• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Trending Now: Simple One Pan Meals!
  • About
  • Lifestyle
  • Favorite Products
  • Contact

Mad About Food

Easy Healthy Whole Food Recipes

  • Recipe Index
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Dessert
    • Snack
    • Cocktails
    • Sauces, Dips, and Dressings
  • Protein
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Seafood
    • Turkey
    • Meatless
  • Method
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Grilling
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • One Pan Meal
  • Dietary
    • Gluten Free
    • Dairy Free
    • Vegan
    • Vegetarian
    • Egg Free
    • Nut Free

Trending:

30 Minute Meals

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

One Pan

Meal Prep

Breakfast

Sauces, Dips and Dressings

Home Blog Recipes

Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos

print comments
Share
Share on:
Jump to Recipe
By: MadelinePosted: 12/01/2020Updated: 03/31/2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Use this Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos recipe to sneak some extra veggies into homemade ground turkey taco meat. Your friends and family won’t even know that they’re eating zucchini and cauliflower with their meat.

Above view of hidden veggie ground turkey taco meat with turkey tacos and lots of topping options

Ground turkey tacos are the perfect way to use up and enjoy some extra veggies!

I first tested this recipe because I has some zucchini in the fridge that wasn’t looking to good. So I chopped it up and threw it in our taco meat along with some riced cauliflower.

Shockingly you couldn’t even taste the veggies alongside all the spices and flavors of the taco meat. I found that if I peeled the zucchini and chopped it small you could barely see it in the meat at all!

I know that some people are against the concept of hiding veggies from their kids, but if you have a picky eater this turkey taco meat might be the perfect option!

Above view of hidden veggie ground turkey taco meat with tortillas and taco toppings on the side

What kitchen tools will I need to make these Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos?

I prepare this healthy turkey taco meat in a large skillet. You can use any kind of large skillet or even a wok.

You will also need a sharp knife and a vegetable peeler to prepare the vegetables that you will mix into the ground turkey. I use a wooden spatula to mix and break the ground turkey into crumbles

I also used a small mixing bowl to mix the spice mixture together.

Above view of a spoonful of Hidden Veggie Turkey Taco meat being scooped onto a tortilla

How do you season ground turkey for tacos?

Ground turkey taco meat can sometimes have less flavor than a traditional ground beef taco because it is lower in fat. To flavor these healthy ground turkey tacos I used a mix of warming spices and tomato paste.

I always use the same seasoning mixture for tacos which includes salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne.

If you want to up the spice level of this turkey taco meat, just add some extra cayenne. I promise with these seasonings, you won’t miss the ground beef.

What ingredients will I need to make these ground turkey tacos with extra veggies?

You will be amazed at how easy it is to make ground turkey tacos with just a few healthy ingredients.

  • Avocado oil
  • Ground turkey
  • Frozen cauliflower rice
  • Zucchini
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chili
Can I use ground beef or ground chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can basically use any ground meat that you like for this taco recipe.

Can I use fresh cauliflower rice instead of frozen cauliflower rice?

Yes! I prefer frozen cauliflower rice because it is usually more affordable, but fresh cauliflower rice will work well too.

Above view of a turkey taco on a charred tortilla with extra ground turkey taco meat and toppings surrounding the taco

Let’s make some Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos!

Step 1: Prep ingredients and sauté veggies

To begin, peel the zucchini and dice into tiny cubes. Then, mix salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne in a small bowl.

Next, combine tomato paste and water in a small bowl.

Then, heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced zucchini and riced cauliflower to the skillet.

Next, sauté the veggies until soft and cooked through, about 7 minutes.

Step 2: Brown ground turkey and season

Then, push the veggies to the edge of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the pan. Heat the ground turkey and begin to break into crumbles.

After about 2 minutes, add the seasoning mixture into the pan and continue browning and the ground turkey and  breaking into crumbles.

Once the turkey is almost completely cooked through, mix the veggies in with the ground turkey.

Step 3: Mix in tomato paste

Reduce the heat to medium low and pour the water and tomato paste mixture into the skillet and mix in thoroughly with the turkey and veggies. Cook for another 2 minutes and remove from the heat.

Step 4: Enjoy!

How to serve these ground turkey tacos

I like to serve these hidden veggie ground turkey tacos with small corn tortillas and other toppings. First, I toast the tortillas over an open flame on the stove.

Then, I serve everything buffet style. That way everyone can choose whichever toppings they want for their ground turkey tacos!

Above view of a hand grabbing a turkey taco with lots of toppings off of a serving platter

How should I store this ground turkey taco meat?

Once prepared, store this ground turkey taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or use one of the recipes below to repurpose your leftovers!

Other ways to enjoy this healthy turkey taco meat:

  • Baked Tacos
  • Paleo Taco Dip
  • Whole30 Taco Casserole

You can find the full recipe below. If you make this recipe, please rate and review it in the comments, or share it with me on Instagram!

Pinterest image for pinning Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos recipe on Pinterest
Recipe

Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos

★★★★★ 5 from 6 reviews

Healthy ground turkey taco meat made with extra veggies

Recipe By: Madeline
Prep: 15 minutesCook: 15 minutesTotal: 30 minutes
Print Pin it Rate recipe Save recipe
Servings: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 (12oz) bag riced cauliflower
  • 2 small or 1 large zucchini
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 3 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Peel zucchini and dice into tiny cubes
  2. Mix salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin and cayenne in a small bowl
  3. Combine tomato paste and water in a small bowl
  4. Heat avocado oil over medium heat in a large skillet
  5. Add the diced zucchini and riced cauliflower to the skillet
  6. Saute veggies until soft and cooked through, about 7 minutes
  7. Push the veggies to the edge of the skillet and add the ground turkey to the pan
  8. Heat the ground turkey and begin to break into crumbles
  9. After about 2 minutes add the seasoning mixture into the pan and continue browning and the ground turkey and  breaking into crumbles
  10. Once the turkey is almost completely cooked through, mix the veggies in with the ground turkey
  11. Reduce the heat to medium low and pour the water and tomato paste mixture into the skillet and mix in thoroughly with the turkey and veggies
  12. Cook for another 2 minutes and remove from the heat
  13. Serve with tortillas and any toppings you like!
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Did you make my

Hidden Veggie Turkey Tacos?

Rate recipe Share on Insta Save recipe

I appreciate your reviews SO much! Mention @mad_about_food and hashtag your photo with #madaboutfood

  • Facebook
  • Email

Related Recipes

  • Ground Beef Baked Tacos
  • Side view of homemade gravy pouring onto sliced slow cooker turkey breast
    Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Gravy
  • Greek Turkey Burgers
  • Above view of turkey pesto meatballs in a baking dish
    Pesto Baked Turkey Meatballs
Above view of balsamic pork chop dinner with brussels sprouts and potatoes in a glass storage container
Previous Post
Pork Chop Sheet Pan Supper
Next Post
White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

About Madeline

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. James says

    Posted on 12/1 at 10:53 am

    I can’t wait to make these for my kids!! Looks so good!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 12/2 at 8:38 am

      Thanks, James!

      Reply
  2. Donna says

    Posted on 1/12 at 10:14 am

    Made this for dinner last night and it was so good! My husband is not a big fan of veggies and enjoyed this. The spices and toppings really cover the taste of the cauliflower. Always love ideas to incorporate veggies into our regular meals.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 1/14 at 4:36 pm

      amazing!! Thank you so much!!

      Reply
  3. Elisa says

    Posted on 2/24 at 9:07 pm

    Okay but you actually cannot tell there is cauliflower at all and the zucchini doesn’t get all soggy and weird?? Making my tacos this way forever and love that I now know a taco seasoning blend that isn’t prepackaged and filled with a ton of added salt 🙂

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 2/27 at 9:28 am

      So glad!! Thank you!!!

      Reply
  4. Jlryan says

    Posted on 4/12 at 6:00 pm

    Made this for dinner. Soooo good and such a great way to add in veg. You can’t even tell the veg is in there. Very tasty!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 4/13 at 9:43 am

      Amazing! I agree!! thank you!

      Reply
  5. Julia T says

    Posted on 5/17 at 6:53 pm

    These were such a great way to get some veggies in!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 6/1 at 10:48 am

      YEs! got to sneak them in sometimes! Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Carolyne says

    Posted on 7/19 at 11:04 pm

    I made this tonight and it couldn’t have been easier. So delicious and you couldn’t even taste the veggies! I’ve already sent the recipe to several friends. Mad about Food is always a hit!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 7/25 at 8:24 pm

      yay! thank you!

      Reply
  7. Leslie says

    Posted on 4/4 at 10:28 am

    This was delicious! I made it without the cauliflower because I didn’t have any but plan to remake this with the cauliflower in the future.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Madeline says

      Posted on 4/4 at 8:38 pm

      yay! so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hi, I'm Madeline! I am so excited to share my healthy and approachable recipes with you. Here you will find simple, comforting recipes that the whole family will enjoy. Turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and let's get cooking!

Read More

Popular Posts

Whole30 BLT Chicken Salad

Blueberry Coconut Chia Seed Pudding

Ground Beef Baked Tacos

No Bread Turkey Club

Grab my

Top 5 Tips for Simplifying Meal Time!

Sign me up!

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Join me and 145k friends on instagram

"This is my third time making this recipe and it’s a fave for meal prepping! So delicious, quick and easy ☺️" - Jessica

Get Recipe

"This was so simple and delicious!! Worked late and still quickly put together a great meal." - Dana

Get Recipe

"So good! Not only was this incredibly easy to make, the flavor was perfect. I will definitely make this again and again!" - Mandy

Get Recipe
@mad_about_food
Back to Top

Courses

Dinners

Breakfasts

Desserts

Dips & Sauces

Popular

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Meal Prep

Chicken Recipes

Back to Top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
© 2023 Mad About Food
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled