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
- 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.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the cooked turkey mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add spices and sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, cayenne (if using), and salt until fully combined.
- Slow cook the taco filling: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours or on LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Assemble tacos: Once ready, divide the seasoned meat among 8 tortillas. Add your choice of toppings like tomatoes, cheese, avocado, lettuce, and jalapeños.

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
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes6
hours304
kcalThese 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.
