20 Minute Ground Turkey Tacos

Ground turkey seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and tomato paste creates a savory base for your tacos, while an array of garnish options adds the perfect finishing touch in this recipe for 20 Minute Ground Turkey Tacos. Whip up a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! 

This turkey taco recipe starts out by using ground turkey as the base. Cook it in a pan with homemade taco seasoning along with tomato paste to give it a bold and zesty flavor. The secret to really delicious taco meat is using homemade taco seasoning so don’t skip this step!

Then comes the fun part! You can serve turkey tacos with a variety of different toppings, making each taco customized to anyone’s tastes, making this meal easy and versatile!

As a seasoned home chef, dinners like these are my favorite to cook. Not only does this recipe contain simple ingredients you can find in any grocery store, but it can be thrown together in just 20 minutes or less! And by using ground turkey in recipes, you’re saving money. A win-win! 

Looking to keep it super simple on a busy weeknight? Try my Slow Cooker Taco Meat instead of the the meat recipe below for a more hands off experience with the same great flavor!

If you love this easy Mexican-inspired dish, you’ll love making Ground Turkey and White Bean Chili, Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers or a hearty Turkey Taco Bake! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, these turkey tacos are a breeze to prepare.
• The blend of spices, including chili powder, garlic, and cumin, infuses the ground turkey with layers of taco flavor.
• In 20 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal ready to enjoy. Say goodbye to long cooking times and hello to more quality time spent at the table.
• The garnish options, from creamy avocado to zesty cilantro, offer the freedom to tailor each taco to your taste preferences, making it a fun and interactive meal for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive Oil – Serves as the cooking fat, preventing the ground turkey from sticking to the skillet while adding a subtle richness to the overall flavor of the dish.
• Ground Turkey – Offers a hearty base that absorbs the vibrant taco seasoning and tomato paste, creating a satisfying and flavorful filling.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning (chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin) This mixture of spices is the secret behind the Mexican taste of the turkey filling, infusing it with a blend of heat, depth, and smokiness
• Tomato Paste – Acting as a binding agent and flavor enhancer, tomato paste brings a concentrated tomato flavor to the turkey.
• Chicken Stock (or water) – Adding moisture and depth to the mixture, chicken stock gives an extra layer of savory goodness. 
• Tortillas – The vessel that holds everything together, corn or flour tortillas provide a soft and pliable enclosure for the flavorful turkey filling and toppings. 

How To Make Tacos With Ground Turkey

Cook the turkey: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and spices. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks and browns. 

Add remaining ingredients: To the spiced turkey meat, add the tomato paste and liquid chicken stock or water. Stir until the meat is fully coated in the moisture and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid and tomato paste to soak into the meat. 

Garnish and serve: While hot, scoop the taco meat into your favorite tortillas. Garnish with lettuce, tomato, cheese, sour cream, or your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat before adding the olive oil and ground turkey. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and develops a nice sear for optimal flavor.
• While cooking the turkey, use a spatula or this meat masher, to break up the meat into smaller crumbles. This not only cooks the turkey thoroughly but also allows the spices to infuse evenly throughout.
• Warm your tortillas before assembling the tacos. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes. Warm tortillas are more pliable and less likely to tear during assembly.
•  Place your garnishes in small bowls or plates with spoons. This makes it easier for everyone to customize their own tacos according to their preferences, creating an interactive dining experience.
• When adding garnishes, aim for a balance of textures and flavors. For instance, the creaminess of diced avocado complements the crunch of shredded lettuce and the tanginess of sour cream, resulting in a harmonious bite.

Taco Topping Ideas

• Shredded Lettuce
• Grated Cheese
• Diced Avocado
• Fresh Cilantro
• Sour Cream
• Salsa
• Sliced Jalapenos
• Chopped Onions
• Sliced Radishes
• Lime Wedges
• Diced Tomatoes
• Pickled Red Onions
• Sliced Black Olives
• Guacamole
• Hot Sauce

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store leftover taco filling, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness. Store tortillas in a resealable bag or container, ensuring they stay soft and pliable.

Freezing: To freeze taco filling, let it cool completely, then pack it into a freezer-safe container or sealable freezer bag. Label with the date and use within 2-3 months for the best quality. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw out in the fridge overnight before reheating. 

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?

While the recipe highlights ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based alternatives for your desired taste and dietary preferences.

Can I make the taco filling ahead of time?

You can prepare the taco filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, and remember to warm the tortillas before assembling.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning instead of making my own?

Yes, using store-bought taco seasoning is a convenient option. However, making your own seasoning allows you to control the flavors and adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences. If using a store-bought mix, follow the package instructions for the best results.

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