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.
Ground turkey is seasoned with a mix of 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. This turkey taco recipe is quick and easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and always a crowd-pleaser.
We tested this recipe a few times on Tuesday nights (kids are currently into the Taco Tuesday concept) to get it just right and try out some different methods and ingredients. You can read my nutrition philosophy here, but 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.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
What You’ll Love About Turkey Tacos
- Delicious family dinner
- Layers of flavor – no bland turkey here!
- Versatile – so many ways to use this taco meat
- Quick and easy to make
- Just 10 minutes prep time
- Just 25 minutes total time
- Made with simple ingredients
Ingredients
- Oil – Use your preferred cooking oil. You can use olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, etc.
- Ground turkey – 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!
- Spices – Sea salt, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika (We’re making our own taco seasoning!)
- Salsa – I used a jarred medium salsa, but really anything works, go with something you love! You could add more or less spice, depending on how you like your food. You could also use a smooth salsa or more of a chunky salsa. Either will work fine. Many
- Tortillas – 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.
- Toppings – 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
Emily’s 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.
How to Make Ground Turkey Tacos
This is an overview, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
- Prep ingredients. Prep any fresh toppings. Measure spice mix in a small pinch bowl.
- Cook turkey. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook ground turkey.
- Season turkey. Add spice mixture to turkey and stir to combine, letting spices toast a bit. Pour in salsa and simmer until mixture has thickened.
- Serve tacos. Grab your warm tortillas, stuff with turkey taco mixture, and add your favorite taco toppings.
FAQs
We want lean ground turkey, but not fat-free ground turkey! A little 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!
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.
Storage
Store leftover turkey taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
How to reheat
Reheat taco meat in the microwave or a hot skillet until heated through.
What to Serve with Easy Turkey Tacos
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
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you like this turkey tacos recipe, you might also like some of these other easy dinner recipes:
Want More?
Read more about my nutrition philosophy here and follow Emily on Instagram or TikTok for family dinner recipe videos and tips for feeding kids.
Ground Turkey Tacos
- 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
- Side ideas: refried black beans, cowboy caviar, elote in a cup
Food styling and photography by Loren Runion.
This post may contain affiliate links. They do not add any charge to you, but I will make a very small commission from them. I only link to products I use and recommend. Thank you for your support!
