Name: Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste; Salt & pepper to taste; Flour or corn tortillas; Toppings (optional): sour cream, avocado, cilantro, salsa, hot sauce, onions, cheese

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Introduction

Ground Turkey Tacos offer a flavorful, lighter twist on a classic favorite. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, packed with savory spices and ready in under 20 minutes.

Three soft corn tortillas with light char marks are filled with layers starting with green lettuce leaves at the bottom, followed by a generous layer of cooked ground meat in reddish-brown sauce, and topped with small pieces of red cherry tomatoes, diced purple onions, and chopped green herbs. The tacos are placed closely together on a white speckled plate, surrounded by fresh green cilantro sprigs and two lime wedges, one with a pale yellow inside and the other green. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
Salt & pepper (to taste)
Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, salsa, hot sauce, onions, cheese, etc.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your desired toppings before or while the meat is cooking to save time.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, ground cumin, and chili powder. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, for 8 to 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 3: When the turkey is nearly done, stir in the tomato paste. Season with salt and pepper to your taste and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Warm the tortillas, then assemble the tacos with the cooked turkey and your choice of toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.
Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter topping option.
If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the meat while cooking.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Tacos are best assembled fresh, but tortillas and toppings can be stored separately.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a hand holding a taco made with a yellow corn tortilla that has light charring. Inside the taco are several layers: browned ground meat at the bottom, topped with a slice of fresh green avocado, thin strips of reddish-purple onion, shredded orange and white cheese, and a spoonful of red salsa on top. In the background, there is a sectioned white plate holding more toppings including red onions, salsa, and a white creamy sauce, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use corn tortillas which are typically gluten-free, and double-check your spices and toppings to ensure they don’t contain any gluten ingredients.

Is ground turkey a healthy choice for tacos?

Ground turkey is a lean protein that can be a healthier alternative to higher-fat meats. It’s low in calories and fat while offering a good amount of protein, making it an excellent choice for balanced meals.