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Easy ground turkey tacos with fresh toppings on wooden table, healthy weeknight dinner recipe

Easy Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

Quick and healthy ground turkey tacos seasoned with Mexican spices and simmered in chicken broth for maximum flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, these lean protein-packed tacos are perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey Taco Meat
  • 1 pound ground turkey 93/7 lean
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low-sodium
For Serving
  • 8 taco shells or tortillas hard or soft
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheese Mexican blend or cheddar
  • 2 medium tomatoes diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
Optional Add-ins
  • sour cream for serving
  • avocado or guacamole sliced or prepared
  • lime wedges for squeezing
  • hot sauce your favorite variety
  • cilantro fresh, chopped

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet 12-inch nonstick or cast iron
  • 1 Wooden spoon for breaking up turkey
  • 1 Sharp Knife for chopping vegetables
  • 1 Cutting Board medium size
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons standard set

Method
 

Prepare the Aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Pro tip: Don't rush this step – properly softened onions create the flavor foundation
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Cook the Turkey
  1. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the turkey is no longer pink and has developed some light browning. Pro tip: Break the turkey into small, uniform pieces for the best texture in your tacos
  2. If there's excess liquid in the pan, increase heat to medium-high and cook for 1-2 minutes more to evaporate it.
Add the Seasonings
  1. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and well distributed. Pro tip: Toasting the spices briefly intensifies their flavors significantly
  2. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat the turkey evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the paste darkens slightly.
Simmer and Finish
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
  2. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture is thick but still slightly saucy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Pro tip: The mixture should be moist but not watery – this prevents soggy tacos
Assemble and Serve
  1. Warm your taco shells according to package directions. Fill each shell with the turkey mixture and top with your desired toppings. Pro tip: Warm shells are crucial – they're more pliable and won't crack when filled
  2. Serve immediately while the meat is hot, with extra toppings on the side for customization.

Notes

  • Use 93/7 ground turkey for the best balance of flavor and leanness
  • Don't skip the tomato paste - it adds richness and helps bind the spices
  • Taco meat can be made 3 days ahead and tastes even better reheated