Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that everyone will love, these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are just the ticket! This recipe has become a staple in my home because it perfectly balances flavor and ease, making it ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The crispy tortillas filled with seasoned turkey and black beans, paired with a creamy avocado sauce, create a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can easily adjust the spices or toppings based on your family’s preferences. Plus, it makes just enough for a small batch, which means no leftovers lurking in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With a total time of just 50 minutes, you can whip up a fantastic dinner without spending all night in the kitchen.
• Family-friendly: These baked tacos are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Who doesn’t love tacos?
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with lean turkey, black beans, and fresh avocado, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the taco filling ahead of time and just assemble and bake when you’re ready!
• Delicious flavors: The combination of spices creates a robust flavor profile that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the ingredients! They are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering tacos:

• 1/2 medium Avocado
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1 tbsp. fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
• 1/4 cup (packed) Cilantro Leaves
• 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt (plus more to taste)
• 2 tbsp. Water (plus more as needed)
• 2 tsp. Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil)
• 8 oz. Lean Ground Turkey
• 2 1/2 tsp. Homemade Taco Seasoning
• 1/3 cup chopped Onion (yellow or white)
• 3/4 cup canned Black Beans (drained, not rinsed)
• 4 oz. Green Chiles
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro
• 1/2 tsp. Cumin
• 1/2 tsp. Mexican Oregano (or Italian Oregano)
• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
• 1/4 tsp. Smoked Paprika
• 1/4 tsp. Chili Powder
• 1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• Cooking / Baking Spray (or Avocado Oil, for brushing the tortillas)
• 6 Fajita-Sized Flour Tortillas (6)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Variations

One of the best things about these tacos is their flexibility! You can easily modify them to fit your taste or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even lentils for a plant-based option.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or go dairy-free with a vegan cheese alternative.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños to the filling or topping with hot salsa!

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Start by making that delicious avocado sauce! Combine half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth—this sauce adds a creamy tanginess that complements the savory taco filling perfectly! Adjust the consistency with more water if needed, then set it aside in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat up two teaspoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add your lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning and chopped onions. Cook until browned and cooked through—this should take about 4–5 minutes. Breaking up the turkey as it cooks helps to evenly distribute those tasty flavors!

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Stir in three-fourths of a cup of black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning blend, two tablespoons of water, and cilantro into your turkey mixture. Allow this to simmer on medium-low heat for about fifteen minutes—uncovered—to let all those flavors meld together nicely.

Step 4: Thicken It Up

After simmering, give everything another good stir! If there’s excess liquid in your pan, turn up the heat slightly to evaporate some of it away—this step ensures your tacos won’t be soggy when baked!

Step 5: Build the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush on some avocado oil. Lay out six fajita-sized flour tortillas on that sheet—overlapping them slightly if needed—and sprinkle about one-quarter cup of shredded cheese across each tortilla.

Step 6: Fill Them Up

Spoon about one-quarter to one-third cup of your savory turkey-black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Folding them over later will create those lovely crispy pockets!

Step 7: Bake the Tacos

Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven for just one to two minutes until the cheese melts beautifully! Then carefully fold each taco in half and brush their tops lightly with avocado oil or spray them again.

Step 8: Golden Brown Goodness

Return those tacos to bake for another ten to twelve minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 9: Serve!

Once they’re out of the oven, serve these crispy delights alongside small bowls filled with creamy avocado sauce for dipping. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Creating the perfect crispy baked tacos is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out absolutely amazing.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and produce make a world of difference in flavor. Opt for ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and high-quality ground turkey for the best taste.
• Don’t skip the baking spray: Brushing or spraying the tortillas with cooking spray or avocado oil not only helps them crisp up beautifully but also prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Start with the recommended amounts of spices, but don’t hesitate to adjust based on your preference. A little extra cumin or cayenne can enhance the flavor profile wonderfully.
• Allow time to simmer: Giving your turkey mixture time to simmer helps meld all those delicious flavors together. The longer it simmers, the more developed and tasty your filling will be!
• Experiment with cheese: While Monterey Jack is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for an extra kick. Cheese adds creaminess and flavor that complements the taco filling perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Serving these delightful tacos can be just as fun as making them! Here are some creative ways to present this dish that will have everyone excited at the table.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of fresh green onions adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adding fresh tomato chunks brings in juiciness and a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the tacos.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sliced jalapeños provide a spicy kick that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad made with sweet corn, lime juice, mayonnaise, cotija cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), and spices offers a creamy complement to your tacos.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice mixed with fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice provides a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with the flavors of your tacos.
• Black Bean & Corn Salsa: A colorful salsa made from black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocados adds crunch and freshness that perfectly balances out the rich taco filling.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions seasoned simply with salt and pepper can add healthy colors and flavors alongside your main dish.

Now that you have these serving suggestions up your sleeve, it’s time to gather everyone around for a delicious taco night! Enjoy every crispy bite topped with creamy avocado sauce. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the filling in advance and store it for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the tacos to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover taco filling, store it separately in another airtight container.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each taco tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• For the taco filling, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

• For reheating frozen tacos, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Remove the foil or wrap and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• If reheating refrigerated tacos, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes! While this recipe uses ground turkey for a leaner option, you can substitute it with ground beef if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce gluten-free?

To make these tacos gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. You can also ensure that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.

What toppings pair well with Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce?

Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or jalapeños! These will complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I prepare the avocado sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The creamy avocado sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also versatile and perfect for any night of the week. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or meal prepping for busy days ahead, these tacos are sure to bring joy to your table. Happy cooking!