taco turkey meat recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best taco turkey meat recipe

I’ve been making this taco turkey meat recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love it because it’s a fun twist on traditional tacos, and my husband appreciates how easy it is to make. The best part?

It’s incredibly healthy, with lean turkey breast and a rainbow of colorful vegetables. I like to serve it in a variety of ways – as a taco salad, in a bowl with all the fixings, or even as a wrap. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s so versatile.

You can make it on the weekend for a special occasion or on a Tuesday night for a quick dinner. My family loves when I serve it with all the traditional taco toppings, like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. But I also like to get creative and add some new twists, like sliced avocado or pickled jalapeños.

Either way, it’s always a winner. I’ve made this recipe so many times that I’ve lost count, but I never get tired of it. The flavors are just right – tangy from the lime juice, savory from the cumin, and rich from the turkey.

And the best part? It’s so easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for later. I often make a big batch on Sunday night and use it throughout the week for lunches and dinners.

My family loves when I serve it with some crusty tortillas and a side of Mexican street corn – it’s the perfect combo.

Taco Turkey Meat

4.5 from 1779 votes

A flavorful and healthy taco turkey meat recipe perfect for taco night. Ground turkey seasoned with classic taco spices, cooked until browned and crispy.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Taco Turkey Meat

1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup water
1 tbsp tomato paste

For Serving

4-6 taco shells
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Fresh cilantro

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
3Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4Add ground turkey to the skillet.
5Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat if necessary.
7Stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano.
8Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to combine the spices with the turkey.
9Pour in water and tomato paste, stirring to combine.
10Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11The mixture should thicken slightly and the flavors should be well combined.
12Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
13Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
14The turkey mixture should be moist but not watery.
15Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
16Spoon the taco turkey meat into the taco shells, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
17Serve immediately and enjoy.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet with lid
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 20g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier taco meat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans for added protein and fiber.

I love that I can make this recipe in a slow cooker or on the stove top. I love that I can customize it to my families liking. This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It is a perfect recipe for family gatherings.

It is a lot healthier than the traditional beef taco and it is a lot easier to make. You can make it in a slow cooker or on the stove top and it is always a hit. It is a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables and lean protein. I always make sure to add plenty of vegetables to this recipe.

I will add diced onions, diced bell peppers, and even diced tomatoes. I also add black beans and corn to this recipe. This recipe is a great way to get your family to eat more vegetables and lean protein. I always make sure to add plenty of vegetables to this recipe.

I will add diced onions, diced bell peppers, and even diced tomatoes. I also add black beans and corn to this recipe. Make this taco turkey meat recipe for your next family gathering and enjoy!.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Turkey Meat

Q: What type of turkey should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. If you prefer to use chicken breasts, make sure to pound them thin so they cook evenly.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

A: Yes, you can use ground beef instead of turkey if you prefer a more traditional taco flavor. Just be sure to cook the beef until it’s fully browned before adding the spices and other ingredients.

Q: How do I store leftover taco meat?

A: Leftover taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to heat it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by cooking the turkey mixture and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. When reheating, follow the same instructions as above.

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