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Turkey Taco Lettuce Cups - Fresh, Fast, and Flavor-Packed

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is ideal for flavor and moisture)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 head butter lettuce, Bibb, or romaine, leaves separated and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija)
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Pickled red onions
  • Fresh lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Prep the lettuce and toppings. Separate the lettuce leaves, rinse, and pat dry. Chop your toppings so they’re ready to go.
  2. Cook the aromatics. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 5–6 minutes until no pink remains.
  4. Season it up. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
  5. Add tomato paste and broth. Stir in the tomato paste, then pour in the chicken broth. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and looks saucy, not soupy.
  6. Finish with lime. Turn off the heat and stir in the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt or spices as needed.
  7. Assemble. Spoon the turkey mixture into lettuce leaves. Top with your favorite additions like tomatoes, cheese, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.
  8. Serve. Add a squeeze of lime over the top and enjoy immediately while the lettuce is crisp.