Ground turkey tacos get a bad reputation for being dry and bland, but that's usually a seasoning problem, not a turkey problem. The right spice blend and a little tomato paste completely change the game. You get taco meat that's juicy, bold, and packed with that classic Tex-Mex flavor your family will get excited about.
Ingredients
Substitutions
Ground Turkey - For the juiciest taco meat, go with 93% or 85% lean. The extra fat keeps the turkey from drying out. 80% lean works too, but you may want to drain some of the excess fat after cooking. Leaner than 93% tends to turn dry fast, so I'd skip it here.
Tomato Paste - This is what gives the taco meat that deep, savory Tex-Mex flavor. Don't swap it for tomato sauce - it adds too much liquid and the meat ends up soupy instead of saucy. If you're out of tomato paste, you can leave it out, but the flavor won't be quite the same.
Olive Oil - Helps the turkey cook without sticking and keeps the meat a little more moist. Avocado oil or any neutral oil like vegetable or canola works fine here too.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How is Turkey Taco Seasoning Different?
Ground turkey is naturally milder than ground beef, so it needs a more generous spice blend to taste like real taco meat.
This ground turkey taco seasoning uses more chili powder and cumin than a typical beef blend, plus tomato paste to round out the flavor and add that classic Tex-Mex depth. After testing a bunch of different ratios, this is the one that finally made turkey tacos taste just as craveable as beef.
How to Make Ground Turkey Tacos
Cook Ground Turkey
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey. Cook until it's fully cooked and any excess liquid has evaporated.
Prepare Spices and Toppings
While the turkey cooks, mix the taco seasoning in a small bowl and prepare your toppings.
Season the Meat
Once the ground turkey is cooked, add the seasoning mixture, tomato paste, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook the mixture for around 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Assemble Your Tacos
Warm your tortillas and assemble your ground turkey soft tacos!
Tip
Don't Overcook the Turkey: Ground turkey dries out fast. Cook it just until it's no longer pink and the extra liquid in the pan has cooked off, then pull it off the heat. A few extra minutes makes a real difference in texture.
Common Questions
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey? Yes! Ground chicken works really well here. Use the same seasoning amounts and follow the same steps. Just like turkey, go for a fattier option if you can find it.
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Cook the taco meat as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
How do I keep the taco meat from being too dry? Don't use extra-lean turkey, and don't overcook it. The tomato paste also helps hold moisture in the meat. If it does seem a little dry after cooking, stir in a tablespoon or two of water.
Make Turkey Taco Seasoning in Batches
This recipe makes enough for 6 pounds of ground turkey. Use 2 ½ tablespoons of seasoning and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste per pound of turkey.
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons table salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon pepper
- ¾ cup of tomato paste*
Store the spice blend (without the tomato paste) in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
*I like to use a tube of tomato paste, which is good for 30-45 days in the fridge after opening. You can also freeze tomato paste for later use.
Sides
- No Fail Queso Dip and Chips - Classic combo to go with your tacos.
- Mexican Rice - A classic, easy side that pairs perfectly with tacos.
- Guacamole and Chips - Fresh and creamy, a must-have for taco night.
- Refried Beans - Creamy, savory, and great for scooping up with tortilla chips.
- Texas Margarita - Round out your taco night with a classic margarita.
Juicy Ground Turkey Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or avocado oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% or 85% lean recommended)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾ cup water
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- shredded lettuce
- diced tomatoes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, salt, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the turkey is fully cooked through and no longer pink. Keep cooking until most of the liquid in the pan has evaporated before moving on.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the spice mixture, tomato paste, and water. Stir until the turkey is evenly coated. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the meat. If the pan looks dry before the sauce thickens, add 1-2 tablespoons of water and keep stirring. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Divide the turkey mixture among the tortillas and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!