These Instant Pot Turkey Tacos are the easiest weeknight dinner (think taco Tuesday). The meat has a rich flavor and a thick sauce that tastes like it has been simmering for hours. But thanks to the Instant Pot, this ground turkey is ready in 15 minutes. Serve the turkey taco meat in your favorite tortillas and load up on toppings!
Ground turkey is so versatile. If you have extra, try my Turkey and Lentil Soup.
If you love a crunchy taco shell, try my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tacos.
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Highlights
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Healthy Instant Pot recipe
- Rich sauce with tons of spices
- Kid friendly
- Leaner than beef
- Gluten & dairy free
Ingredient Notes
- Olive Oil: Swap for avocado oil.
- Ground Turkey: Swap for lean ground beef or ground chicken.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the sauce and allows the spices to cling to the meat.
- Tomatoes: Swap for 1 ¼ cups of chunky salsa.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Helpful Equipment & Tools
- Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker: I highly recommend the 8 quart Instant Pot so that you can cook large quantities if needed.
- Farberware Professional Heat Resistant Nylon Meat/Potato Masher: This masher is heavy duty and it can be used for any ground meat or potatoes. An essential kitchen tool.
- Silicone Nonstick Mixing Spoons Set: Great heat resistant spoons for everyday cooking.
Instructions
Overview
- Brown the ground turkey and spices.
- Pressure cook.
- Thicken the taco meat with cornstarch.
Step by Step
Step 1: Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. Add the oil, ground turkey, and taco seasoning (not the cornstarch). Cook for a few minutes or until the meat is mostly browned.
Step 2: Stir in the tomato, onion, and bell pepper, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pot.
TIP - The meat does not have to be completely cooked through because it will finish cooking during the pressure cooking process.
Step 3: Select “Pressure Cook” and “High Pressure” and set the timer for 9 minutes. Quick release immediately after the timer goes off.
Step 4: Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Pour this mixture into the ground turkey. Simmer for a few minutes or until the sauce has thickened and excess liquid has cooked off.
TIP - Mix the cornstarch with some water before adding it to the ground turkey so that it does not become clumpy.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover taco meat in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in one minute increments until heated through. Assemble Instant Pot turkey tacos as desired.
- Freezer: Allow the taco meat to cool completely in the fridge overnight. Portion the ground turkey taco meat in freezer bags or airtight containers. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat the frozen ground turkey covered over medium heat on the stove. Stir frequently. You can also thaw the ground turkey in the fridge overnight and then reheat.
Expert Tips
- Use cornstarch. Be sure to add the cornstarch slurry at the end to thicken the sauce. This really helps all of the seasonings adhere to the meat for the best turkey taco.
- Don’t forget about the toppings. Top these Instant Pot turkey tacos with your favorite taco fixings, like cheese, sour cream, lettuce, Mexican Pickled Onions, or pico de gallo.
- This ground turkey is great for meal prep. It reheats well and can be used for ground turkey tacos, salad, or bowls for lunches or dinners.
Recipe Notes
- This recipe makes about 6-8 tacos. Double it for a crowd.
Variations
- Spicy: Add ½ - 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice blend.
FAQs
Well of course you can use this meat as a filling for tacos. You can also make taco salads, bowls, burritos, or nachos with this ground turkey.
If you get a burn notice, do not panic. Turn the pot off and quick release any steam that has built up. Give the meat a good stir and scrape anything off the bottom that is sticking. Add ⅓ cup of water. Follow the recipe as stated form step 3.
Ground turkey has less saturated fat than beef, but beef inherently has more flavor. It is really a personal preference. Ground turkey is a great taco filling option for those who do not eat red meat.
Lots of seasoning. The primary flavor you taste from ground beef tacos is the taco seasoning. So by using the same seasonings, you can create a very similar taste. I find most people do not mind the ground turkey at all or prefer it.
Yes. It is always best to season meat while it is still raw. This helps the flavor sink in even more.
Yes, raw poultry and red meat is completely safe for the Instant Pot.
Related Recipes
Instant Pot Turkey Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil*
- 1 pound ground turkey*
Taco Seasoning
- 1 ½ Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetables
- 1 10 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Slurry
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon water
Instructions:
- Review all recipe notes and instructions before beginning.
- Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. Add the oil, ground turkey, and taco seasoning (not the cornstarch). Cook for a few minutes or until the meat is mostly browned.
- Stir in the tomato, onion, and bell pepper, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pot.
- Select “Pressure Cook” and “High Pressure” and set the timer for 9 minutes. Quick release immediately after the timer goes off.
- Select the “Sauté” mode on the Instant Pot. In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water. Pour this mixture into the ground turkey. Simmer for a few minutes or until the sauce has thickened and excess liquid has cooked off.
Delicious! I love all the shortcuts you suggested. I will definitely make again. Thank you!!
Thank you!
Hi! My name is Guinelle5678 and I'm just enjoying the ingredients! Not much of a cook and I live alone (widow) and lost my son, and right now people are s afraid to visit even tho fully vaccinated. Question : what is an Instant pot? Food LOOKS and READS GOOD! Can't wait to try some.
Thank you! It is a pressure cooker. It is linked in this post above.