Let’s be honest, some weeknights feel like a mad dash to the finish line. Getting a wholesome and tasty meal on the table can feel like a huge challenge. That is where truly Easy Dinner Recipes come to the rescue.
If you are looking for a meal that everyone will love, you have found it. These ground turkey tacos are simple, delicious, and so much fun to assemble. It is one of my favorite Quick Dinner Ideas for a reason.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly fast. We are talking about fifteen minutes from starting the stove to sitting down to eat. This makes it a champion among Easy Food Recipes for those busy evenings.
The flavor is also a huge plus. The spice blend is simple but it creates a rich and savory taco meat that is just so satisfying. It tastes like it simmered for hours, but it is our little secret that it did not.
Another great thing is how customizable it is. Everyone at the table can build their own taco with their favorite toppings. This is a game changer for picky eaters and makes it one of the best Kid Friendly Dinners around.
Using lean ground turkey also makes it a lighter option compared to ground beef. You get all the flavor without feeling weighed down. It is a healthy choice you can feel good about serving your family.
Finally, it is budget friendly. Ground turkey and a few common spices are all you need for the main part. It proves that you do not need to spend a lot to create wonderful Easy Dinner Recipes.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple ingredient list. You probably have most of these spices in your pantry already. It is all about using common items to create something special.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt & pepper to taste
- For serving: flour or corn tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, cilantro, salsa, hot sauce, onions, cheese, etc.
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious meal in no time. We will walk through it together. It is one of the most straightforward Easy Dinner Recipes you will ever make.
Step 1: Prep Your Toppings
It is always a good idea to get your toppings ready first. This way, everything is set to go when the meat is hot and ready. This is a key part of making Quick Dinner Ideas a reality.
Chop up some fresh cilantro or onions. Grate your favorite cheese, whether it is cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend. Slice an avocado or mash it up for a quick guacamole. Set everything out in small bowls for a fun taco bar feel.
Step 2: Cook The Ground Turkey
Place a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a moment. Once it shimmers, add the ground turkey to the pan. Now, grab a wooden spoon or spatula.
Begin breaking up the meat as it cooks. You want to crumble it into small, bite sized pieces. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes. The turkey should be fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
Step 3: Add Spices And Tomato Paste
Now for the flavor. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder over the meat. Stir everything together so the spices coat the turkey evenly.
Once the spices are mixed in, add the heaping tablespoon of tomato paste. This paste adds a wonderful depth and a slight tang. Stir it in until it is well combined with the meat. The color will get a little richer.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to your personal taste. Give it one last stir and your taco filling is ready to go. It is really that simple when you have good Easy Food Recipes.
Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas
Warm tortillas make a huge difference. For flour tortillas, you can wrap a stack in foil. Place them in a 375 degree oven while you are cooking the meat. They will be soft and warm when you need them.
For corn tortillas, I like to warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat. You can also carefully warm them directly on the flame of a gas stove for a few seconds per side. Just be very careful doing this.
Step 5: Assemble And Enjoy
This is the best part! Set out the warm tortillas, the skillet of seasoned turkey, and all of your prepared toppings. Let everyone build their own perfect taco. This makes dinner an interactive and fun experience.
These are best enjoyed immediately while everything is fresh and warm. This is what makes Easy Dinner Recipes so satisfying.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. It is best to store each component separately to keep everything fresh. This helps you enjoy it just as much the next day.
Place the cooled ground turkey mixture in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. Store your toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa in their own separate containers as well.
When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the turkey meat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove. Warm up some fresh tortillas and assemble your tacos just like you did the first time.
Tips
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few simple tips. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the turkey. Giving it space allows the meat to brown nicely instead of steaming.
For a little extra flavor, you can toast your spices. Before adding them to the meat, warm them in a small, dry skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant. It really makes a difference.
This recipe is great for a crowd. Just double the ingredients as the notes suggest if you are feeding very hungry people. One pound of turkey makes enough for about 2 or 3 tacos per person with lots of toppings.
You can also use this taco meat for more than just tacos. It is great on top of a salad for a taco salad, or used in a wrap for a quick lunch. Versatility is a hallmark of great Easy Food Recipes.
Conclusion
There you have it. A delicious, fast, and family pleasing meal that checks all the boxes. This is truly one of the most reliable Easy Dinner Recipes you can have in your collection.
It is proof that you do not need complicated steps or ingredients to make something amazing. This is one of those Kid Friendly Dinners that will have everyone asking for seconds. I hope you love it as much as my family does.
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Ground Meat?
Absolutely! This spice blend works wonderfully with lean ground beef or ground chicken. You could even use ground pork. Just cook the meat in the same way until it is cooked through.
How Can I Make This Spicier?
If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You could also add some finely diced jalapeño to the meat as it cooks.
What Are Some Other Topping Ideas?
Get creative with your toppings! Some other delicious options include pickled red onions, corn salsa, black beans, crumbled cotija cheese, or a drizzle of lime crema. The possibilities are endless.
Is This Recipe Good For Meal Prep?
Yes, this is one of the best Easy Food Recipes for meal prep. You can make a large batch of the seasoned turkey ahead of time. Portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Easy Ground Turkey Tacos
These ground turkey tacos are simple, delicious, and fun to assemble. A quick dinner idea that’s customizable for everyone.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Your Toppings: It is always a good idea to get your toppings ready first. This way, everything is set to go when the meat is hot and ready. Chop up some fresh cilantro or onions. Grate your favorite cheese, whether it is cheddar or a Monterey Jack blend. Slice an avocado or mash it up for a quick guacamole. Set everything out in small bowls for a fun taco bar feel.
- Cook The Ground Turkey: Place a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a moment. Once it shimmers, add the ground turkey to the pan. Now, grab a wooden spoon or spatula. Begin breaking up the meat as it cooks. You want to crumble it into small, bite sized pieces. Continue cooking for about 8 to 10 minutes. The turkey should be fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add Spices And Tomato Paste: Now for the flavor. Sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder over the meat. Stir everything together so the spices coat the turkey evenly. Once the spices are mixed in, add the heaping tablespoon of tomato paste. This paste adds a wonderful depth and a slight tang. Stir it in until it is well combined with the meat. The color will get a little richer. Finally, season with salt and pepper to your personal taste. Give it one last stir and your taco filling is ready to go.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Warm tortillas make a huge difference. For flour tortillas, you can wrap a stack in foil. Place them in a 375 degree oven while you are cooking the meat. They will be soft and warm when you need them. For corn tortillas, I like to warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat. You can also carefully warm them directly on the flame of a gas stove for a few seconds per side. Just be very careful doing this.
- Assemble And Enjoy: This is the best part! Set out the warm tortillas, the skillet of seasoned turkey, and all of your prepared toppings. Let everyone build their own perfect taco. This makes dinner an interactive and fun experience. These are best enjoyed immediately while everything is fresh and warm.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the turkey. Giving it space allows the meat to brown nicely instead of steaming.
For a little extra flavor, you can toast your spices. Before adding them to the meat, warm them in a small, dry skillet for about 30 seconds until fragrant. It really makes a difference.
This recipe is great for a crowd. Just double the ingredients if you are feeding very hungry people. One pound of turkey makes enough for about 2 or 3 tacos per person with lots of toppings.
You can also use this taco meat for more than just tacos. It is great on top of a salad for a taco salad, or used in a wrap for a quick lunch. Versatility is a hallmark of great easy food recipes.
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Place the cooled ground turkey mixture in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You could also add some finely diced jalapeño to the meat as it cooks.
This recipe works wonderfully with lean ground beef or ground chicken.
Nutrition
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Sugar
Fat
Carbs
