Five ingredients, minimal prep, and tons of bold taco flavor. These ground turkey tacos come together in under 15 minutes for the easiest high-protein weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
As a dietitian, I’m always trying to find ways to boost nutrition while keeping dinners realistic. That means using simple, easy-to-find ingredients that level things up without the extra work. The secret in this recipe? Refried beans, which add fiber while making the taco meat extra creamy and flavorful.
If you’re looking for more low-effort weeknight staples, try my Taco Stuffed Peppers, Easy Sweet Potato Sloppy Joes, or my Easy Chicken Enchiladas!
Recipe Highlights
- The taco meat is the star. This ground turkey taco filling includes the simple secret ingredient that makes it extra delicious and more nutritious. It’s perfect for easy weeknight tacos, but you can also prep the meat ahead and use it in other meals throughout the week.
- Only 5 ingredients and ready in 15 minutes. This recipe is incredibly simple with just five ingredients and less than 15 minutes of cook time.
- A simple fiber boost. Adding refried beans upgrades classic turkey tacos with extra fiber to help keep you full and satisfied.
- Creamy without dairy. The refried beans melt right into the turkey, making the taco filling rich, creamy, and extra flavorful without needing any dairy.
- Perfect for multiple meals. Use this taco meat in tacos like the recipe suggests, or add it to taco salads, quesadillas, burrito bowls, or nachos.
Key Ingredients And Swaps
- Ground turkey: I like using ground turkey because it’s a lean, high-protein option. You can swap this for ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even crumbled tofu if you want a plant-based option!
- Taco seasoning: This is where most of our flavor comes from, so using a good one makes a big difference! I always recommend the spicy taco seasoning from Siete because it’s super flavorful and made with simple ingredients. Any taco seasoning will work though – you are also welcome to make your own!
- Refried beans: This is the secret ingredient that makes these tacos extra delicious! Refried beans add fiber and blend right into the turkey to create a creamy, flavorful taco filling without needing any dairy.
- Tortillas: I usually use small flour tortillas, but corn tortillas work just as well. You could also serve the taco meat over rice or greens if you prefer a taco bowl or salad instead.
- Toppings: Make these ground turkey tacos your own! I love to add pico de gallo, jalapeños and pickled onions.
How To Make Ground Turkey Tacos
Step 1: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, sprinkle with taco seasoning, and cook until fully browned.
Step 2: Stir in the refried beans and water or broth, then cover the skillet.
Step 3: Let this sit for 2-4 minutes, then stir until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Warm your tortillas, add the taco meat, and finish with cheese and your favorite toppings!
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and detailed recipe.
Miranda’s Tips
Tips From My Test Kitchen
- Use a really good taco seasoning. I always recommend the spicy taco seasoning from Siete because it has so much flavor, and less is more!
- Look for vegan refried beans if possible. They will have less fat and generally be more heart healthy – you can compare different cans by looking at the nutrition labels, and choosing the option with less fat or calories if desired
- Adjust the water as needed to reach your desired consistency. I like a thicker taco meat so I always start with less and add more only as needed.
Ground turkey taco meat is a great high-protein starting point for so many meals. Try it in taco salads, burrito bowls, quesadillas, nachos, or lettuce wraps.
For best results, store the taco meat separately from the tortillas and toppings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat the meat and assemble fresh tacos when ready to serve.
More Reliable High-Protein Recipes
BBQ Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Panko Chicken Nuggets
Bang Bang Tofu Bowls
If you tried my Ground Turkey Tacos, leave a ⭐️ rating and comment below, and don’t forget to share a pic on Instagram!
Ground Turkey Tacos
Equipment
- 1 large non-stick skillet or pan
Ingredients
Turkey Taco Meat:
- 2 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning, I like the spicy taco seasoning from Siete
- 1/2 can (400 ml) vegan refried beans
- 1/2-3/4 cup water or chicken broth, adjust as needed (see instructions)
To Assemble:
- 12 small tortillas, I use flour but corn works too
- 1 cup shredded cheese, I use sharp cheddar
Optional Toppings:
- small diced white onion
- small diced jalapeño
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- salsa, pico de gallo, or diced tomatoes
- cilantro
- lime wedges
Instructions
- Brown and season turkey: Add oil to your skillet and heat to medium. Add ground turkey, and leave it untouched for 2-3 minutes to brown the bottom. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and begin crumbling and cooking until turkey is browned and no pink remains.
- Combine with other taco meat ingredients: Add refried beans and ½ cup water/broth, and cover. Let this sit for 2-4 minutes, or as long as needed to soften the refried beans. Remove the lid and stir until smooth and combined — add more water/broth as needed in ¼ cup increments to reach your desired consistency. Turn off the heat.
- Prepare tortillas: Gently warm your tortillas in the microwave or over a burner, 3 per person. Sprinkle with cheese.
- Assemble tortillas: Add taco meat to each tortilla, and finish with toppings of choice. I've listed my favorite toppings in the recipe, and included more ideas in the notes. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
