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; Sour cream; Avocado; Cilantro; Salsa; Hot sauce; Onions; Cheese

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Introduction

Ground turkey tacos are a quick, flavorful, and healthy alternative to traditional beef tacos. Packed with warm spices and easy to customize with your favorite toppings, they make a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

A close-up view of a soft corn tortilla taco held by a woman's hand with light-colored nails, showing a three-layer filling inside: the bottom layer is crumbled cooked meat in brown tones, followed by thin slices of bright green avocado in the middle, and topped with shredded orange and white cheese mixed with small pieces of purple onion. The tortilla has a toasted texture with some dark brown spots and is folded to hold the filling. In the blurred background, a white divided serving dish contains chopped purple onions, red salsa, white sauce, and fresh green herbs, all placed on a white marbled surface. 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
Toppings (optional, to taste): sour cream, avocado, cilantro, salsa, hot sauce, onions, cheese, etc.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep your desired toppings ahead of time or while the turkey is cooking to streamline assembly.
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 the meat up with a spoon, for about 8-10 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste when the turkey is nearly done cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Warm your tortillas, then assemble the tacos by spooning the turkey mixture onto each tortilla. Add your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Try swapping ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef for different flavors.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the tacos before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
For extra texture, include finely chopped bell peppers or onions cooked in with the turkey.
If you prefer spicier tacos, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked turkey filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Tortillas and fresh toppings are best added fresh when serving.

How to Serve

Three soft corn tortillas with light char marks are filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is fresh green lettuce leaves, followed by a generous middle layer of seasoned brown ground meat mixed with small pieces of bright red diced tomatoes and bits of purple onion. The top layer is a drizzle of reddish sauce over the meat. The tacos are placed on a white speckled plate with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered around and two lime wedges on the side. The plate rests 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 these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure your toppings and seasonings are gluten-free.

How can I make the turkey more moist?

Cooking the turkey over medium-high heat but avoiding overcooking helps keep it juicy. Adding the tomato paste adds some moisture and richness to the mixture.