Turkey Tacos

We often think that if your grocery budget is tight, that means eating unhealthy foods. While it is true that often over processed, non organic foods are cheaper, I think that eating healthier is still an option.  Here is a dish, that I believe will fit the bill of being inexpensive and healthy.

Turkey Tacos

Ingredients:

Olive oil

1 lb. Ground Turkey

*1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. cayenne

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. red pepper flakes (if you like a little more spice)

S&P to taste

1 can black beans

1 head iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce

Garnish with cheese, tomatoes, avocado, **sour cream, and more hot sauce.

*Turkey can be a bit dry (due to being a lean meat).  I use the Worcestershire to flavor and bring moisture but you can cut this expense by adding a little water instead or if you have it, a little chicken broth.

**I actually use non-fat plain Greek yogurt in place of sour cream – just as creamy, has a similar tanginess and it’s nonfat.

Directions:

Put a little olive oil in the pan (about a tablespoon) and let it heat up over medium heat.  As soon as it’s warm, put in the turkey and start to brown.  Add all the spices while it’s browning, make sure to stir once in a while. Once the turkey is cooked through – NO pink, drain the black beans and add to the meat mixture.  Cook meat and beans for about 2 to 3 minutes so that the beans are warm.   Remove from heat.

Lettuce is what you are using instead of taco shells or tortillas.  Tear off several individual leafs, and rinse them.  Shake off the excess water and proceed with filling each lettuce leaf with taco meat and then garnish with the items you like best.  WARNING – this can be a messy meal so probably not a first date meal ;)

Meal 2 – if you have left overs, you can make a taco salad the next day – cut up the lettuce and top with meat, cheese and other garnishes.

A few money saving tips before the price break down; there is a name brand turkey out there that I have found to be about twice the price of store brand turkey, so buyer beware.  Also, I know that college students occasionally go out for fast food and I know that several of those fast food places give out freebies.  So don’t be afraid to ask for a couple extra packets of “fire” sauce or red pepper flake packets or mayo or whatever.  I mean, they are giving them away…….I’m not saying, clean them out, just take what you think you will use.

Price break down: (again most are based on Trader Joe's)

Ground Turkey (1lb.) - $2.99

Black beans (15oz.) - $.89

Worcestershire - $3.46 (based on a price I found online)

Lettuce (package of 3 heads of romaine)- $2.49

Tomato - $.79

Cheese – $3.49

Avocado (4 count) – $2.99

Nonfat Greek Yogurt – $1.49

Total comes to $15.10 but prices can be cut by buying block cheese and only 1 avocado, even still, this makes approximately 8 tacos which brings it to $1.89 per taco.   Like I stated earlier, it’s a couple of tacos the first night and then, depending on left overs, 1 or 2 taco salads the next day or so. 

Not only is this a cheap and healthy dish, it's also a really easy clean up.  Everything is made in 1 pan and for the non-cooked items, you only cut up what you need.

Enjoy!