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    Bites with Bri » Instant Pot » Instant Pot Turkey Tacos

    Instant Pot Turkey Tacos

    Published: Nov 1, 2021 · Modified: May 18, 2022 by Brianna May · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    jump to recipe print recipe

    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! 

    overhead of turkey tacos with lettuce and pico de gallo

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Highlights
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Helpful Equipment & Tools
    • Instructions
    • Make Ahead & Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe Notes
    • Variations
    • FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Instant Pot Turkey Tacos

    Highlights

    • Easy weeknight dinner
    • Healthy Instant Pot recipe
    • Rich sauce with tons of spices
    • Kid friendly 
    • Leaner than beef
    • Gluten & dairy free

    Ingredient Notes

    overhead of ingredients needed for instant pot turkey tacos
    • 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.

    steps 1 & 2
turkey browned in instant pot
vegetables added to turkey

    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.

    steps 3 & 4
turkey after pressure cooking
turkey taco meat thickened with cornstarch in instant pot

    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. 
    closeup of tacos

    Variations

    • Spicy: Add ½ - 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice blend. 

    FAQs

    How do you serve this ground turkey taco meat?

    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. 

    What do you do if you get a burn notice?

    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.

    Are turkey tacos better than beef?

    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.

    How do you make ground turkey taste like beef?

    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. 

    Do you season ground turkey before cooking?

    Yes. It is always best to season meat while it is still raw. This helps the flavor sink in even more. 

    Can you put raw ground beef in Instant Pot?

    Yes, raw poultry and red meat is completely safe for the Instant Pot. 

    Related Recipes

    • Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers
    • Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tacos
    • Mexican Pickled Onions
    • Corn Tortilla Quesadilla
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE COMMENT
    5 from 2 votes

    Instant Pot Turkey Tacos

    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!
    Servings4 people
    Prep5 minutes
    Cook15 minutes
    Total20 minutes
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Author: Brianna May

    Equipment:

    • Instant Pot
    • Stirring Spoon
    • Meat Masher
    • Meat Thermometer

    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.

    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.
    Refrigerator: Store leftover taco meat in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
    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.
    This recipe makes about 6-8 tacos. Double it for a crowd.
    Spicy: Add ½ - 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the spice blend.

    NUTRITION:

    Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 803mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me on Instagram!Mention or tag @bites.with.bri_ or use the hashtag #biteswithbri
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Guinelle Koonce

      November 19, 2021 at 7:09 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Brianna May

        November 30, 2021 at 1:39 pm

        Thank you! It is a pressure cooker. It is linked in this post above.

        Reply

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