One Pot Turkey Tacos: Easy Weeknight Dinner!

December 12, 2025

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one pot turkey tacos are a weeknight dinner dream come true! This recipe is a simple, flavorful, and quick way to get dinner on the table. My grandmother, Nana Elsie, always said the best meals are the ones that minimize dishes, and these one pot turkey tacos are a testament to that philosophy. Imagine all the vibrant taco flavors you love, cooked together in a single pot, ready to be piled high on your favorite tortillas.

Why You Will Love This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

This one pot turkey tacos recipe is bound to become a family favorite. What’s not to love about a comforting, easy meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes? I love that it simplifies dinner preparation without sacrificing flavor or quality. It is perfect for busy weeknights when time is short, but still delivers the taste of a homecooked meal. Think of perfectly seasoned ground turkey, flavorful vegetables, and a hint of spice, all mingling together harmoniously in one easy recipe. Like my Honey Teriyaki Salmon, it’s a flavorful dish that doesn’t require a ton of effort!

This isn’t just about convenience either. This one pot method concentrates all the delicious flavors, creating a depth you wouldn’t normally get in separate preparations. The turkey absorbs all the spices and juices from the vegetables, resulting in an irresistibly delicious taco filling. It is the perfect recipe to whip up when you need a quick and tasty meal for the whole family.

Ingredients Needed for This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
  7. Stir the one pot turkey taco mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, or pepper to your preference.

 

one pot turkey tacos step

  1. Serve the one pot turkey taco filling in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

How to Serve This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

Serving these one pot turkey tacos is all about customization. You can offer a variety of toppings to personalize each taco. For a classic touch, include some shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream. Want to kick things up a notch? Add some guacamole, salsa, or chopped cilantro.

For a full meal, pair your tacos with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad. Don't forget a squeeze of lime juice over the filling for a burst of freshness. And for a unique twist, serve the turkey mixture over tortilla chips for a quick and easy nacho platter. You could even serve it alongside my Hamachi Crudo for a fun fusion meal!

How to Store This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

Leftover one pot turkey taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Allow the mixture to cool completely before refrigerating.

For longer storage, the filling can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months. Transfer the cooled mixture to a freezer safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, simply warm the turkey mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water if the mixture seems too dry.

Tips to Make This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

  • For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Feel free to substitute ground beef, chicken, or even plant based crumbles for the turkey.
  • Customize the vegetables to your liking. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes would be great additions.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Don't overcook the turkey, cooking it until just browned keeps it tender and flavorful.

Helpful Notes for This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

Using lean ground turkey will help to reduce the amount of grease in the pot, but be sure not to use an extremely lean ground turkey as the fat adds a lot of flavor! If you don't have taco seasoning on hand, you can easily make your own. A simple blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper will work perfectly. Make sure your diced tomatoes still have all the juice inside when you add them to the pot; it's a really great way to add some extra flavor to the meal.

Variation of This one pot turkey tacos Recipe

For a cheesy twist, stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. For a creamier taco filling, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt right before serving. For a vegetarian option, omit the turkey and add an extra can of black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. Consider following us on Pinterest for lots more recipe inspiration! Follow us on Pinterest for more easy and delicious recipes. If you have a sweet tooth, feel free to add my Protein Cookie Recipe to your menu to finish. If you are looking for a seasonal twist to the one pot turkey tacos recipe, consider using roasted butternut squash in the fall and serving with a sprinkle of pepitas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make one pot turkey tacos?

One pot turkey tacos are made by cooking ground turkey with taco seasoning, vegetables, and other ingredients in a single pot until the turkey is cooked through and the flavors have melded. The mixture is then served in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

What are the best toppings for turkey tacos?

Popular toppings for turkey tacos include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and your favorite hot sauce. Feel free to customize the toppings to your personal preferences.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey in one pot tacos?

Yes, ground beef can be substituted for ground turkey in one pot tacos. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the beef is cooked through. You can also use ground chicken or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

How do I store leftover one pot turkey taco filling?

Leftover one pot turkey taco filling should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will typically keep for 3-4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Conclusion

These one pot turkey tacos are a delicious and convenient meal option that’s sure to please the whole family. From the easy cleanup to the customizable flavors, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner. Give these simple one pot turkey tacos a try; you will not be disappointed by their savory flavor and ease of preparation. Happy cooking!

One Pot Turkey Tacos: Easy Weeknight Dinner!

One Pot Turkey Tacos: Easy Weeknight Dinner!

Quick and easy one pot turkey tacos, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Seasoned ground turkey, vegetables, and spices all cook together in one pot for a flavorful and convenient meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition:
Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 15g

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded.
  7. Stir the one pot turkey taco mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, or pepper to your preference.
  9. Serve the one pot turkey taco filling in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, use hot taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Customize the vegetables to your liking. Diced zucchini, mushrooms, or even sweet potatoes would be great additions.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the mixture during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

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