Ground Turkey Taco Seasoning

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco night just got a whole lot better with this seasoning. You won’t want to buy those taco seasoning packets at the store once you start making it from scratch. The best part is that it doesn’t have any additives or preservatives in it. You can control exactly what you’re putting into it.

I’ve adjusted the seasonings over the past several years and have come up with the perfect recipe. I’m always making big batches to keep in my pantry for when I need it. 

This is a relatively mild taco seasoning that’s full of flavor. Don’t let the title fool you. Though it’s excellent on ground turkey, it’s also a delicious homemade chicken taco seasoning. If you want it to be spicy, you can easily add some cayenne or crushed red pepper.

The blend is incredible for ground turkey tacos, but also delicious on ground beef, chicken, tofu, or beans. I even sprinkle it over some roasted veggies, like sweet potatoes!

Use it in these Turkey Burrito Bowls or Sweet Potato Taco Bowls.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients for the best ground turkey seasoning.

• Chili Powder: Your favorite chili powder blend is the base for this taco seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: This adds so much flavor, so I don’t recommend leaving it out! You could use half the amount if you prefer.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds some nutty warmth.
• Paprika: Use your favorite paprika in this recipe. Regular, sweet, smoked, or hot all work in this recipe.
• Oregano: Dried oregano for an earthy depth of flavor.
• Fine Sea Salt: One of the best things about making homemade seasonings is that you can adjust the amount of salt. I love using Redmond fine sea salt since it’s an unrefined mineral salt with the best flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Adding crushed red pepper flakes is optional, depending on how mild or spicy you like your tacos.

*The full ingredient list with amounts is in the recipe card below.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

1. Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar until combined.
2. Use immediately in your favorite recipe, or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

How to Make Ground Turkey Taco Meat

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a pound of 93% lean ground turkey and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, for about 5 minutes or until cooked through. Drain out any excess fat, if desired.
2. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, a tablespoon of tomato paste, and 1/3 cup of water. Stir to combine. Add a few splashes of water if needed. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings.

Variations

There are so many benefits to making your own spice blend, particularly that you can adjust the spices to how you like them. Here are some helpful recommendations:

• Give it a kick. Make it spicy by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or add more crushed red pepper.
• Make it smoky. Use a smoked chili powder or smoked paprika.
• Add onion powder. Want some oniony flavor? Add up to 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
• Reduce the sodium. If you need a low-sodium taco seasoning, use half the salt or omit it altogether.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade taco seasoning is not just great on ground turkey. Try it on ground beef, ground chicken, tofu, sweet potatoes, or beans.

When using the taco seasoning to make taco meat (including vegetarian meat substitutes or crumbled tofu), stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with your taco meat mixture for even more flavor. You could even use a couple of dollops of your favorite salsa instead.

I love it in these Tofu Burrito Bowls!

DIY Seasoning blends are great for holiday and Christmas gifts for your friends and neighbors. Make a big batch, then divide it into cute jars to give as gifts. Bonus points if you add a tag with instructions on how to use it.

The Best Taco Toppings

Don’t forget the toppings! Once you make your taco meat, add it to flour or corn tortillas, on a taco salad, or in a bowl over rice.

• shredded cheddar cheese
• sliced avocado or guacamole
• salsa, pico de gallo or salsa verde
• sour cream
• sliced jalapeños
• fresh cilantro
• shredded lettuce
• black beans

Make Ahead and Storage

I love to double, triple, or quadruple this recipe and store it in my pantry in a jar for when I need it. To make it ahead, store the seasoning mix in an airtight container at room temperature. Add this one to your meal prep list for the week!

Since dried spices lose flavor over time, use within 6 months for the freshest flavor.

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

• Low Country Cajun Seasoning
• Homemade Burger Seasoning

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If you make this recipe, don’t forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below.