Tacos With Turkey Picadillo

Updated Feb. 8, 2023

Tacos With Turkey Picadillo
Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
4(410)
Comments
Read comments

Picadillo is a typical filling for tacos, enchiladas and chilies, traditionally made with ground beef. I lighten the sweet and savory mixture by using ground turkey breast.

Featured in: Recipes for Health: Tacos for the Holidays

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings
  • 128-ounce can chopped tomatoes with juice
  • 1tablespoon canola oil
  • 1medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1pound ground turkey breast
  • ¼teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1teaspoon medium-hot chili powder (more to taste)
  • 1teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼cup raisins
  • 1tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cider vinegar or rice vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • 1tart apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped
  • 12corn tortillas
  • 2cups shredded cabbage (about 6 ounces)
  • Salsa and crumbled queso fresco as desired
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

321 calories; 10 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 4 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 39 grams carbohydrates; 8 grams dietary fiber; 12 grams sugars; 21 grams protein; 807 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pulse the canned tomatoes with juice in a food processor fitted with the steel blade until puréed. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Heat the canola oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring often, until onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until it is fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Season to taste with salt and pepper and cook, stirring and breaking apart the meat, until it is lightly browned, about 8 minutes. If the meat has released any liquid into the pan, carefully pour it off, then stir in the pepper, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves and raisins and stir together for 1 minute.

  3. Step 3

    Add the puréed tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of the vinegar and salt to taste, and bring to a simmer. Simmer 15 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add the apple and continue to simmer for 10 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and meaty. Taste and adjust the seasoning.

  4. Step 4

    Cover the cabbage with cold water and let sit for 5 minutes. Drain and spin dry. Toss with the remaining vinegar. Heat the tortillas and spoon the picadillo onto each one. Top with shredded cabbage, garnish with salsa and crumbled queso fresco if desired, and serve.

Tip
  • Advance preparation: The turkey picadillo will keep for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator and freezes well.

Ratings

4 out of 5
410 user ratings
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Comments

Creates a nondescript, somewhat tasteless meat sauce that would probably go better serve on pasta than a tortilla. Very disappointing recipe.

I used a chipotle chili powder which added a smokey taste. If you don't have a salad spinner, just dry the cabbage in a kitchen towel.
I anticipate that this will be a very versatile recipe at my house. The picadillo lends itself to being served over squash, pasta or it can be used as a filling for chile relleno.

Usually, I don't deviate much from recipes, but I'm Mexican, so the thought of adding apple and using canned tomatoes just felt wrong. I used 2 fresh tomatoes and about 1/2 cup of Mexican tomato puree just like I would for beef picadillo. I used most of the ingredients except for the apple and cabbage. I served it with avocado and pickled chipotles. I think it's a good healthy option for a midweek lunch and I will be making it again but red meat picadillo definitely tastes much better.

I made this recipe for two picky teeaters (teen eaters). Tripled the chili powder. Added 2 T tomato paste. Used 3/4 of the tomato puree (saved the rest for gazpacho tomorrow). Served with hard shell blue corn tacos. No apples. No raisins. They loved it! I've never seen these two eat so much - 3 tacos each. Everyone agreed that next time we should add salsa and guac.

I followed the recipe as instructed up until it came time to simmer the picadillo. I like my picadillo more saucy and to achieve that I added about 1/4 cup of chicken broth. It didn’t take from the flavor and also kept the turkey from drying out. Served with chips and garnished with cilantro. Will make again!

Usually, I don't deviate much from recipes, but I'm Mexican, so the thought of adding apple and using canned tomatoes just felt wrong. I used 2 fresh tomatoes and about 1/2 cup of Mexican tomato puree just like I would for beef picadillo. I used most of the ingredients except for the apple and cabbage. I served it with avocado and pickled chipotles. I think it's a good healthy option for a midweek lunch and I will be making it again but red meat picadillo definitely tastes much better.

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