Spiced Turkey Tacos are quick to prepare and ready in under 30 minutes. Ground turkey, tomato paste, garlic and a few simple seasonings create a flavorful, lighter alternative to traditional beef tacos—perfect for a busy weeknight the whole family will enjoy.

This is one of the simplest dinners you can make. Ground turkey is a great swap if you or your family prefer poultry to beef: it’s leaner, less greasy and still builds great taco flavor. I often choose turkey when someone at the table avoids beef—my daughter prefers it that way—so these tacos are an easy crowd-pleasing option.

Ingredients

• Turkey – 1 lb ground turkey (used in this recipe).
• Taco shells – Corn taco shells (8 shells recommended).
• Oil – Olive oil to cook the turkey (about 1 Tablespoon).
• Garlic – 2 cloves, crushed or minced.
• Tomato paste – 1 Tablespoon for a rich meat flavor.
• Water – 1/4 cup to create a light sauce.
• Spices & seasonings – 1 1/2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 2 dried chilies (finely chopped), 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
• To serve – Grated cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa and shredded iceberg lettuce.

If you enjoy tacos, try other variations at home—chicken, fish, shrimp or beef fillings are all great. Feel free to customize toppings to suit your family’s tastes.

Notes about the Spiced Turkey Tacos

Keep it simple: cook the turkey mixture, warm the shells and assemble with your favorite toppings. For a fuller meal, serve with a side of Mexican-style rice or a simple salad. The ingredient list and toppings are suggestions—adjust spice levels and garnishes to match your family’s preferences.

Spiced Turkey Tacos

Spiced Turkey Tacos are easy to make and on the table in under 30 minutes. Ground turkey, tomato paste, onions and a few seasonings deliver great flavor for a lighter taco option.

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
15 mins

Total Time
25 mins

Course: Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican, North American, Tex Mex

Keyword: tacos, turkey

Servings: 8 tacos

Calories: 259kcal

Author: Julia Pinney

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 8 taco shells
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/4 Cup water
• 1 1/2 Teaspoons cumin
• 1 Teaspoon paprika
• 2 dried chilies, finely chopped
• 1 Teaspoon salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
• 1 Cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 Cup sour cream
• Salsa, to taste
• Shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions

1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, dried chilies and garlic and sauté about 1 minute. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 8–10 minutes.
2. Stir in the water, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, salt and black pepper. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer 2–3 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat.
3. Warm the taco shells in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes. Fill each shell with turkey, then top with cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, sour cream and salsa as desired. Serve immediately.

*Times are estimates; appliance performance may vary.

Nutrition Facts

Spiced Turkey Tacos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 259Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 61mg20%

Sodium 478mg21%

Potassium 355mg10%

Carbohydrates 11g4%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 778IU16%

Vitamin C 5mg6%

Calcium 155mg16%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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