Make quick and delicious ground turkey tacos perfect for weeknight dinner. This easy recipe is full of flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Try it tonight!
Why You’ll Love It
If you’re searching for a quick and healthy dinner idea, ground turkey tacos hit the spot perfectly. They’re packed with flavor, lean protein, and easy to customize. Plus, you can have these on the table in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is both satisfying and light.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean works best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (can substitute avocado oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (or low sodium chicken broth)
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (use gluten-free if needed)
- Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, lime wedges (all optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until the flavors meld and any excess liquid reduces.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon the turkey mixture onto tortillas and add your preferred toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, and a squeeze of lime.
Expert Tips
For the best ground turkey tacos, choose lean meat to avoid excess grease. If the mixture feels dry, add a splash more water or broth as it simmers. You can also swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef. Warm tortillas properly to keep them soft and flexible, which prevents cracking when folding.
Storage
Leftover ground turkey taco meat stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meat for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tortillas keep best stored separately to avoid sogginess.
Variations
- Vegan: Replace ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh and use vegan toppings.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
- Dairy-Free: Skip cheese and sour cream or use plant-based alternatives.
- Spice Level: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
FAQ
- Can I make ground turkey tacos ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prep the turkey mixture a day ahead and reheat it gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
- What can I use instead of ground turkey?
- Ground chicken, lean ground beef, or plant-based crumbles are good alternatives.
- How do I prevent the tacos from being dry?
- Cook the meat until just done, and add a little water or broth when simmering with spices to keep it moist.
- Are ground turkey tacos healthy?
- Yes, ground turkey is a lean protein that makes these tacos a nutritious, lower-fat choice compared to traditional beef tacos.
- How do I warm tortillas properly?
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to keep them pliable.
Call to Action
Give this ground turkey tacos recipe a try tonight and let us know how you liked it! Share your favorite toppings or any creative twists in the comments below. Don’t forget to save and share with friends who love easy, tasty dinners. For more simple meal ideas, check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners and get inspired.
For expert guidance on spices, visit Food Network. Explore more recipes similar to this in our Turkey Recipes collection.
