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Home ยป Recipe Index ยป Dinner and Main Course Recipes

Ground Turkey Tacos

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight Jessica Randhawa
April 24, 2022
4.83 from 176 votes


Last Updated April 24, 2022 | 9 Comments

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The Best Turkey Tacos Recipe (Ground Turkey Taco Meat) Pinterest Pin Image Collage
The Best Turkey Tacos Recipe (Ground Turkey Taco Meat) Pinterest Pin Image Collage

Ground Turkey Tacos that are quick, easy, healthy, and made with perfectly seasoned lean ground turkey. Ready in under 30 minutes, these delicious tacos are the perfect dinner solution for busy weeknights.

Three ground turkey tacos filled with ground turkey taco meat and topped with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese, on a small serving plate.

Ground Turkey for Tacos

So easy to make, this mouthwatering ground turkey taco meat is made by cooking lean ground turkey with taco seasoning and pureed tomatoes. Ready in less than 20 minutes, use it to make tacos, or add it to taco salads, taco soup, or cheesy taco pasta.

And while ground turkey taco meat may be lighter (and a whole lot healthier) than ground beef taco meat, it is just as flavorful, delicious, and juicy. 

I usually double (and sometimes triple) this recipe. The leftovers are delicious for at least 3-4 days and are perfect for meal prepping easy, high-protein lunches and dinners.

What is the Best Ground Turkey for Tacos?

I like to make this recipe with ground turkey breast (99% lean, and 1% fat). Unlike whole chicken or turkey breasts which tend to dry out when overcooked, this ground turkey is broken up into smaller pieces and is cooked with a little tomato sauce so it stays moist and juicy. If I plan to double the recipe, I will add one pound of ground turkey breast and one pound of ground turkey thigh meat (94% lean, 6% fat).

Overhead image of three soft tacos filled with ground turkey taco meat and topped with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and cheese.

Ground Turkey Taco Seasoning

You can use your favorite store-bought taco seasoning or make your own. My favorite homemade taco seasoning for both ground beef and ground turkey includes the following seasoning and spices,

  • Salt
  • Chili powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Cornstarch

How to Cook Ground Turkey for Tacos

Get started by heating the oil in a large 12-inch skillet set over medium heat. Add and cook the onions until softened, about 5-8 minutes. If the onions start to burn, reduce the heat slightly.

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Immediately start to break the turkey into smaller, bite-sized pieces using a wooden spoon or spatula.

Fully cook the ground turkey then drain about half of the liquid from the pan.

Return the skillet back to medium heat and add the seasoning and spices and tomato sauce. Mix well to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often.

Assemble into tacos with all your favorite toppings!

Collage of three images showing ground turkey taco meat cooking in a large skillet.

Taco Toppings

Some of my go-to taco toppings include,

  • Sour cream 
  • Avocado or guacamole 
  • Cilantro
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Diced Jalapeños
  • Red or green onion
  • Salsa or homemade pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Chopped tomatoes 
Overhead image of a saucepan filled with ground turkey taco meat.

Can you Freeze Leftover Turkey Taco Meat?

Yes! And it’s super easy to do.

To freeze: First, allow your meat to cool to room temperature. Next, divide the meat between the desired number of freezer-friendly bags or containers (I love these freezer-friendly reusable silicone bags). Remember to label how much taco meat is inside each bag.

To thaw: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or place the bag in a large bowl filled with warm water. Allow the meat to loosen up enough to remove from the bag and either transfer to a skillet or microwave-safe bowl to reheat completely.

Three ground turkey tacos filled with ground turkey taco meat and topped with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese, on a small serving plate.

How to Serve

Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice or Spanish-style rice, refried beans, and a small serving of shredded iceberg lettuce. Other popular sides include chips and salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole, and margaritas!

More Delicious Ground Turkey Recipes to Try,

  • Ground Turkey Molé Tostada Stacks
  • Easy Russian Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey
  • Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
  • Mediterranean Grilled Turkey Burgers
  • Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
  • Easy Meatballs Recipe (and How to Freeze Them!)
  • Ground Turkey Pasta Recipe
Overhead image of two soft tacos filled with ground turkey taco meat and topped with halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and cheese.

Have you tried making this Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me #theforkedspoon on Instagram if you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.

RECIPE CARD

Three ground turkey tacos filled with ground turkey taco meat and topped with tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese, on a small serving plate.

The Best Turkey Tacos Recipe (Ground Turkey Taco Meat)

4.83 from 176 votes
AuthorAuthor: Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa
Ground Turkey Tacos made with lean ground turkey and seasoned to juicy, flavorful perfection! Quick, easy, and healthier than your favorite ground beef tacos, have your own ground turkey taco meat ready in under 30 minutes and use to make turkey tacos, taco salads, burritos, or enchiladas!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 188 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion - diced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey - (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder - only if you like a little spice/heat
  • ½ teaspoon cornstarch - optional
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
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Instructions
 

  • Heat the oil in a large 12-inch skillet set over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until the onions are soft, stirring often to prevent burning.
  • Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and use a large wooden spoon or spatula to break the turkey into smaller, bite-size pieces.
  • Fully cook the ground turkey then carefully drain about half of the liquid from the pan.
  • Return to medium-high heat and add the spices and the tomato sauce to the ground turkey and onions. Mix well to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often.
  • Serve wrapped in flour or corn tortillas with all your favorite toppings! Enjoy!

Jessica’s Notes

  • I like to double the recipe and purchase one pound of ground turkey breast (1% fat) and one pound of ground turkey thigh meat. That’s what you see in the images above.
  • You can also make a large-batch homemade taco seasoning mix! Per 1 pound of ground meat, you’ll want to use approximately 1 – 1.5 tablespoons of taco seasoning.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 986mg | Potassium: 609mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 922IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Did You Make This Recipe? Tag it Today!Mention @theforkedspoon or tag #theforkedspoon and please leave your star rating in the comment section below.

About Jessica

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

783 shares
Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

About Jessica Randhawa

Chef Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon. A world traveler, Jessica developed her passion for culinary arts while adventuring. With her recipes making their way onto renowned platforms such as Women's Health, Daily Mail, Al Jazeera, and Fox News, she's marked her presence in the culinary world. Jessica's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

Comments

  1. Michael says

    September 14, 2023 at 10:15 am

    5 stars
    I’m a bit confused, maybe someone can help. In the recipe it says to add the taco seasoning after browning the meat however, in the bulk taco seasoning recipe it says it’s best to add it to the meat before cooking. So which is it before or after?

    Reply
    • Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa says

      September 14, 2023 at 10:26 am

      Hi Michael,

      Per step 4 in the recipe card above, you add the spices(seasoning) and tomato sauce after cooking and draining in steps 2 and 3 ๐Ÿ™‚ :

      ”
      4. Return to medium-high heat and add the spices and the tomato sauce to the ground turkey and onions. Mix well to combine. Continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring often.
      “

      Reply
  2. Hayden says

    September 9, 2023 at 5:00 pm

    5 stars
    Literally soooo good. My super picky toddler loves this served as tacos. Thank you for sharing ๐Ÿฉท

    Reply
  3. Joanie says

    May 29, 2023 at 9:32 am

    5 stars
    Iโ€™ve been using these seasonings minus the oregano for years now. My granddaughter told me to stop using that package taco seasoning and make my own after she became a Pescatarian at 16. Stop eating Beef back in the 90s! Thank you

    Reply
    • Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa says

      May 31, 2023 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks for the great feedback and rating, Joanie ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Bryan says

    December 13, 2022 at 6:23 pm

    5 stars
    Literally the best recipe for ground Turkey tacos this s*** is crazy!

    Reply
  5. Tee says

    September 6, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    Ok, thank you ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  6. Tee says

    September 6, 2022 at 4:14 pm

    I’m assuming you add the corn starch w the tomato sauce? It’s not listed in the directions.

    Reply
    • Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa says

      September 6, 2022 at 4:33 pm

      The optional corn starch can be added with the other spices ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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Recipe Rating




4.83 from 176 votes (171 ratings without comment)

Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Welcome to The Forked Spoon! I’m Chef Jessica Randhawa, and for over 14 years, I’ve been crafting and sharing more than 1200 recipes, blending delicious flavors with practical kitchen tips and expert culinary advice to elevate your everyday cooking. Learn more about meโ†’

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