Ground turkey tacos: a symphony of flavors wrapped in a crunchy shell. Picture this:
the sizzling sound of turkey hitting the pan, the aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen. Tacos have this amazing ability to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a fiesta, don’t they?
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and diced jalapeño. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook the turkey, breaking it into small pieces, until it is fully browned.
- Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, pinto beans, corn, and salsa. Mix everything well and allow it to cook for 3 more minutes.
- Lightly crumble the tortilla chips over the turkey mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chips.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts. Alternatively, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes for a golden finish.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, pickled red onions, and chopped tomatoes. Add optional toppings like avocado, guacamole, or sour cream if desired. Serve with lime wedges.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ cup canned pinto beans, drained
- ¾ cup corn kernels
- 12-ounce jar of salsa (approximately 1 jar)
- 32 tortilla chips (approximately 4 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Pickled red onions, for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped tomatoes, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, avocado
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2012 kcal | Carbohydrates: 174 g | Protein: 148 g | Fat: 94 g | Saturated Fat: 26 g | Cholesterol: 396 mg | Sodium: 4324 mg | Fiber: 22 g | Sugar: 36 g
FAQ
- Can I substitute ground turkey with another type of meat?
- Yes, you can replace ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken, which can also work well in this recipe.
- What can I use if I don’t have pinto beans?
- If pinto beans are not available, you can use black beans or any other type of beans you prefer.
- How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
- For a spicier dish, do not remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño and choose a spicy salsa. For a milder version, omit the cayenne pepper and use mild salsa, while removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño.
- What are some serving suggestions if I don’t want to use tortilla chips?
- Instead of tortilla chips, you can serve the turkey mixture over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even chopped romaine lettuce to make it a taco salad.
- What optional toppings can I add to enhance the flavor?
- You can add a variety of toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped tomatoes, pickled onions, cilantro, and lime wedges to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Tips
- Customize Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the dish to your preference by either leaving the seeds in the jalapeño and using a spicy salsa for more heat, or removing the seeds and opting for a mild salsa if you prefer a milder taste.
- Versatile Protein Options: Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with other lean proteins such as ground sirloin or chicken to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Serving Variations: Instead of tortilla chips, serve the turkey mixture over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or chopped romaine for a different texture and flavor profile, turning it into a taco salad.
- Topping Choices: Enhance the flavor by experimenting with different toppings like fresh red or green onions if you don’t have pickled red onions, and add extras like avocado, guacamole, or sour cream for a richer taste.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid: A large skillet is essential for cooking and combining all the ingredients in this one-pan recipe. If you don’t have a skillet with a lid, you might need to purchase one.
- Broiler-safe Skillet or Pan: If you plan to melt the cheese using the broiler, ensure your skillet is safe for broiler use or consider purchasing a broiler-safe pan.
