Loaded Turkey Taco Nachos
Indulge in a delicious and health-conscious twist on your favorite nachos with these Loaded Turkey Taco Nachos! Made with lean ground turkey and an array of colorful vegetables, this dish is bursting with flavor yet lighter than traditional nachos. The combination of zesty taco seasoning, fresh salsa, and gooey melted cheese over crispy tortilla chips makes this meal a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike. Plus, the added crunch of fresh toppings ensures everyone can customize their plate just the way they like it. Perfect for game day, movie nights, or a quick weeknight dinner, these nachos easily elevate any gathering!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
3 (tablespoons)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 (teaspoon)
Onion
1 (medium, diced)
Green bell pepper
1 (diced)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (sliced and minced)
Ground turkey
2 (lbs)
Taco Bell fajita seasoning mix
1 1/4 (ounces)
Water
3/4 (cup)
Cumin
1 (tablespoon)
Paprika
1 (tablespoon)
Medium salsa
2 1/2 (cups)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese
to liking (shredded)
Tostitos bite size tortilla chips
1 (large bag)
Diced tomato
to liking (for topping)
Sour cream
to liking (for topping)
Shredded lettuce
to liking (for topping)
Instructions
1
Start by finely dicing the onion and green bell pepper. Set aside.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
3
Prepare the jalapeno by slicing it lengthwise. Remove the seeds and ribs for less heat, or leave some for extra spice. Mince the remaining jalapeno flesh and set aside.
4
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, minced jalapeno, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
5
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Once the turkey is cooked, push the mixture to one side of the pan, allowing the fat to drain to the other side. Carefully pour out any excess fat with a spoon.
7
Return the pan to the heat and stir in the Taco Bell seasoning, water, cumin, paprika, and an additional 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
8
Add the medium salsa to the turkey mixture and stir to incorporate. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent sticking.
9
For serving, fill microwave-safe bowls with desired amounts of the turkey mixture. Top generously with cheddar or Mexican cheese and microwave for about 1.5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
10
Serve immediately with a large bowl of Tostitos bite-sized tortilla chips and an array of toppings such as diced tomatoes, sour cream, and shredded lettuce. Enjoy your flavorful loaded nachos!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Loaded Turkey Taco Nachos?
They are a health-conscious twist on traditional nachos made with lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and zesty taco seasonings served over crispy tortilla chips.
How much ground turkey is required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 2 lbs of ground turkey.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Which vegetables are included in the turkey mixture?
The mixture includes onion, green bell pepper, and minced jalapeno.
How do I prepare the jalapeno for this recipe?
Slice the jalapeno lengthwise, remove the seeds and ribs for less heat, then mince the remaining flesh.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno for approximately 6 minutes until softened.
What temperature should I use to cook the turkey?
Increase the heat to medium-high when adding the ground turkey to the skillet.
How long does it take to cook the ground turkey?
It takes about 5 to 7 minutes for the turkey to cook through until it is no longer pink.
Should I drain the fat from the cooked turkey?
Yes, push the mixture to one side of the pan and carefully spoon out any excess fat before adding seasonings.
Which specific seasoning mix is suggested?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 ounces of Taco Bell fajita seasoning mix.
What additional spices are added to the meat?
In addition to the seasoning mix, add cumin, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
How much salsa is needed for the turkey mixture?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of medium salsa.
How long should the turkey mixture simmer?
The mixture should simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
How often should I stir the mixture while it simmers?
Stir every 5 minutes to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan.
What type of cheese is recommended for these nachos?
You can use either shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend.
How do I melt the cheese on the nachos?
Place the turkey mixture in microwave-safe bowls, top with cheese, and microwave for about 1.5 minutes.
Which brand and type of chips are suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests using a large bag of Tostitos bite-sized tortilla chips.
What fresh toppings are suggested?
Diced tomatoes, sour cream, and shredded lettuce are recommended for topping the nachos.
Is this recipe suitable for game day?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for game day, movie nights, or quick dinners.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 18 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the heat level of this dish?
The heat level is medium due to the medium salsa and minced jalapeno, though it can be adjusted by removing jalapeno seeds.
How much water is added to the meat mixture?
You should add 3/4 cup of water along with the seasonings.
How much cumin and paprika should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of cumin and 1 tablespoon of paprika.
Can I use red pepper flakes?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Is the turkey seasoned with salt and pepper?
Yes, it is seasoned during the vegetable sautéing phase and again when adding the spices, to taste.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 medium diced onion.
How do I serve the nachos to a group?
Serve the melted cheese and turkey mixture immediately with a large bowl of chips and various topping bowls so guests can customize.
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is described as a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a health-conscious version made with lean turkey and plenty of vegetables.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features a combination of gooey melted cheese, savory simmered turkey, and crispy tortilla chips.