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+ servings
soft tacos topped with diced avocado, sliced jalapeño and chopped cilantro

Healthy Taco Meat Recipe

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Homemade healthy tacos are filled with my go-to clean eating Mexican taco meat recipe and any other favorite toppings you love on your tacos. These healthy tacos make for an easy dinner recipe that the whole family will enjoy, even your pickiest eaters!
Course Main
Cuisine Mexican
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 7 servings
Calories 135
Author Kim

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 jalapeño peppers seeded and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa (or a combination of the two)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 6-7 taco shells or tortillas
  • Optional for topping: guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomato, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add onion and jalapeños; cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes and until onions are soft.
  • Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently for 1 minute. Transfer onion mixture to a small bowl and set aside.
  • Add turkey to the same skillet; cook, over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to break up turkey, for 8 to 10 minutes and until turkey is no longer pink.
  • Season with chili powder, cumin and garlic salt.
  • Add onion mixture, tomato sauce or salsa (or a combination of the two) and tomato paste. Mix well. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring frequently for about 8 minutes and until mixture thickens.
  • Serve in tortillas or taco shells with all of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Leftover taco meat will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5-7 days.
Freezer option. Double this recipe and store half in the freezer to have taco meat on-hand for an easy weeknight dinner. To freeze, place cooked and fully cooled meat in a freezer bag, remove all of the air, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the skillet (or in the microwave) until warm.
 
Photos by Sasha at Eat Love Eats.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 15.5g | Fat: 5.5g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 375mg | Fiber: 1.6g | Sugar: 2.9g