Are you tired of the same old boring meals every night? Look no further! This collection of 20 delicious and easy-to-make spicy Mexican ground turkey recipes will spice up your weeknight routine in no time. From tacos to stuffed peppers, and from quesadillas to meatballs, there’s something for everyone in this flavorful fusion of Mexican cuisine and American comfort food.
Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent looking for quick and easy meals that the whole family will enjoy, these recipes are sure to become new favorites. And with ground turkey as the base ingredient, you’ll get all the benefits of lean protein without sacrificing flavor. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and bring the bold flavors of Mexico into your home tonight!
Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your dinner game with these vibrant, flavorful peppers packed with a savory mixture of ground turkey, Mexican spices, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the cooked rice, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Stuff each pepper with the turkey mixture, topping with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Ground Turkey Taco Salad
A flavorful twist on traditional taco salad, this recipe combines the richness of ground turkey with a kick of heat from jalapeños and cumin. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 8 oz mixed greens
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, and jalapeño to the skillet and cook until vegetables are softened.
4. Stir in taco seasoning and cook for an additional minute.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cooked ground turkey mixture.
6. Top with shredded cheese and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy Ground Turkey Enchiladas
A flavorful and satisfying twist on traditional enchiladas, this recipe uses ground turkey as a leaner alternative to beef or chicken. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and comforting dish ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
– 6-8 corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable.
4. To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the turkey mixture onto the center. Roll up and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and turkey mixture.
5. Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mexican Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet
A flavorful and spicy one-pot dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. This recipe combines ground turkey, rice, and plenty of Mexican-inspired spices for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the ground turkey and taco seasoning; cook, breaking up with a spoon, until the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the rice and water; bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
A twist on traditional tacos, these lettuce wraps are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional taco shells.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)
– Shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine turkey, black beans, red bell pepper, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Lay a lettuce leaf flat on a plate or cutting board.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture onto the center of the lettuce leaf.
4. Fold the lettuce leaves in half to enclose the filling.
5. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (preparation time only)
One-Pan Ground Turkey Quesadillas
A twist on traditional quesadillas, this recipe combines the flavors of ground turkey, cheese, and spices in a single pan for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Spoon the turkey mixture on half of the tortilla, then fold the tortilla in half.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Ground Turkey Mexican Street Tacos
This recipe brings a flavorful twist to traditional tacos by using ground turkey as the protein source, packed with bold Mexican flavors and textures. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Lime wedges (optional)
– Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil, onion, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add ground turkey; cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble tacos by spooning turkey mixture onto tortillas. Top with cilantro, lime wedges (if using), and any other desired toppings.
Cook Time: About 15-20 minutes
Turkey and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
This flavorful recipe combines the savory taste of turkey with the bold flavor of black beans, all wrapped up in a nutritious burrito bowl. Perfect for a quick and easy meal or lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup cooked black beans
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups cooked brown rice
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in cumin and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve the turkey mixture over cooked brown rice in a burrito bowl.
6. Top with black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado (if using).
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chipotle Ground Turkey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed sweet potatoes, this recipe combines the warmth of chipotle peppers with the savory taste of ground turkey and creamy Greek yogurt.
Ingredients:
– 4 large sweet potatoes
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
– Shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Bake sweet potatoes for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add minced chipotle peppers, cilantro, olive oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Split sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and top each with the chipotle turkey mixture.
6. Dollop Greek yogurt on top of the turkey mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese (if using).
7. Serve warm.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Mexican Ground Turkey Soup with Avocado
This hearty soup combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a warm bowl on a chilly day. The addition of creamy avocado adds a delicious richness to this spicy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, topped with diced avocado and garnished with cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Turkey Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Elevate your taco game with this creative recipe that combines the flavors of Mexico with the freshness of zucchini. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 medium-sized zucchinis
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the insides, leaving a shell.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add the black beans, taco seasoning, and olive oil to the turkey mixture; stir well.
5. Stuff each zucchini boat with the turkey mixture and top with shredded cheese.
6. Place the stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Ground Turkey and Corn Empanadas
A flavorful twist on traditional empanadas, these ground turkey and corn filled treats are perfect for a quick snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of empanada dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, and frozen corn kernels. Mix well.
3. Roll out empanada dough to desired thickness. Cut into squares or use a cookie cutter to create shapes.
4. Place about 1 tablespoon of the turkey-corn mixture in the center of each dough square.
5. Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape, and press edges together with a fork.
6. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Fry empanadas in hot oil until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
Cooking Time:
– Frying: 6-8 minutes
– Baking: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Turkey and Quinoa Mexican Casserole
This flavorful casserole combines the comfort of turkey and quinoa with the bold flavors of Mexico, all in one delicious dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with spoon as needed.
4. Add cumin, chili powder, and salt; stir to combine.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, turkey mixture, black beans, diced tomatoes, and cheese in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with cilantro and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Ground Turkey Nachos with Jalapeños
Elevate your nacho game with this flavorful recipe that combines juicy ground turkey, spicy jalapeños, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or game-day gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 8-10 corn tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, cilantro, and jalapeño to the skillet and cook until the mixture is fully incorporated.
4. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Spoon the turkey mixture over the chips.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Turkey and Pinto Bean Tostadas
A flavorful twist on traditional tacos, these Turkey and Pinto Bean Tostadas bring together the savory taste of roasted turkey, creamy pinto beans, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked turkey breast, shredded
– 1 cup cooked pinto beans
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6-8 corn tortillas (tostada shells)
– Shredded cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together turkey, pinto beans, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and cumin.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in foil and heating in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
4. Assemble tostadas by spooning the turkey-bean mixture onto warmed tortillas.
5. Serve immediately, topped with shredded cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mexican Ground Turkey Meatballs in Salsa
Elevate your taco Tuesday with these flavorful meatballs that pack a punch of Mexican-inspired spices and tangy salsa.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 minced garlic clove
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– 1/4 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, oats, onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Use your hands or a spoon to shape mixture into meatballs (about 20-25). Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are cooking, combine diced tomatoes and green chilies in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve warm meatballs with salsa spooned on top, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Turkey and Cheese Stuffed Poblano Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of roasted poblano peppers with savory turkey and cheese filling, making for a delicious and healthy snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large poblano peppers
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped onion
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roast the poblano peppers by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is blistered and charred.
3. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool down enough to handle.
4. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a bowl.
5. In a separate pan, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
6. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the turkey mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Stuff each poblano pepper with the turkey and cheese mixture, topping with shredded cheddar cheese.
8. Bake the stuffed peppers at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes
Ground Turkey Chilaquiles with Fried Eggs
A flavorful twist on traditional chilaquiles, this recipe combines the comfort of fried eggs with the savory goodness of ground turkey and tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1/2 cup chopped onion
– 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
– 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 8-10 corn tortilla chips
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 eggs
– Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ground turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
3. In a separate pan, fry eggs over easy. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet used for the turkey, add chopped onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
5. Add tortilla chips, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and cooked turkey to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Transfer skillet mixture to a baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
7. Serve with fried eggs on top and desired toppings.
Cooking Time: About 25-30 minutes
Turkey and Spinach Mexican Lasagna
A twist on traditional lasagna, this recipe combines flavorful turkey and spinach with the bold flavors of Mexico. Perfect for a unique dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook turkey, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a skillet until the turkey is cooked through.
3. Stir in spinach, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and chopped cilantro.
4. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
5. Assemble lasagna by layering cooked turkey mixture, lasagna noodles, and shredded cheese.
6. Top with additional cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ground Turkey Sopes with Mango Salsa
These crispy sopes topped with flavorful ground turkey and sweet mango salsa make for a deliciously unique meal. Perfect for a quick dinner or casual gathering, this recipe is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground turkey
– 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 packet sopes mix (or homemade dough)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Mango Salsa (recipe below)
Mango Salsa:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground turkey over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. Follow package instructions for preparing sopes mix or make homemade dough.
5. Assemble sopes by spooning cooked turkey mixture onto each sope.
6. Top with Mango Salsa and serve.
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 mouthwatering Mexican-inspired recipes featuring ground turkey! From classic tacos and enchiladas to innovative twists like stuffed sweet potatoes and quesadillas, there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking for healthier alternatives, this collection has got you covered. With ingredients like chipotle peppers, avocado, and quinoa, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household. So go ahead, get cooking, and fiesta all week long!
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