Easy Ground Turkey Tacos – Healthy, Flavorful Weeknight Dinner Recipe

Zesty Fiesta-Style Ground Turkey Tacos

A quick, health-conscious twist on classic tacos—lean ground turkey perfectly seasoned, simmered with salsa, and topped with your favorite fixings. Ready in 20 minutes!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 –8 tacos

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 160

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ pounds lean ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• ¾ cup your favorite salsa
• 6 –8 flour tortillas
• Shredded lettuce shredded cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, cilantro (for topping)

Method

 

1. Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, break it up with a spatula, and sear until lightly browned.
2. Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Mix in the taco seasoning; cook for another minute to toast the spices.
4. Pour in the salsa, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens.
5. Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a warm oven for 1–2 minutes per side.
6. Spoon the turkey mixture into tortillas and finish with shredded lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cilantro.

Zesty Fiesta-Style Ground Turkey Tacos

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

• Speedy Prep: From pan to plate in just 20 minutes.
• Lean & Flavorful: Ground turkey keeps it light, while bold spices deliver authentic taco taste.
• Customizable: Stack on your favorite toppings—cheese, pico, guacamole, cilantro—you name it.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1½ pounds lean ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
• ¾ cup salsa (choose a smooth or salsa verde for variety)
• 6–8 flour tortillas
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, guacamole, chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Turkey: Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add turkey, break into pieces, and brown lightly.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toast the Seasoning: Sprinkle in taco seasoning, stir for one minute to bloom the spices.
4. Simmer with Salsa: Pour in salsa, reduce heat, and let simmer 4–5 minutes until saucy and thickened.
5. Warm Tortillas: In a separate dry skillet or 350°F oven, heat tortillas 1–2 minutes per side.
6. Assemble & Serve: Fill each tortilla with turkey mixture and top as desired.

Chef’s Special Tips

• Extra Depth: Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth before adding salsa for richer flavor.
• Crispy Shells: For a crunchy taco, brush tortillas with oil and bake at 375°F for 5 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Stretch the Filling: Stir in drained black beans or corn in the last minute of cooking—great for feeding a crowd.

Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap salsa for tomatillo salsa verde for a tangy twist.
• Add diced bell peppers or caramelized onions along with the garlic.
• Top with crumbled queso fresco, pickled jalapeños, or a squeeze of fresh lime.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate: Store cooked turkey and toppings separately in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Reheat: Microwave filling with a splash of water or salsa to restore moisture.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked turkey in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Disclosure Policy

Source link: https://therecipecritic.com/ground-turkey-tacos/