Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos

Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos

This Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos recipe is a healthy and flavorful option, which includes lean ground turkey and tomato sauce. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 6 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos Ingredients

For the taco meat:

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1 pound 94% lean ground turkey (or 99% lean if preferred)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (1 cup)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • 2 ½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Optional toppings:

  • 8 soft corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
  • ¾ cup grape tomatoes, quartered
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 avocado, diced (or guacamole)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Sliced fresh or pickled jalapeños

How To Make Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos

  1. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and ground turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up the meat until it is fully browned.
  2. Transfer to slow cooker: Move the cooked turkey mixture to your slow cooker.
  3. Add spices and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt until fully combined.
  4. Slow cook the taco filling: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or on LOW for 6–7 hours.
  5. Assemble tacos: Once ready, divide the seasoned meat among 8 tortillas. Add your choice of toppings like tomatoes, cheese, avocado, lettuce, and jalapeños.
Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos
Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos

Recipe Tips

  • Can I skip browning the turkey first? Browning adds flavor and texture, but you can skip this step to save time.
  • How spicy is this taco meat? The cayenne pepper is optional—leave it out for mild flavor or add more for heat.
  • Can I use frozen ground turkey? Yes, but make sure to thaw it fully and brown it before slow cooking.
  • Best tortillas to use: Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor, but flour tortillas work just as well.
  • How to make this dairy-free: Simply skip the cheese or use a dairy-free substitute.

What To Serve With Ground Turkey Tacos

These tacos are perfect for a fun taco night. Try pairing them with:

  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Black beans or refried beans
  • Chips with salsa or guacamole
  • Mexican street corn
  • Fresh fruit salad

How To Store Ground Turkey Taco Meat

Refrigerate: Store leftover taco meat in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Ground Turkey Tacos Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 304 (per 2 tacos without toppings)
  • Carbohydrates: 32.1g
  • Protein: 30.6g
  • Fat: 6.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Fiber: 5.4g
  • Sugar: 4g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with ground beef or chicken?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef or chicken for ground turkey—just adjust the fat content and cook time as needed.

Do I need to add water in the crock pot version?
No, the tomato sauce provides enough liquid for slow cooking.

Can I prep this taco filling ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the taco meat, then store it in the fridge or freezer until ready to serve.

How do I prevent the tacos from getting soggy?
Warm your tortillas before serving and avoid overloading them with juicy toppings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortillas and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.

Try More Recipes:

Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos

Recipe by Robert Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

6

hours 
Calories

304

kcal

These Crock Pot Ground Turkey Tacos are easy, healthy, and full of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp olive oil

  • 1 white onion, diced

  • 1 lb 94% lean ground turkey

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 2 ½ tsp cumin

  • 2 ½ tsp chili powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

  • ¾ tsp salt

  • 8 corn tortillas and toppings

Directions

  • Heat olive oil, cook onions and turkey until browned (5 mins).
  • Transfer to slow cooker.
  • Add garlic, tomato sauce, and all seasonings. Stir to combine.
  • Cook on HIGH 2–3 hours or LOW 6–7 hours.
  • Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.