Category: Turkey

Turkey Tacos

Serves: 4

Source: Megan Hill (https://www.culinaryhill.com)

Ingredients

For the taco seasoning (see notes):

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

For the tacos:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce (see notes)
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Corn tortillas or flour tortillas

Instructions

To make the taco seasoning:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together chlii powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon), Whisk in cornstarch if desired. (Or, substitute one packet store-bought taco seasoning).
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in taco seasoning, garlic, and oregano until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally, until almost cooked through but still slightly pink, about 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  4. Divide filling evenly among tortillas and serve with healthy garnishes such as shredded lettuce, diced tomato and avocado, scallions, and cilantro leaves.

Notes

  1. Ground turkey: Look for 93% lean ground turkey. If you get the 99% fat free ground turkey breast, your meat is going to be dry.
  2. Tomato sauce: 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste plus 1/2 cup water may be substituted for the tomato sauce.
  3. Brown sugar: Just 1 teaspoon, and feel free to leave it out if that sounds weird to you.
  4. Apple cider vinegar: You can also use white vinegar or red wine vinegar. They both taste good!
  5. Taco seasoning: Ingredients for homemade are right in the recipe card in the amount you need. Or, substitute one packet of store-bought.
  6. Taco toppings: Lettuce, tomato, avocado (or avocado sauce), guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, black olives, minced white onion, cilantro.
  7. Fried taco shells: Fry corn tortillas until crispy on the stove or in the oven.
  8. Lettuce wraps: This taco meat is delicious on butter lettuce or romaine leaves.
  9. Taco salad: Add the cooked meat to a bowl with chopped lettuce, beans, tomatoes, scallions, and a creamy cilantro lime dressing.
  10. Add quinoa. Add cooked quinoa to the mixture to make it more filling or stretch it farther.
  11. Slow cooker:  Sauté the onions in a skillet on the stove. Add the taco seasoning, garlic, and dried oregano. Add the ground turkey and cook until almost done. Transfer the turkey to the slow cooker and add the sauce, brown sugar, cider vinegar, and tomato sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 6-7 hours.
  12. Freezer: Cool the cooked meat, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag and press flat to gently squeeze out the air from the bag as it seals. Label and date. To thaw, defrost the meat in the fridge overnight. Then reheat in the skillet with a little extra salsa or tomato sauce, if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 96mg | Potassium: 436mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 858IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 2mg