This week is Cinco de Mayo, and since I can’t get enough of tacos, I wanted to share a really simple recipe for simply seasoned turkey taco meat. You’ll be astonished at how simple it is to make your own flavorful taco meat if you’ve never ventured beyond the store-bought seasoning packets.
Ground turkey is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including tacos. This recipe for Ground Turkey Taco Meat is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful taco filling that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why Ground Turkey?
Ground turkey is a great alternative to ground beef for those who are looking for a leaner and healthier option. It is lower in fat and calories than ground beef, and it is also a good source of protein. Additionally, ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 ounces ground turkey
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons brown sugar
Instructions:
- Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne in a small bowl.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, stirring to break up clumps, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Stir in spice mixture and water. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in cider vinegar and brown sugar; simmer until flavors combine, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Tips:
- For a spicier taco filling, add more cayenne pepper to taste.
- If you don’t have ground turkey, you can use ground beef instead.
- This taco filling can be served in tacos, burritos, or on top of salads.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This recipe for Ground Turkey Taco Meat is a great way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful taco filling that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It is easy to make, and it is sure to please everyone at the table.
Additional Resources:
- For more information on ground turkey, visit the National Turkey Federation website.
- For more taco recipes, visit the Allrecipes website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can use ground beef instead of ground turkey in this recipe. However ground turkey is a leaner and healthier option.
- How can I make this taco filling spicier?
Add more cayenne pepper to taste.
- How long will this taco filling last in the refrigerator?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- What are some other ways to serve this taco filling?
This taco filling can be served in tacos, burritos, or on top of salads
- Where can I find more taco recipes?
Visit the Allrecipes website for more taco recipes.
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Time to Get Cooking
When it comes time to cook the simple ground turkey taco meat, grab your favorite heavy bottomed pan and heat it over medium-high heat. I love to use my enamel cast iron pan for just about everything, including this recipe! But I recently used my brand new, beautiful Caraway pan and that worked great too! I was amazed at how easy it was to clean.
Mist your pan with olive oil and let it heat up for a few seconds. Then add your ground turkey and break it up into pieces, making sure you’re using a nice pan without propellants! After letting it sit in the pan for a few minutes to acquire some color, keep breaking it apart. Once it’s no longer pink, add all of your dry seasonings and the enchilada sauce (or water). Stir it to combine. Cook a few more minutes until it’s cooked through. Don’t forget to break apart the larger chunks of ground turkey as it cooks. You want your finished taco meat to fit nicely in your taco shells!.
You can enjoy it for your Cinco de Mayo celebration once the taco meat is cooked through. I believe it is required by law to serve Mexican food on May 5. Regardless of how you present this mildly spiced ground turkey taco meat, remember to factor in any additional toppings if you track your macros. But to make it easy, I’ve added this recipe to My Fitness Pal. Just search- Lillie Eats and Tells Simply Seasoned Taco Meat.
And for more recipes and how I track my macros on the daily, follow me on Instagram @lillieeatsandtells.
What You Need for Delicious Taco Meat
I could eat tacos all the time. I love fish tacos, chicken tacos, carnitas, carne asada, veggie, shrimp… I love it ALL. Put it in a corn tortilla with some avocado and fixings and I love it. But simple ground turkey tacos are by far the family favorite over here. And it doesn’t really get any easier. In this recipe, I combine chili powder, kosher salt, dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper, and cook for just a few minutes in a pan.
This is one recipe that I know I can double or triple and use every day of the week without getting bored of when I have a busy week ahead of me. As I’ve mentioned previously, I adore salads, and this easy ground turkey taco meat is a staple in my salads! In addition to salads, you can use this meat to make taco bowls, tacos, enchiladas, or anything else you want to add some protein to! And EVEN MY BOYS love it. An easy kid-pleaser.
