Name: Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; ½ cup tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon dried oregano; Salt to taste; Shredded cheese; Optional: tortillas for serving

If you’re craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal, look no further because this Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe is an absolute winner. I love this because it’s packed with flavor but comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something tasty and satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just yourself, these tacos hit the spot every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal fast.
Healthy Twist: Ground turkey is leaner than beef but just as tasty once seasoned right.
Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for these tacos, and even picky eaters can’t get enough.
Versatility: Easy to customize with your favorite toppings and spice levels.

The image shows several soft tortillas laid flat on a white marbled surface, each topped with three main layers. The first layer is a thick spread of cooked, finely crumbled, reddish-brown seasoned filling mixed with small pieces of red pepper. On top of this is a layer of fresh sliced avocado pieces and halved cherry tomatoes. The next layer includes a light sprinkle of finely shredded orange cheddar cheese, small dollops of white sour cream, and a dash of chopped green herbs scattered over the tacos and the surrounding surface. Two lime wedges are placed near the tacos, adding a fresh contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe works together to build layers of flavor without any fuss. The spices bring out that classic taco taste, and tomato sauce adds just enough moisture and tang. When shopping, look for fresh, lean ground turkey to keep things light and flavorful.

Olive oil: Use this to keep the turkey from sticking and add a subtle richness.
Ground turkey: Go for lean turkey for a healthy, meaty base with less fat but plenty of protein.
Tomato sauce: This keeps the meat moist and brings out a wonderful tangy layer of flavor.
Chili powder: The heart of the seasoning mix and adds a warm, smoky punch.
Ground coriander: Offers a subtle citrusy note that brightens the dish.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Both pack in savory depth without overpowering.
Dried oregano: Classic herb that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the delicious flavors.
Shredded cheese (optional topping): A melty topping I love for richness and extra indulgence.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to make this Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe my own by switching up seasonings or adding ingredients to keep things exciting. Feel free to get creative—these tacos are a blank canvas!

Spice it up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños for extra heat. It gives the tacos a nice kick and wakes up your taste buds.
Veggie boost: Adding finely chopped bell peppers or corn to the turkey before cooking is a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Dairy-free: Swap shredded cheese for avocado slices or a dollop of dairy-free sour cream for a creamy finish.
Make it a taco salad: Skip the tortillas and pile the flavorful turkey over your favorite greens with beans and salsa. It’s super fresh and satisfying!

How to Make Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Turkey

Start by heating olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. This part takes about 6 to 8 minutes—make sure you brown the meat nicely without overcooking, or it can get dry. If you notice excess grease building up, gently drain it off to keep your tacos from getting greasy.

Step 2: Season and Simmer

Stir in the tomato sauce and all your spices—chili powder, ground coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well so the turkey is evenly coated. Let it cook together for about a minute so the flavors blend beautifully. This is where the magic happens and your kitchen starts to smell irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble and Enjoy

Remove the skillet from heat, then spoon the seasoned turkey into warm tortillas. Top with shredded cheese or your favorite garnishes, and you’re ready to dive in. I usually serve mine with a big smile and a side of guacamole because it just feels like the perfect match.

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Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Ground turkey can dry out quickly, so keep an eye and remove from heat as soon as it’s cooked through and still juicy.
Drain Excess Fat: If your turkey is on the fattier side, draining the grease after browning keeps your tacos from being oily.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices make a huge difference in taste—stash your chili powder and coriander in airtight containers.
Warm Tortillas: Heat your tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel to keep them soft and pliable.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe

There are four soft wheat tortillas arranged in a row on a round white plate, each filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is full of small, brown seasoned ground meat mixed with some green herbs and bits of tomato. On top of that is a layer of bright red cherry tomato pieces, adding a fresh, juicy look. Above this, there are thick slices of light green avocado placed neatly, giving a smooth texture. The top layer has a small dollop of white sour cream and some grated yellow cheese scattered over all the tacos, with a few extra green herb bits sprinkled around the plate. The plate is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I love keeping it simple but flavorful—shredded cheese melts over the warm turkey perfectly every time. I also often add fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and thinly sliced red onions for a pop of brightness. If I’m feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or some creamy guacamole takes it over the top.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite pairings with these tacos is cilantro-lime rice or a quick black bean salad. Simple tortilla chips with salsa or a crunchy Mexican street corn salad also work beautifully if you want something lighter but still colorful and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to set up a taco bar with all the toppings in separate bowls—lettuce, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, salsa, and more. This way, everyone can build their own perfect Ground Turkey Tacos. For a fun twist, you can serve the turkey over crispy tostadas for extra crunch or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge—this seasoned meat keeps well for up to 3 days. When I’ve got leftovers, I often toss the turkey in a salad or wrap it up in a quick quesadilla the next day.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, I freeze cooked ground turkey in portion-sized bags. It freezes beautifully and defrosts quickly in the fridge. This way, you can have seasoned taco meat pre-made and ready anytime you’re craving tacos on short notice.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the turkey gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Microwave works fine too—just cover so it doesn’t dry out. Reheating gently helps keep the texture tender and the flavors fresh.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe and has a similar mild flavor and texture to turkey. You might want to watch the cooking time closely since chicken can cook a bit faster.
How can I make the tacos spicier?

To up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño peppers when cooking the turkey. You can also serve with spicy salsa or hot sauce to kick it up at the table.
Are these Ground Turkey Tacos healthy?

These tacos are a healthy choice thanks to lean ground turkey and minimal added fat. Plus, by customizing your toppings and using whole-grain tortillas, you can boost the nutrition even further.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free tortillas or enjoy the seasoned turkey over a bed of greens or rice for a naturally gluten-free meal.
How do I prevent the ground turkey from drying out?

The key is not to overcook it and to drain any excess grease as soon as the turkey is browned. Also, adding the tomato sauce provides moisture that keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so easy, quick, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love how the homemade taco seasoning brings flavor without needing any pre-packaged mixes, and you can easily tweak the spices to suit your tastes. If you’re looking for a simple dinner idea that doesn’t disappoint, give this a try—you’ll be glad you did!