MY MOST REQUESTED RECIPE

MY MOST REQUESTED RECIPE is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Karissa Stevens on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 27 min

Cost: $11.79 total, $2.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 pound Ground Turkey (lean (93% lean))
  • 1 can Dark Red Kidney Beans (15‑oz, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 can Garbanzo Beans (or Black Beans) (15‑oz, rinsed and drained)
  • 1 can Corn Kernels (15‑oz, drained)
  • 1 can Tomato Sauce (15‑oz, use two small cans if large unavailable)
  • 2 cups Water (use the liquid from the cans to capture flavor)
  • 1 ounce Chili Seasoning Packet (store‑bought 1‑oz packet, base flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for heat)
  • 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for best texture)
  • 1/2 cup Taco Sauce (use the remainder of a bottle)
  • 8 pieces Flat Taco Shells (flat, sturdy shells that hold toppings well)
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or any meltable cheese)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Turkey

    Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium‑high heat

  2. Add Beans, Corn, and Tomato Base

    Stir in the rinsed and drained dark red beans, garbanzo (or black) beans, drained corn, 1 can tomato sauce, and 2 cups water (using the liquid from the cans). Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Season the Chili

    Add the 1‑oz chili seasoning packet, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Simmer

    Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chili simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: low simmer

  5. Prepare Creamy Taco Sauce

    In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup sour cream with 1/2 cup taco sauce. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Warm Taco Shells

    Place the flat taco shells on a microwave‑safe plate and microwave for 30 seconds to soften them.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: high (microwave)

  7. Assemble the Tacos

    Spread a spoonful of the sour‑cream‑taco‑sauce mixture into the bottom of each taco shell, add a generous scoop of turkey chili, and top with shredded cheese.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
7 g

Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free if corn taco shells are used, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy (sour cream, cheese), Potential gluten if wheat‑based taco shells are used

Last updated: August 2, 2026

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MY MOST REQUESTED RECIPE

Recipe by Karissa Stevens

A quick, protein‑packed turkey chili served in flat taco shells and topped with a creamy taco‑sauce‑infused sour cream and melted cheese. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying late‑night snack.

EasyTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
32m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$11.79
Total cost
$2.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Brown the turkey until fully cooked
  • Season the chili with the full spice blend
  • Simmer the chili for at least 10 minutes
  • Mix sour cream with taco sauce until smooth
  • Warm taco shells to prevent cracking
  • Assemble tacos just before serving

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause burns – handle skillet with oven mitts
  • Steam from simmering chili is hot – keep face away when lifting lid
  • Microwave‑heated shells can be hot – use a towel when removing

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of turkey chili tacos in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

Chili‑based fillings are a staple of Tex‑Mex cooking, blending Mexican spices with the hearty comfort of American chili. Using turkey reflects a modern, lean‑protein twist that many families adopt for healthier weeknight meals.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chili‑topped tacos in Texas and Mexico?

A

In Texas, beef or turkey chili is common, often served in flat or hard shells. In northern Mexico, similar dishes use picadillo (spiced ground meat) with salsa and are wrapped in soft corn tortillas. Each region adjusts spice level and bean types to local tastes.

cultural
Q

How is turkey chili traditionally served in Tex‑Mex households?

A

It is usually ladled into warmed taco shells or tortillas, then topped with cheese, sour cream, and sometimes lettuce or avocado. The dish is often enjoyed as a quick dinner or a late‑night snack after family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations feature turkey chili tacos in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

They are popular for casual gatherings like game nights, family movie evenings, and weekend barbecues. Because they’re quick to assemble, they’re also a go‑to for after‑school snacks or late‑night cravings.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Tex‑Mex turkey chili taco?

A

Key ingredients include ground turkey, a mix of canned beans (kidney, garbanzo or black), corn, tomato sauce, a chili‑seasoning blend, and classic spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic powder. Toppings such as sour cream, taco sauce, and shredded cheese complete the authentic flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with turkey chili tacos?

A

Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh cilantro‑lime slaw. A chilled margarita or a light cerveza also complements the spicy, savory flavors.

cultural
Q

What makes turkey chili tacos special compared to regular beef chili?

A

Turkey provides a leaner protein with a milder flavor that lets the spices shine, while still delivering the comforting heartiness of chili. The lighter meat also makes the dish quicker to brown and less greasy.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making turkey chili tacos?

A

Over‑cooking the turkey can make it dry, not draining the beans leaves excess liquid, and skipping the simmer step results in a flat flavor. Also, failing to warm the taco shells can cause them to break when filled.

technical
Q

How do I know when the turkey chili is done cooking?

A

The turkey should be fully browned with no pink spots, and the sauce should be bubbling gently. After the 10‑minute simmer, taste for seasoning and check that the beans are tender.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Karissa Stevens specialize in?

A

Karissa Stevens focuses on quick, family‑friendly meals that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, often featuring lean proteins, pantry staples, and easy‑to‑assemble dishes like the turkey chili tacos showcased in her videos.

channel

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