A closeup of turkey tacos on a green plate

Turkey Tacos

Chef John Haddock
This recipe, from Cooking Matters, uses lean ground turkey seasoned with a blend of spices. It is served in taco shells with toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for a healthier, lower-fat alternative to traditional tacos.

Ingredients 

  • 1 Carrot Or small sweet potato, or small zucchini
  • ¼ head Lettuce
  • 2 Tomatoes Large
  • 4 ounces Cheddar Cheese Low-fat
  • 1 can Pinto Beans 15½ ounces, low-sodium
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey Lean
  • 1 can Tomatoes 15½ ounces, chopped or crushed, no salt added
  • 1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano Dried
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 16 Taco Shells

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Box Grater
  • Colander
  • Large Skillet

Instructions

  • Rinse, peel, and grate carrot, sweet potato, or zucchini (if using zucchini, grate but do not peel). Squeeze dry with paper towels.
  • Rinse and shred lettuce. Rinse, core, and chop tomatoes.
  • Grate cheese.
  • In a colander, drain and rinse beans.
  • Coat a large skillet with non-stick cooking spray. Heat over medium-high heat. Add turkey and brown.
  • Add grated veggies, beans, canned tomatoes, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  • Reduce heat to medium. Cook until thickened, about 20 minutes.
  • Add 2 Tablespoons cooked meat mixture to each taco shell. Top each with 1 Tablespoon grated cheese, 1 Tablespoon shredded lettuce, and 1 Tablespoon fresh tomatoes.

Video

Notes

  • Top tacos with any of your favorite veggies, hot sauce, salsa, low-fat sour cream, or low-fat plain yogurt.
  • Use any type of cooked beans you like.
  • Make soft tacos using corn or whole wheat tortillas. Or, serve over brown rice or cornbread.
  • For more heat, add minced hot peppers to sauce in step 6.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Turkey Tacos
Amount per Serving
Calories
 
251
Calories from Fat 99
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
11
g
17
%
Saturated Fat
 
5
g
31
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
46
mg
15
%
Sodium
 
346
mg
15
%
Potassium
 
388
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
 
19
g
6
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
2
g
2
%
Protein
 
19
g
38
%
Vitamin A
 
2077
IU
42
%
Vitamin C
 
5
mg
6
%
Calcium
 
144
mg
14
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Keyword Beans, Carrot, Carrots, Cheddar Cheese, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Ground Turkey, Lettuce, Oregano, Pinto Beans, Taco Shells, Tacos, Tomato, Tomatoes, Turkey
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