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Easy Crockpot Ground Turkey Taco Meat Meal Prep

Easy Crockpot Ground Turkey Taco Meat Meal Prep - featured image

This easy crockpot ground turkey taco meat is perfect for meal prep. Brown the meat, toss it in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic for tender, flavorful taco meat all week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground turkey (93/7 or 85/15 works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons homemade blend: chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the turkey (10 minutes): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink — about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  2. Sauté the aromatics (3 minutes): Push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir everything together.
  3. Transfer to the slow cooker: Carefully transfer the browned turkey mixture to your crockpot.
  4. Add the liquids and seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained), chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours or on HIGH for 1-2 hours. The meat should be tender and the sauce slightly thickened. If it looks too thin, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  6. Shred and adjust (optional): After cooking, use two forks to break up any larger chunks of turkey. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime if needed.
  7. Serve or store: Use immediately for tacos, salads, or bowls. Or let cool completely before transferring to storage containers.

Notes

Don’t skip the browning step; it adds deep flavor. Use 93/7 ground turkey for best moisture. Let the meat rest 5-10 minutes after cooking for better texture. The meat will look soupy initially but will thicken as it cooks.

Nutrition

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