This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Ground turkey tacos are a healthier version of a family favorite. The meat is flavorful with a simple taco seasoning and stuffed into warm tortillas with all of your favorite toppings.
These juicy turkey tacos will completely change taco night! Serve them with your favorite Mexican sides, like Authentic Mexican Rice, Slow Cooker Mexican Beans, or Elote (Mexican Corn).
Ground turkey is a versatile and healthy way to spice up your fiesta! Flavored with taco seasoning and simmered in a simple tomato broth adds incredible flavor, these turkey tacos are sure to be a hit. It doesn’t hurt that they are ready in about 20 minutes. After you try these tacos, I’ve got lots more ground turkey recipes you can try for dinner, too.
Turkey Tacos Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground turkey – The obvious start to your turkey tacos is the meat. Choose the fat content you prefer.
- Onion and garlic – Saute your meat with the onions and garlic to add moisture and flavor.
- Taco seasoning – You can use my simple recipe for homemade taco seasoning or use store-bought. You will need a tablespoon or half of a 1-ounce packet. Feel free to add more if you like.
- Chicken broth and tomato paste – Simmering the seasoned turkey in chicken broth and tomato paste adds moisture and flavor to the meat. You can also use turkey stock if you happen to have that on hand.
How to Make Ground Turkey Tacos
Saute the chopped onions for several minutes in a large skillet to soften them up, then add some minced garlic and the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Pro tip: Never use wooden utensils or surfaces with poultry. It’s porous and can soak in harmful bacteria.
Once the meat is just barely cooked through, add taco seasoning, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Bring it to a boil and simmer until the sauce is thick and coats the meat. It shouldn’t look like there is any sauce; the liquid evaporates and leaves only flavor behind.
Sometimes I’ll toss in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the meat. This addition can save a batch that’s gotten slightly overcooked.
Now it’s time to make your turkey tacos! You can set up a taco bar like we do, with lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, avocado, and whatever other toppings you like. Try not to stuff it too full!
Recipe Tips and Notes
- To put your turkey tacos completely over the top, squeeze fresh lime juice over the meat. Trust me on this one – the added flavor is epic!
- Storage: Leftover ground turkey taco meat will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Or, freeze for up to 4 months.
- Reheating: Once thawed, you can reheat in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a little bit of broth to rehydrate the meat. You can also use the microwave, careful to avoid overcooking and drying the meat out.
- Leftovers are great for making taco salad!
Serving Suggestions
- Our favorite taco toppings: shredded lettuce, freshly grated cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sliced olives.
- Our favorite sauces for topping tacos are Guacamole, Roasted Tomatillo Salsa Verde, or Fresh Pineapple Salsa. Of course, nothing beats a traditional homemade salsa.
- Taco shells: Fry corn tortillas in oil to make delicious fried tacos shells, or try your hand at homemade Flour Tortillas or Corn Tortillas.
- Instead of tortillas, serve turkey tacos in lettuce leaves for delicious lettuce wraps!
- On the side: If rice and beans seems too obvious, try Mexican Street Corn Salad, Black Bean and Corn Salad, or Cilantro Lime Rice.
More Mexican Food to Love
- Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)
Cheesy Ground Turkey Tacos
Ingredients
- olive oil
- 3/4 cup diced white onion about 1 small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 soft flour tortillas or your favorite taco shells
- Your favorite taco toppings – lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, olives, avocado, etc.
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add ground turkey into the skillet. Crumble with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes. Drain grease.
- Stir in taco seasoning and tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth and simmer, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened; about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
- Heat taco shells, fry tortilla shells or use soft flour tortillas. Fill them with the ground turkey mixture. Top with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream. Serve immediately.
Not good to me or my sister !
This one sounds so good. I can’t wait to try it.