkey, toast the spices in the residual oil, and then return the turkey to the skillet to combine.

2. Brown the Turkey For more flavor, allow the ground turkey to brown slightly before breaking it apart. This adds depth to the flavor as the browning process enhances the meat’s natural taste through the Maillard reaction.

3. Heat the Tortillas Properly To keep the tortillas warm and pliable for serving, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or place them in a tortilla warmer after heating in the skillet.

4. Customize the Heat Level If serving a crowd with varied heat preferences, consider serving the crushed red pepper flakes on the side. Individuals can then adjust the spice level to their liking as they build their taco.

5. Add Fresh Herbs A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top of the tacos just before serving can add a burst of flavor and freshness that complements the dish well.