Lighten up Taco Tuesday with these Ground Turkey Tacos! Simply seasoned ground turkey taco meat is piled into tortillas with your favorite toppings for an easy and flavor-packed 25-minute meal.
If I’m craving tacos but don’t want anything too heavy, I’m making these healthy Ground Turkey Tacos. They come together quickly with just a handful of ingredients, making them great for everything from easy weeknight dinners to meal prep to DIY taco bar parties.
The secret is in the sauce. Seasoning the ground turkey with taco seasoning and simmering it in salsa infuses it with rich, concentrated flavor, like something you’d get from a taco stand. The juicy, zesty turkey taco meat is perfect for piling into warm tortillas with lettuce, pico, cheese, cilantro, and sour cream or whatever you’re feeling!
The best part? The taco meat isn’t just for tacos. It’s also amazing in these ground turkey stuffed peppers and these southwest chicken bowls (instead of ground chicken). Plus, it’s high-protein and a bit lighter than your typical ground beef taco without sacrificing any flavor.
Recipe features
- Ground turkey makes a juicy, flavorful, and high-protein taco filling that’s a little lighter than traditional ground beef.
- Made with just 4 main ingredients in about 25 minutes! Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
- Mix and match the toppings as much as you’d like. Turkey tacos are delicious with salsa, sour cream, cheese, guacamole, and so much more.
Ingredients
Ground turkey – I like using 93% lean ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and moisture. Anything leaner can dry out quickly and may need a drizzle of oil in the pan to help it stay juicy.
Taco seasoning – A store-bought taco seasoning packet is all you need. Or, if you’re all out, make the seasoning yourself! Homemade taco seasoning can be made by mixing 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of oregano, and a pinch of cayenne (optional) together.
Salsa – I simmered the meat in tomato salsa to infuse it with flavor. I usually go for a chunky mild or medium red salsa, but use what you love—roasted tomato salsa for a smoky vibe or even salsa verde for a tangy twist.
Tortillas – Taco-sized corn or flour tortillas will get the job done. For a gluten-free option, stick with corn tortillas.
Fresh toppings – I love the classic contrast of crisp shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro. Don’t have any pico de gallo? Toss diced tomatoes, red onion, and a little lime juice together for a quick DIY version.
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the turkey. Add the ground turkey to a large skillet and cook it over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.
Step 2: Season. Stir in the taco seasoning to coat the turkey evenly. Let it cook for another minute.
Step 3: Simmer the sauce. Pour the jarred salsa and about 2 tablespoons of water into the skillet, and heat to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered until the salsa has thickened.
Step 4: Assemble and serve. While the taco filling simmers, warm your tortillas directly over a gas burner or in a dry skillet. Spoon the turkey taco meat into the tortillas, pile on your favorite taco toppings, and enjoy!
Tips and FAQs
- If you want that really fine classic taco meat texture, use a potato masher to break up the meat once it’s partially cooked. It works like a charm.
- After heating your tortillas, stack and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or foil to keep them warm and pliable while you prepare the rest of your toppings.
- If you want to save time or prepare the tacos ahead, cook the turkey meat and prepare the toppings 2 to 3 days in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge, then reheat the meat right before serving.
Tip
Want to make slow cooker ground turkey tacos? Brown the turkey in a skillet first, then transfer it to a slow cooker with the salsa and seasonings. Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours. This option is great for a make-your-own taco bar or meal prep.
Variations
- Sneak in more veggies – To stretch the filling and pack in a few more nutrients, consider sautéing finely diced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and/or mushrooms with the turkey. Just cook them until tender before adding the seasonings and salsa.
- Play with the toppings – Beyond the classic lettuce, cheese, pico, and sour cream combo, try sliced avocado or guacamole, pickled red onions, shredded cabbage, or a drizzle of chipotle aioli. Add jalapeño slices, hot sauce, or serrano salsa if you can handle the heat.
- Go low-carb – Feel free to swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps or collard greens, or spoon the ground turkey over a bowl of cauliflower rice for a low-carb take on turkey taco bowls.
Serving suggestions
These ground turkey tacos hold up just fine on their own, but I also love serving them with a spread of healthy Mexican-inspired sides, including cilantro lime brown rice and black bean corn salsa. And if you’re really going for it, chips and a big bowl of corn dip or queso never hurt.
Remember: the taco-seasoned ground turkey isn’t just for tacos. It also makes an excellent protein for nachos, tostadas, enchiladas, and burritos. I’ve also used it as a filling for stuffed peppers and tossed it into a taco salad. It’s super versatile!
How spicy is the turkey taco meat?
It depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you use. For a milder taco, stick with mild salsa and seasoning. Want to turn up the heat? Go for medium or hot salsa, or add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the pan.
Can I use ground chicken or ground beef instead?
Absolutely. This recipe works just as well with ground chicken, ground beef, or even plant-based crumbles, but you may need to adjust the cook time depending on the protein you’re using.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the ground turkey taco meat in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep any extra tortillas and toppings separate to preserve their texture and freshness.
Freezer: Let the taco meat cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or salsa if needed to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
More easy taco recipes
If you made this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and star rating below. Thanks!
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Add ground turkey to a skillet and heat over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up, cooking until it’s no longer pink. Then, add the taco seasoning and sauté for 1 minute.
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Pour in the salsa and water and bring the sauce to a simmer. Simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
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While the meat is simmering, prep the taco ingredients. Heat the tortillas over a gas grill or in a skillet. Then spoon the meat inside and add your desired toppings. Enjoy!
