Turkey Taco Meat
Last Updated on March 21, 2024 by Annie
Light, healthy, and flavorful this turkey taco meat has it all! Made with a homemade taco seasoning blend, this easy recipe for ground turkey tacos comes together in less than 30 minutes for a delicious lunch or dinner recipe.
I love tacos. If it can be taco-ed I will taco it. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert. Tacos reign supreme. And Texas is King of the Taco.
Needless to say, leaving Texas was difficult. To mourn the loss of all things Texas, I spent the last 3 months that we lived there eating every last bite of Tex-Mex I could scrounge up. Every time we went to Lupe Tortilla, I told myself “This is my last queso.” I had my “last queso” at least 9 times before we moved.
Yes, leaving Texas was hard, but my waistline was ready for the North East. In the first month, Jason and I lived in a small AirBnB while closing on our new home. I decided to try the 21 Day Fix during that time and while the colorful cups and daily workouts didn’t last much beyond the 21 days, this taco meat has.
What I love about this Turkey Taco Meat is its universality! I have used this taco meat in many ways. From the obvious, Chipotle-style taco bowls; to a fully-loaded salad with avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and green onion; and on several desperate occasions incorporated it into a crunch wrap supreme. No matter how I use this taco meat, the meal it makes is glorious.
Tastes Like Taco Bell
A back-handed compliment we often give this at the dinner table is that it “tastes just like Taco Bell” (which my husband swears it does). And while I think Taco Bell is delicious (particularly after a margarita or three) next to nothing on the menu sits well with my stomach. So here’s to all of the flavor and none of the crampage!
How to Make Ground Turkey Taco Meat
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground turkey– Browned and crumbled for the meat of this recipe. You can also use ground beef, ground chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Onion+ Garlic– Adds a little aromatic flavor to the taco meat.
- Spices– A blend of onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and salt season this taco meat delightfully.
- Tomato sauce– Helps make the taco meat more flavorful and thick.
Directions for Ground Turkey Taco Meat
- Cook the turkey: In a large skillet, over medium high heat cook 1 lb ground turkey. Brown and crumble as it cooks.
- Dice vegetables: While the meat cooks, dice 1 onion and grate 1 garlic pod with a microplane.
- Mix spices: In a small bowl measure onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Mix together and set aside.
- Season and cook: Once the ground turkey is cooked through add onion and the seasoning mixture into the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in sauce and simmer: Next, add an 8 oz can of tomato sauce to the skillet along with the grated garlic pod. Stir and cook on low for 10-15 minutes.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Taco Meat
There are a number of different ways you can use this easy turkey taco meat recipe.
- Taco Lunch Bowls– Add this taco meat to a burrito bowl meal prep that is sure to make meal prep delicious and easy for the week ahead.
- Tostadas– Top a crispy corn tortilla with this healthy turkey taco meat for a delicious Tex-Mex dinner.
- Taco Cups- Use it in a taco cup for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Other Taco Recipes you might like
Did you make this delicious ground turkey taco meat?? I would love to hear how it went! Leave a comment below or snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram by tagging @mylifeafterdairy so I can share your life after dairy adventures!
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Ground Turkey Taco Meat
This ground turkey taco meat is a quick and delicious recipe to make for a lighter taco.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Turkey
- 1 Onion diced
- 1 clove Garlic grate using microplane or dice
- 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- 8 ounces Tomato Sauce (no salt added)
Instructions
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In a skillet, on medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground turkey until no longer pink.
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Add diced onion, minced garlic, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon oregano to the pan. Cook for a few minutes, until onion is tender and the seasoning has covered the meat.
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Add 8 ounces tomato sauce and stir. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Adapted From skinnytaste