High Protein Taco Mince

Elevate your taco nights with this flavorful High Protein Taco Mince that's as nutritious as it is satisfying! Packed with lean ground turkey (or beef), protein-rich black beans, and hearty cooked quinoa, this recipe is a powerhouse of flavors and nutrients. A blend of warm spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika pairs beautifully with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile recipe is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, or topping taco bowls, salads, and nachos. It's a quick, high-protein meal that's sure to become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams lean ground turkey (or beef)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup water (or low-sodium chicken stock)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 large lime, sliced into wedges

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lean ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Use a spatula to break the meat into small pieces.

Step 5

Once the meat is cooked, stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well until the spices coat the meat evenly.

Step 6

Add the black beans, cooked quinoa, and water (or chicken stock) to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 7

Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt or spices if desired.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro.

Step 9

Serve the high-protein taco mince hot, with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or as a topping for taco bowls, salads, or nachos.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1316.8 grams (1316.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1552

Total Fat 60.30g	77%
Saturated Fat 15.60g	78%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 350mg	117%
Sodium 1696mg	74%
Total Carbohydrate 115.50g	42%
Dietary Fiber 30.10g	108%
Total Sugars 12.50g
Protein 138.30g	277%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 325mg	25%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 2933mg	62%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 34.8%

Protein: 35.5%

Carbs: 29.7%