5 from 1,218 votes
Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
This Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe uses lean ground turkey seasoned with a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cayenne, then cooked with onions, garlic, and tomato sauce. The mixture simmers to a thick taco meat that's flavorful but not dry. Served with tortillas and toppings like lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, and avocado, it makes a versatile taco filling.
Prep Time
3 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
4
servings (1 cup each)
Calories:
212 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American, Mexican
Ingredients
For the taco seasoning (see note 1):
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin ground
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the tacos:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 pound ground turkey (see note 2)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (see note 3)
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
Toppings for serving:
- corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- lettuce shredded
- diced tomatoes
- sour cream
- cheddar cheese shredded
- avocado pitted, peeled, and diced
Instructions
To make the taco seasoning:
- In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon), Whisk in cornstarch if desired. (Or, substitute one packet store-bought taco seasoning).
Cup of Yum
To make the tacos:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning, garlic, and oregano until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost cooked through but still slightly pink, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
To serve:
- Serve the meat hot with the tortillas and all your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, and diced avocado.
Notes
- Homemade taco seasoning is provided but can be substituted with a store-bought packet if preferred.
- Use 93% lean ground turkey to maintain moisture; very lean (99%) turkey breast tends to be dry.
- Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness balancing the spices but can be omitted if undesired.
- The recipe yields approximately 4 cups of taco meat, enough for 4 servings.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1 cup meat
Calories
212kcal
(11%)
Carbohydrates
7g
(2%)
Protein
22g
(44%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
(18%)
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
84mg
(28%)
Sodium
116mg
(5%)
Potassium
368mg
(8%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
932IU
(19%)
Vitamin C
3mg
(3%)
Calcium
60mg
(6%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings (1 cup each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 212
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 cup meat | |
| Calories | 212kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 84mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 116mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 368mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 932IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 60mg | 6% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.