Best Ground Turkey Tacos
These ground turkey tacos offer a flavorful and lighter alternative to the traditional version, making them perfect for a healthier dinner without sacrificing taste. The turkey is browned with a savory mix of taco spices until juicy and tender, then mixed with sautéed onions, colorful bell peppers, and black beans to boost the texture and nutritional value. Spoon the warm filling into soft tortillas and load them up with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, creamy avocado, fresh salsa, or a sprinkle of cheese. They’re quick to prepare, satisfying, and sure to become a weeknight staple the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped yellow or red onion
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 15 ounce can black beans rinsed and drained
- 2 teaspoons chili powder or to taste; use less if you are sensitive to spice or your chili powder is very spicy
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup water
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings as desired: shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, guacamole, cilantro, chopped red onion, etc.
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for about 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften and become fragrant. This quick cook time helps them retain a bit of crunch and fresh flavor while starting to release their natural sweetness.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue stirring and crumbling the meat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. The turkey should be evenly cooked with a bit of browning on the edges for extra flavor.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in the black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the tomato sauce and water, then mix everything thoroughly so the seasonings are well distributed. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is completely cooked through and most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a thick, flavorful filling.
- Spoon the turkey and bean mixture into warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, avocado, salsa, or chopped cilantro. Serve right away while everything is hot and savory.