Ground Turkey Tacos
Taco night is here, let’s make something fresh and new! These ground turkey tacos are the perfect combo of bright and fresh flavors and simple ingredients, making them a delicious (and easy!) option for busy weeknights. The ground turkey is seasoned with a mix of taco spices and simmered with salsa to add another layer of flavor for juicy and delicious taco meat every time. Stuff into tortillas and add your favorite fresh toppings.
Fast, flavorful, and nutritious! 🌮
We’re sort of into the Taco Tuesday concept at our house right now, though a friend just mentioned that they use special Taco Tuesday themed placemats and I may need to level up our own theme at home, I like that idea!
When I set out to create a new recipe, I’m usually trying to do one or two (or maybe both!) things: I’m always trying to add IN nutrition to my recipes AND make them easier and more streamlined. That’s what I’ve done here by using salsa instead of tomato sauce. It’s a great way to keep the taco meat nice and saucy, while adding flavor, AND using something you might need anyway for the final dish. We tested a few different versions and methods, landing on this one that’s full of flavor and never dry!
🌮 Taco night favorite: Tacos are always a hit with the whole family and I love how different everyone’s meal can be, while still serving just one meal.
😋 Seriously delicious: No bland turkey here! The turkey taco meat has big flavor thanks to being seasoned two ways to make it flavorful and saucy! Taco spices bring the classic flavors and salsa keeps things saucy, while also adding some extra flavor.
⏱️ Quick & easy: This meal is truly a weeknight dinner win, ready in less than 30 minutes, no wonder it’s so popular for Tuesday nights.
🛒 Made with simple ingredients: This meal doesn’t require anything fancy or special, just basic ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
🌈 Customizable toppings: Everyone builds their own tacos, or taco bowl, or burrito…anything goes!
🥑 Meal prep–friendly: Easy to double and reheat for quick lunches.
You’ll also want to try my ground turkey stroganoff, turkey stir-fry, and turkey taco skillet.
Such an easy recipe that my whole family loves! Thanks again for your great recipes. –Sarah
Ingredient Notes
You’ll need some fresh ingredients and pantry staples to bring these turkey tacos to the table: olive oil, ground turkey, sea salt, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika (or taco seasoning), salsa, tortillas, and taco toppings.
Emily’s Tips & Tricks
- Pro tip: This turkey taco meat can be used for so much more than just tacos! Try it in burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, or even on a taco salad. And if you prefer taco flavors in a skillet meal, my popular turkey taco skillet is a must.
- Feeding kids without pressure: Serve the tacos family-style so everyone can make their own taco. Serve the meal with a few sides you know they will eat like fruit, milk, and bread/butter if they don’t do tortilla shells.
- Variations: You can use soft flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or crunchy taco shells. If you need to watch carbs, try a low-carb or almond flour tortilla. All should be heated before using.
- Additions: I love a variety of fresh, flavorful, and a few spicy toppings. Use your favorites, here are some ideas: guacamole, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, hot sauce, queso, quesadilla sauce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, diced onion, sliced jalapeno, lime wedges
Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (3 tacos each) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Your family will love these flavorful and easy ground turkey tacos! Packed with spices and salsa this quick recipe is healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. ground turkey (don’t use 99% fat-free)
- 3/4 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 cup salsa
- tortillas
- toppings: guacamole, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, pico de gallo, hot sauce, quesadilla sauce, corn salsa, diced tomatoes, cilantro, diced onion, sliced jalapeno, lime wedges
Instructions
- Prep toppings. Measure out the spice mix in a small pinch bowl.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook 3-4 minutes.
- Add dry spices to a skillet and mix everything well, letting spices toast a bit.
- Pour salsa into the skillet and stir in with the turkey. Turn down heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened. **Depending on your salsa, this may take more or less time.
- Serve tacos with warm tortillas or hard taco shells and a variety of toppings.
Notes
- Nutrition facts do not include toppings
- Storage: Store leftover turkey taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat taco meat in the microwave or a hot skillet until heated through.
- Ingredient notes: Look for lean ground turkey, but not fat-free ground turkey! We want a bit of fat to help keep the turkey taco meat stay delicious and juicy. In my experience, fat-free ground turkey always gets pretty dry and bland so I do feel strongly about it! I used a jarred medium salsa, but really anything works, go with something you love! You could add more or less spice, a smooth salsa, or more of a chunky salsa. Either will work fine.
- Prep ahead: You can cook the turkey meat and reheat it before dinner. You can also prep toppings.
- Special tools: This $5 tray is not fancy, but it’s perfect for taco night so you can put out a variety of toppings.
- Serve with: Refried black beans, cowboy caviar, elote in a cup.
Serving Suggestions
Besides including a variety of toppings, I like to serve tacos with a few simple sides:
- Elote in a Cup
- Roasted Corn Salsa
- Frozen corn (heat in microwave and serve with butter, salt, and pepper)
- Cilantro lime rice or Spanish rice
- Black Bean Refried Beans
- Canned refried beans or black beans
- Cowboy Caviar
FAQs
We want lean ground turkey, but not fat-free ground turkey! A little bit of fat helps keep the turkey taco meat stay delicious and juicy. In my experience, fat-free ground turkey always gets pretty dry and bland, so I do feel strongly about it!
We’re adding flavor to the turkey meat in a few different ways. Through lots of spices and seasonings, through proper salt, and through the addition of cooking it with flavorful salsa.
Use ground turkey with a little fat in it so that it doesn’t dry out. This is the most important aspect in my opinion. You also don’t want to overcook it, so just cook until it’s cooked through.
More Easy Dinners
If you like this turkey tacos recipe, you might also like some of these other easy dinner recipes:
About the Author
Emily Dingmann is a recipe developer, nutrition expert, and founder of My Everyday Table. She specializes in creating easy, healthy recipes that help busy parents feed their families well every single day, without the stress. With a degree in Nutrition and over 20 years of experience, Emily shares family-friendly meals that are practical, nourishing, and full of flavor. Learn more about Emily’s approach to everyday cooking and nutrition here.
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
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Such an easy recipe that my whole family loves! Thanks again for your great recipes.
So glad you all enjoy it, Sarah! Thanks for letting me know. 🙂