Easy Turkey Tacos (with a slow cooker option!)

After I got Sidney in 2020, Tony and I made a serious living off Mexican food. Abra brought some delicious enchiladas, and Tony’s sister brought takeout from Big Star Tacos here in Chicago. Yummy.

The second we felt like cooking something, we made these fabulous healthy ones Turkey Tacos, which inspired me to share the recipe with you again today… because hey, they’re perfect for game day or any weekday meal! We’ll skip the taco seasoning packets and make my wonderful homemade taco seasoning (though homemade is better, of course).

It’s clear that you all LOVE some of my easy weeknight meals: Turkey Chili, Salmon Tacos, Maple Glazed Salmon, Chickpea Curry, etc. So I’ve decided to blog more of these easy meals, starting with these tacos. They are such an easy 20 minute dinner!

Turkey vs. Beef Tacos

I know a lot of people love ground beef, but I just don’t like it and haven’t for years. I occasionally crave a burger, but it would be very, very rare that you would find beef in our fridge. However, I constantly find myself buying ground turkey just because it’s a lot leaner, but because it soaks up flavors so nicely.

While you could use beef in this recipe, I suggest trying ground turkey for a change. We typically use 94% lean ground turkey for the best flavor.

And you: Are you a beef or turkey lover?! Or maybe you are a tofu lover? Hello.

Everything you need to make the best turkey tacos

This healthy turkey taco recipe couldn’t be easier to make! As I mentioned earlier, there’s a DIY taco seasoning you’ll love, as well as any fresh toppings your heart desires. Here’s what you need:

• Turkey: Feel free to use 94% or 99% lean ground turkey (or even chicken!). We prefer 94% because it absorbs the spices best.
• Onion & Garlic: some freshly diced onion and minced garlic add a lot of flavor to the taco meat.
• Tomato sauce: You’ll need some tomato sauce to cook the ground turkey and some water if you’re cooking it on the stovetop.
• Spices: Say hello to your new favorite taco seasoning!
• To serve: Here you can get creative. We love these tacos with salsa, sour cream/yogurt, tomato, onion, cilantro, etc. Served with a side of tortilla chips + my famous guacamole.

Customize your healthy turkey tacos

Because this turkey taco recipe is so easy, it’s also easy to adapt to your taste preferences and what you have on hand! I can recommend the following:

• Keep Them Gluten Free: Just use gluten-free corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. You can also try using grain-free tortillas if you prefer. We love the Siete brand.
• Make them paleo: Skip the tortillas and stack the taco meat on top of your favorite salad. Or try Siete Food’s almond flour or cashew flour tortillas.
• Make Them Vegan & Vegetarian: You can swap the chicken for tofu! Dice or break up your tofu so it’s like ground beef and cook it just like ground turkey.
• Add sauce: I love adding my tangy cilantro yogurt sauce, avocado lime sauce, or my jalapeño cashew cream sauce.

Turkey tacos in the slow cooker or on the stovetop

There are two ways to make these turkey tacos: in the slow cooker OR on the stovetop. The slow cooker option is perfect for entertainment or game days, and the stovetop version is one of our favorite weeknight meals.

• In the slow cooker: All you have to do is brown the turkey, then throw it in the slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours. The flavors are insanely good.
• On the stove: Sear the turkey on the stove, then add the spices and tomato sauce and some water. Simmer for 10 minutes and then enjoy!

Reasons to love these easy turkey tacos

• They are easy. That’s right, all you have to do is brown the turkey and then toss it in the slow cooker or cook it on the stovetop. SIMPLY.
• They can be made for a crowd. You can double, triple or even quadruple this recipe. So if you’re throwing a party (or celebrating Taco Tuesday) this is one hell of an inexpensive meal.
• Hello DIY taco bar. Use this to make your own taco bar. Just get all the fixins small and let your turkey cook in the slow cooker. Then have your guests make their own soft shell or hard shell tacos Tortillas or even lettuce wraps! A taco salad bar would be great too. Such a party goer.
• Homemade taco seasoning is involved. A few simple seasonings + tomato sauce and you have a great REAL deal taco seasoning with no JUNK.

How to store and freeze turkey taco meat

Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Allow the taco meat to cool completely to room temperature before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze up to 2 months.
• To warm up: Thaw frozen taco meat in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Anyway, this recipe is a keeper. We do it 1x a week and always go back for seconds!

More weeknight dinner recipes you’ll love

Enjoy! If you make this recipe I’d appreciate it if you tag #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram – otherwise leave a comment and rate the recipe below and let me know how you liked the turkey tacos! xo.

Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen // Photography by: Sarah Fennel