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Easy Crockpot Ground Turkey Taco Meat: Perfect For Meal Prep

crockpot ground turkey taco meat - featured image

This easy crockpot ground turkey taco meat is incredibly tender, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep. Just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for a delicious taco night with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 cup (240ml) salsa (your favorite jarred variety)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth (optional, for saucier texture)

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Place the raw ground turkey directly into the crockpot, breaking it into large chunks.
  3. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir together.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the ground turkey and gently toss to coat.
  5. Pour the salsa over the seasoned meat and spread evenly. Add chicken broth if desired.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours. Do not open the lid during the first 2 hours.
  7. After 3 hours, remove the lid and break the meat into smaller crumbles using a wooden spoon. If still firm, cook for another 30 minutes.
  8. For a thicker texture, leave the lid off for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or let cool before storing.

Notes

Use 93% lean ground turkey for best texture; avoid extra-lean (99%) as it can dry out. Mix spices in a small bowl first to ensure even distribution. Do not open the lid during the first 2 hours of cooking. For extra flavor, add a drained can of diced green chiles or 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot ground turkey, taco meat, slow cooker, meal prep, easy dinner, ground turkey tacos