Description
Sizzling Southwestern ground turkey tacos bring zesty flavors to your dinner table with lean protein and fresh ingredients. Mexican-inspired spices and quick preparation make these tacos a perfect weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
Spices and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for sautéing if needed)
Taco Components and Toppings:
- 8 small tortillas (whole wheat, corn, or grain-free)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado (sliced or mashed)
- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternative
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional, as a sour cream substitute)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetable toppings by finely chopping lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro for garnishing.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the hot skillet, breaking it into small crumbles using a wooden spatula.
- Cook turkey for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meat turns completely golden brown and loses its pink color.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning evenly across the meat, ensuring thorough coverage and mixing well.
- Pour water into the skillet, stirring to combine seasoning and create a light sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid slightly reduces and thickens.
- Warm tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Assemble tacos by placing seasoned turkey in the center of each tortilla.
- Layer with prepared vegetable toppings, crumbled cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos.
- Serve immediately while turkey is warm and toppings are crisp.
Notes
- Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that’s lower in fat compared to traditional beef tacos.
- Customize toppings to accommodate dietary preferences like using dairy-free cheese for vegan alternatives or gluten-free tortillas for those with sensitivities.
- Meal prep the turkey mixture ahead of time and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners, maintaining freshness for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reduce sodium by making homemade taco seasoning with spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika instead of pre-packaged mixes that often contain high salt content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg