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The Best Turkey Tacos and Homemade Taco Seasoning

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Ingredients

Adjust Servings:
Ground Turkey Tacos
1 Pound Lean Ground Turkey Lean
1 Medium Onion Diced
1 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 oz. Tomato Paste
3 oz. Water
Taco Toppings
1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grated
1 Cup Fresh Tomatoes Diced
1 Avacado Sliced
Sour Cream
Homemade Taco Seasoning
1/2 Cup Chili Powder
1.5 Tbs. Garlic Powder
2 Tbs. Ground Cumin
1/2 Tsp. Cayenne Powder
2 Tsp. Dried Oregano
1 Tbs. Kosher Salt

Nutritional information

1
Serving Size
150
Calories
17 g
Protein
62 mg
Cholesterol
5 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Sugars
1.5 g
Fiber

The Best Turkey Tacos and Homemade Taco Seasoning

Features:
  • Gluten Free
Cuisine:

A surprise visitor for dinner? No problem. It was turkey taco time.

  • 1 Hour
  • Serves 6
  • Easy

Ingredients

  • Ground Turkey Tacos

  • 1 Pound Lean Ground Turkey
    Lean
  • 1 Medium Onion
    Diced
  • 1 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 6 oz. Tomato Paste
  • 3 oz. Water

  • Taco Toppings

  • 1 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
    Grated
  • 1 Cup Fresh Tomatoes
    Diced
  • 1 Avacado
    Sliced
  • Sour Cream

  • Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 1/2 Cup Chili Powder
  • 1.5 Tbs. Garlic Powder
  • 2 Tbs. Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 Tsp. Cayenne Powder
  • 2 Tsp. Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tbs. Kosher Salt

Directions

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I’m finally coming out of my sinus sickness from hell.

This means I can taste and enjoy food again. I mean, not that my waistline probably didn’t mind a little fasting from that whole not being hungry while sick thing, but I know I’m ready to be done with it.

Now that I’m back to my craving my favorite foods, it’s time to share with the world one of the most craveable foods I can think of:  tacos.

Making your own homemade taco seasoning is easy. It’s just a matter of measuring out a few spices and throwing them together.

Want less salt? Add less. Like it spicier? Add more cayenne, and so on.

Those seasoning packets you can buy at the store are garbage. Total, complete, salty, preservative-ridden garbage.

Not that I have strong opinions about this or anything…

Mix all the spices together and store in an air-tight container.

If you double or triple the recipe for the taco seasoning, stick it in an air-tight container and keep it handy, you’re no more than 20 minutes away from a darn tasty taco meal.

A couple weeks ago, my friend Meguire stopped by on a Friday night for a surprise visit (which I love).

A surprise visitor for dinner? No problem. It was turkey taco time.

I whipped up a batch of the taco seasoning and made some of my favorite baked Mexican rice.

Add more seasoning to amp up the flavor of your choice of taco meat. It works just as well with ground beef, ground chicken, tofu, or whatever you like to stick in a tortilla.

Grab yourself a Corona and give it a try!

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Kitchen Must Haves

Recipe Steps

1
Done

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add onions and saute until softened, about 10 minutes.
2
Done

Add ground turkey and break up with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the ground turkey is no longer pink.
3
Done

Stir in 1/4 cup of the spices and cook for about 1 minute.
4
Done

Stir in the tomato paste and water. Cook for another minute until heated through.
5
Done

Taste the meat mixture. If it tastes like it needs more flavor, add the additional 1/4 of taco seasoning and stir to combine.
6
Done

Serve in a flour tortilla with sliced avocado, tomato, sour cream and cheddar cheese for a burrito, or in a crunchy taco shell or small corn tortilla with toppings for tacos.

Adrienne

Tried and tested recipes I really make for my family and friends. Really. Simple, hearty comfort food made with fresh, local ingredients.

What is the best ground turkey for tacos?

Oh, ground turkey for tacos – it's like the fresh new kid on the block that everybody wants to be friends with! To find the best ground turkey for your taco fiesta, there are a few things to consider.

First off, let's talk fat content. Generally, ground turkey comes in two main types: lean (around 93% lean, 7% fat) and extra lean (around 99% lean, 1% fat). For tacos, you'll probably want to go with the lean version. That little extra bit of fat brings added moisture and flavor, ensuring your taco filling doesn't end up dry and bland. After all, nobody wants a taco that's afraid to let its hair down, right?

Now, let's discuss seasoning. When it comes to tacos, the spices are what really make them sing. Feel free to play around with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create your own signature taco seasoning. Don't be afraid to get creative – your turkey tacos will thank you!

To cook the ground turkey, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart, browning it until it's no longer pink. Once it's cooked, drain any excess liquid, then sprinkle in your seasoning and give it a good stir. You could also toss in a splash of water or broth to help the spices mingle with the turkey, creating a beautiful friendship that'll have your taste buds dancing.

And there you have it! With the right ground turkey and a flavor-packed seasoning, you're well on your way to taco heaven. Just add your favorite toppings and let the fiesta begin!

Can you freeze leftover turkey taco meat?

Absolutely, you can freeze leftover turkey taco meat! It's like giving your taco filling a cozy little igloo vacation where it can chill out until you're ready to party together again. Here's how to freeze and reheat it like a pro:

First, make sure your turkey taco meat is completely cooled down. You don't want to trap any steam or heat in the container, as this could lead to ice crystals or freezer burn.

Next, choose an appropriate container for freezing. Airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags are your best friends here. They'll keep your taco meat snug and secure, protecting it from the chilly elements.

When you're ready to fill your container or bag, consider portioning the meat into taco-sized servings. This way, you can easily defrost just the right amount for a quick taco night without having to thaw the whole batch.

Before sealing the container or bag, make sure to squeeze out any excess air. This will help keep your turkey taco meat fresh and prevent any unwanted frosty visitors.

Label your container or bag with the date and contents, so you don't end up playing a game of freezer detective later on. Your turkey taco meat should stay happy in the freezer for up to three months.

When it's time to bring your taco meat back to life, simply defrost it in the refrigerator overnight. Once it's thawed, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's warmed through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to help it regain its saucy, delicious character.

And that's it! With your frozen turkey taco meat ready to go, you're all set for a fabulous encore performance of taco night. Enjoy!

How can I make turkey tacos lower sodium?

Great thinking! Lowering the sodium in your turkey tacos is like turning the volume down on the salt, so all the other delicious flavors can jam together harmoniously. Let me share some tips on how to create a lower-sodium turkey taco experience:

  1. Seasoning: One of the easiest ways to reduce sodium is to make your own taco seasoning mix. Pre-packaged taco seasoning can be a sneaky source of extra sodium. By mixing your own, you're in control of the salt content. Use spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder, and add salt sparingly or use a salt substitute.

  2. Ground turkey: When you're shopping for ground turkey, take a moment to check the label for sodium content. Some brands might add extra sodium during processing, so opt for one with the lowest amount.

  3. Toppings: Fresh, homemade toppings are an excellent way to minimize sodium. Make your own salsa or pico de gallo with fresh tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Opt for fresh avocado or homemade guacamole instead of store-bought, which can contain added sodium. You can also use fresh, chopped veggies like lettuce, radishes, and bell peppers.

  4. Tortillas: Whether you're a fan of corn or flour tortillas, check the labels and choose the ones with the lowest sodium content. Alternatively, you can make your own tortillas at home to control the amount of salt added.

  5. Cheese: If you're including cheese in your turkey tacos, go for a lower-sodium option. Some cheese varieties like Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack tend to have less sodium than others. You can also use a smaller amount of cheese to keep the sodium in check.

By being mindful of the ingredients and seasonings you use, you can create delicious, lower-sodium turkey tacos that'll have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy your tasty and healthier taco fiesta!

How do I keep ground turkey moist?

Keeping ground turkey moist is like throwing it a fabulous spa day, complete with a steamy sauna and luxurious treatments. Here are some tips to pamper your turkey and make sure it stays tender and juicy:

  1. Choose the right turkey: When shopping for ground turkey, opt for a lean version (around 93% lean, 7% fat) rather than extra lean (99% lean, 1% fat). The slightly higher fat content will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.

  2. Add moisture: Incorporate moisture-rich ingredients like finely chopped onions, grated zucchini, or even applesauce into the ground turkey mixture. These ingredients not only add flavor but also help retain moisture as the turkey cooks.

  3. Don't overcook: Ground turkey can go from juicy to dry in the blink of an eye. Keep a close eye on it while cooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once it hits that temperature, remove it from the heat to prevent overcooking.

  4. Use a liquid: If you're cooking ground turkey for a dish like tacos or pasta sauce, adding a bit of liquid (broth, water, or tomato sauce) can help maintain moisture. This creates a saucy environment that keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out.

  5. Let it rest: If you've formed your ground turkey into patties, meatballs, or meatloaf, allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring your turkey remains tender and moist.

With these tips, your ground turkey will be the picture of relaxation and juiciness, ready to take center stage in your delicious dishes. Bon appétit!

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