Ground Turkey and Potato Tacos Al Pastor

Al Pastor is one of my favorite meats to eat. Traditionally it's a spit grilled meat of pork or beef that has been marinated in beautiful spices, similar to a gyro, which I also love.

Well people, I don't own a spit grill, I wish I did, but I don't.

Also, I am ready to eat and I don't want to wait hours to taste the flavors of Al Pastor.

Yes...I am taking the easy route by using ground turkey and using a pan instead of a spit!

I took crushed pineapples, chipotle peppers and garlic, pureed them and used this as my base "marinade."

You can also take this blend and rub it on chicken or fajita steak meat and grill on the pit...

Next, I sauteed onion and then added the meat with a bunch of spices, and don't forget to pre-boil the potatoes for about 10 minutes, this is why the dish is quick, the potatoes are cooked first.

And yes...I am aware Al Pastor doesn't have potatoes in it, but I like the different textures I get from adding potatoes. Zucchini or Butternut Squash would also be tasty...

I am ready to eat this up! I took some corn tortilla shells, fried them for about 15-20 seconds per side with hot cooking oil, stuffed them babies full of meat and cheese, finishing it off with lots of hot sauce!

Ground Turkey and Potato Tacos Al Pastor

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey or ground chuck
2 cups potatoes, diced, peeled
1/2 cup crushed pineapples
2 chipotle peppers
3 cloves garlic
1 onion, diced
3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon creole seasoning
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
1/2 tablespoon onion powder
1/2 tablespoon oregano, crushed
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup water
corn or flour tortilla shells, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, avocado
 
Directions:

Place peeled and 1/2 inch diced potatoes in a pot covered with water. Boil potatoes on high for about 10 minutes, drain, rinse, and set aside.

Mix seasoning blend and set aside.

In a blender or food processor add pineapple, chipotle peppers and garlic, blend until pureed and set aside.

In a pan over medium high heat, add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add onion and saute for about 5 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of seasoning blend and mix well.

Add ground turkey to pan and mix well, season with 2 tablespoons of seasoning blend, reduce heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking up turkey with a spoon, add potatoes and season with remaining seasoning blend, mix well.

Add chipotle/pineapple/garlic puree and water, mix well, reduce heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes more, stirring occasionally, fold in cilantro.

Serve inside soft or crispy taco shells (fry corn tortillas in about 1/2 cup of hot oil for 15-20 seconds on each side, fold in half and stuff with meat), stuffed in enchiladas, burritos are eat with a side of beans and rice. Enjoy!