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Healthy Turkey Taco Crescent Cups

By: Drizzle

Servings: 8

Prep: 20 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 35 minutes mins

3-4 PersonalPoints, 3 SmartPoints on Blue & Purple, 4 SmartPoints on Green (WW Freestyle)

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 lb lean ground turkey, weighed raw for accuracy
• ▢ 1 package reduced-fat crescent rolls
• ▢ 2 Tbsp taco seasoning (low sodium if preferred)
• ▢ 1/4 cup water
• ▢ 1 cup diced vegetables *I used a mix of bell peppers & onions, but feel free to add corn, black beans, or even zucchini for extra nutrition
• ▢ Your favorite taco toppings (see suggestions below)

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Instructions 

• In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Stir in the 1/4 cup of water and taco seasoning. Mix well to ensure the turkey is evenly coated. Next, add your chosen diced vegetables (like peppers and onions) and continue to cook over low-medium heat for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
• While the turkey mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Open the package of reduced-fat crescent rolls. Carefully unroll the dough onto a clean surface and press any perforated seams closed to form a single, rectangular sheet of dough.
• Using a knife or pizza cutter, divide the dough into 8 equal square or rectangular pieces. Refer to the pictures for a visual guide on how to cut the dough.
• Lightly spray a regular-sized 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Gently press each cut piece of crescent dough into the muffin cups, forming a cup shape.
• Evenly scoop the flavorful turkey and veggie mixture into each crescent cup. I typically use a heaping 1/4 cup per cup. You might have a small amount of mixture left over, which can be stored in the fridge and used for a quick taco salad or another meal the next day. Don’t worry if you manage to use it all!
• Bake the taco cups in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the crescent rolls are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Remove from oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings. Popular choices include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of low-fat cheese, a dollop of light sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa, or fresh cilantro. *Note: The listed points for the recipe do not include toppings, but a small pinch of low-fat cheese or a spoonful of salsa won’t significantly impact the points.
• These taco cups are wonderful for meal prep! They store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can also be frozen for longer storage.

Notes

PersonalPoints – 3-4 depending on your 0 PersonalPoint foods list and individual plan. Always verify with the WW app for your personalized value. 

WW Freestyle SmartPoints (blue & purple) – 3 SP per serving using the Weight Watchers recipe builder.

SmartPoints (green) – 4 SP per serving using a standard SmartPoints calculator.

Points Plus – 4 PP per serving using a PointsPlus calculator.

Nutritional info per serving (approximate): Calories 169, Fat 4.4g, Saturated Fat 1.1g, Carbohydrates 15.5g, Fiber 0.5g, Sugar 3g, Protein 15.9g. (Calculated using MyFitnessPal and includes all core ingredients listed, excluding optional toppings).

Additional Info

Course: Main meals, Appetizer, Snack

Tried this recipe?Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!

Tips for Taco Cup Perfection

• Don’t Overfill: While tempting, overfilling the crescent cups can lead to spillage and uneven baking. Stick to the suggested 1/4 cup per serving.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Ensure your turkey mixture is not too wet. Draining any excess fat from the cooked turkey is crucial.
• Even Browning: Keep an eye on the oven. Every oven is different, so adjust baking time as needed to get that perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. For a milder flavor, use less seasoning or a mild blend.

Creative Variations & Customizations

One of the best things about these Turkey Taco Crescent Cups is how adaptable they are. Here are some ideas to make them uniquely yours:

• Protein Swaps: As mentioned, ground chicken works wonderfully. For a richer flavor, use lean ground beef, but be mindful of the added points/calories. Plant-based ground crumbles are an excellent vegetarian option.
• Vegetable Boost: Beyond peppers and onions, consider adding finely diced zucchini, corn, black beans (rinsed and drained), or even a touch of spinach for extra nutrients.
• Cheese Please: While the recipe is designed to be light, a small amount of low-fat shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend can add a delicious touch. For dairy-free, use your favorite vegan cheese shreds.
• Flavor Twists: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the cooked turkey mixture brightens all the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions before baking can also add a nice aroma.
• Different Dough: If you can’t find reduced-fat crescent rolls, regular crescent rolls or even puff pastry can be used, though this will change the nutritional values.

Serving Suggestions for Your Game Day Feast

These taco cups are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides and toppings to complete your game-day spread:

• Classic Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, fresh salsa, light sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro are always winners.
• Guacamole or Avocado Slices: A healthy fat that adds creaminess and flavor.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice elevates the taco flavors.
• Side Salad: For a more balanced meal, serve alongside a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
• Corn on the Cob or Elote: A perfect complement to the Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Chips and Dip: Offer a bowl of baked tortilla chips with extra salsa or a light queso dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Turkey Taco Crescent Cups are excellent for meal prepping or preparing ahead for a party:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C) until warm, crisp, and heated through.
• Freezing: These cups freeze remarkably well. Allow them to cool completely after baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Pre-Assemble Option: You can prepare the turkey and veggie filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the cups with fresh crescent dough and bake as directed.

With their ease of preparation, customizable nature, and fantastic flavor, these Turkey Taco Crescent Cups are sure to become a cherished recipe in your repertoire, whether it’s for game day, a quick weeknight dinner, or a casual gathering. Enjoy the deliciousness!