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These quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Tacos come together in just 20 minutes. Lean turkey is seasoned with a homemade taco seasoning blend and then simmered until tender and juicy. You can load them up with crunchy shells or soft tortillas and top them with your favorites from shredded cheese to fresh tomatoes. This easy dinner has become a go-to on busy weeknights whenever I need something hearty and familyfriendly that everyone will love.
I first made these when I wanted a quick taco fix without running to the store for a packet of seasoning. Now my family asks for them regularly because they are so tasty and easy to personalize.
Ingredients
- Olive oil for cooking: choose extra virgin for best flavor and health benefits
- Lean ground turkey: opt for fresh and 93 percent lean or higher for a healthier option
- Chili powder: provides warmth and depth; look for a blend without too many additives
- Ground cumin: essential for a smoky, earthy note in taco seasoning
- Dried oregano: adds herbaceous brightness, use Mexican oregano if you can find it
- Onion powder: delivers subtle sweet onion undertones without the moisture of fresh onion
- Garlic powder: gives a warm garlicky pop
- Paprika: mild smoky flavor and red color; Hungarian or Spanish paprika works well
- Salt: enhances all the spices and meat flavors; kosher salt is a good choice
- Cayenne pepper: adds a touch of heat; adjust to your spice preference
- Water: simmers the meat and spices to juicy perfection
- Tortillas or taco shells for serving: fresh and warm tortillas or crunchy shells are your choice
- Toppings: such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream
Instructions
- Brown the Meat:
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, for 8 to 10 minutes until completely cooked through and no longer pink. This step ensures the meat is evenly browned, locking in flavor.
- Mix the Seasoning:
- While the turkey is cooking, combine chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mixing beforehand helps the spices evenly coat the meat later.
- Season the Turkey:
- Once the turkey is fully browned, sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the meat. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece in the spices for maximum flavor.
- Simmer with Water:
- Pour in the half cup of water and stir. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the water mostly evaporates and the turkey remains juicy but not watery. Simmering allows the spices to meld with the meat and creates a saucy texture perfect for tacos.
- Fill and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Warm your tortillas or taco shells and fill them generously with the seasoned turkey. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
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Ground turkey is a personal favorite because it cooks quickly and absorbs seasonings beautifully. One memorable dinner was when my kids helped add toppings—they loved customizing their own tacos which made dinner especially fun.
Storage Tips
Store leftover turkey filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or stovetop to avoid drying out. You can freeze cooked taco meat for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have all the spices, a pre-made taco seasoning packet works well and saves time. Ground chicken or lean pork can be swapped for turkey with no changes to the recipe. Add a can of drained and rinsed black or pinto beans to add protein and fiber and stretch the filling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with rice and beans for a classic Tex-Mex meal. Top with avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess. Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for bright contrast. Try serving on crispy taco shells or soft corn or flour tortillas for different textures.
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Enjoy these quick, customizable ground turkey tacos any night of the week. Theyre perfect for busy weeknights and easy to personalize.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What spices are used in this ground turkey dish?
The spice blend includes chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and a touch of cayenne pepper.
- → How long does it take to cook the turkey filling?
Cooking the turkey takes about 8-10 minutes to brown, plus an additional 3-4 minutes simmering with spices and water.
- → Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, and avocado work wonderfully.
- → Is it possible to make this meal ahead of time?
Leftover filling can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
- → Can I add other ingredients to the turkey for extra bulk?
You can add drained and rinsed black or pinto beans to increase protein, fiber, and quantity of the filling.