I’m sure we’re all familiar with the average turkey tacos, but I’m about to share my not-so-secret trick for making them 10/10 every single time. These easy turkey tacos (aka weekly turkey tacos in our house) are anything but dry or bland. Lean ground turkey, tons of flavor, and one simple ingredient that completely changes the game: green chiles.
I honestly wasn’t even going to share this recipe because it feels too simple… but we make it every single week, and it’s way too good not to. High-protein, super flavorful, and the easiest dinner to throw together. If you’re anything like me, you basically consider tacos a food group – so I’ll just say you’re so welcome now for this fun little taco-making tip.
Easy Turkey Tacos That Are Anything but Boring
These turkey tacos are proof that a healthy, high-protein dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. IYKYK I’m all about easy, laid-back, nutritious and delicious type recipes, and that’s exactly what this one is.
Browning the ground turkey and letting it simmer with taco seasoning, green chiles, and a splash of bone broth keeps the meat juicy and perfectly packed with flavor. The result is a simple taco filling that tastes like it cooked way longer than it did — ideal for busy weeknights, taco night at home, or meal prep that actually holds up as leftovers (trust me, they might be even better the next day).
A High-Protein, No Added Sugar Weeknight Dinner
Between the lean ground turkey, fresh veggie toppings, and simple ingredient list, this is one of those healthy taco recipes you can feel really good about making on repeat.
It’s naturally no added sugar, easy to keep gluten-free or dairy-free depending on your toppings, and totally customizable for the whole family.
Pile the turkey taco meat into crunchy or soft tortillas, load them up with romaine, bell pepper, avocado, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime. It’s quick, protein-packed, and genuinely one of the easiest dinners you’ll ever make — let me know what you think in the comment section below. Or tag me on IG when you make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the turkey:
- Organic ground turkey
- Taco seasoning packet (I love Siete Foods)
- Water or bone broth (I like Kettle & Fire)
- Can of mild green chiles
For the tacos:
- Crunchy or soft tortillas (I like Siete Foods)
- Chopped romaine
- Chopped red bell pepper
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream (I like Kite Hill dairy-free)
- Hot sauce (I used Cholula)
How To Make Easy Turkey Tacos
Brown the turkey in a pan with a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add taco seasoning, water (or bone broth, if using), and the green chiles. Stir, cover, and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
While the taco meat cooks, chop all your veggies (romaine, bell pepper, and avocado).
Warm your tortillas and build your tacos once the ground turkey is done. Feel free to swap or add in any other taco toppings you prefer. Enjoy!
Recipe Substitutions & Questions
Here are a few easy substitutions and swaps to help you customize these easy turkey tacos based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs:
- Ground turkey: You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if that’s what you have on hand — just note that beef will be a bit richer and higher in fat.
- Liquid: Water and bone broth both work well here; bone broth adds a little extra flavor and protein, but water keeps things simple and still delicious.
- Tortillas: Use crunchy or soft tortillas depending on preference. Grain-free, gluten-free, or traditional flour or corn tortillas all work great in this recipe.
- Taco seasoning: Any taco seasoning works, but if you’re keeping this recipe no added sugar, look for a seasoning without added sugar or make your own at home.
- Green chiles: If you don’t have canned green chiles, you can substitute finely diced poblano or Anaheim pepper for a similar mild heat, or use a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
- Toppings: Romaine, bell pepper, and avocado are a great base, but feel free to swap in shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, or jalapeños based on what you have.
- Sour cream: Dairy-free sour cream works just as well as regular sour cream, or you can use plain Greek yogurt for a higher-protein option.
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How do you keep turkey tacos from drying out?
The key to juicy turkey tacos is adding a little liquid and letting the meat simmer instead of overcooking it. In this recipe, the combination of taco seasoning, green chiles, and water or bone broth keeps the ground turkey moist and flavorful while it finishes cooking. Covering the pan and simmering on low for a few minutes makes a huge difference.
Can I make turkey taco meat ahead of time?
Yes! Turkey taco meat is great for meal prep and holds up really well in the fridge. Store the cooked ground turkey in an airtight container for up to 4 days, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy.
More Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes:
- Baked Beef Tacos
- One Pan Enchilada Skillet
- Crockpot Chicken Tinga Tacos
- Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
- Avo Chimichurri Breakfast Tacos
- Healthy Turkey Taco Chili with Butternut Squash
Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂
Easy Turkey Tacos
Ingredients
For the turkey:
- 1 pound organic ground turkey
- ½ packet taco seasoning, (I love Siete Foods)
- 1/3 cup water or bone broth, (I like Kettle & Fire)
- 1 can mild green chiles
For the tacos:
- Crunchy or soft tortillas, (I like Siete Foods)
- Chopped romaine
- Chopped red bell pepper
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream, (I like Kite Hill dairy-free)
- Hot sauce, (I used Cholula)
Instructions
- Brown the turkey in a pan with a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add taco seasoning, water (or bone broth, if using), and the green chiles. Stir, cover, and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes.
- While the taco meat cooks, chop all your veggies (romaine, bell pepper, and avocado).
- Warm your tortillas and build your tacos once the ground turkey is done. Feel free to swap or add in any other taco toppings you prefer. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ground turkey: You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if that’s what you have on hand — just note that beef will be a bit richer and higher in fat.
- Liquid: Water and bone broth both work well here; bone broth adds a little extra flavor and protein, but water keeps things simple and still delicious.
- Tortillas: Use crunchy or soft tortillas depending on preference. Grain-free, gluten-free, or traditional flour or corn tortillas all work great in this recipe.
- Taco seasoning: Any taco seasoning works, but if you’re keeping this recipe no added sugar, look for a seasoning without added sugar or make your own at home.
- Green chiles: If you don’t have canned green chiles, you can substitute finely diced poblano or Anaheim pepper for a similar mild heat, or use a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
- Toppings: Romaine, bell pepper, and avocado are a great base, but feel free to swap in shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, pickled red onions, or jalapeños based on what you have.
- Sour cream: Dairy-free sour cream works just as well as regular sour cream, or you can use plain Greek yogurt for a higher-protein option.
