Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting meal that pleases the whole family, look no further than these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce! This recipe has become a favorite in my home because it’s not only delicious but also simple to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The combination of seasoned ground turkey, hearty black beans, and creamy avocado sauce creates a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

These baked tacos are a fun twist on traditional tacos and are easily customizable. Whether you’re having friends over for game night or just want to treat yourself after a long day, this dish fits the bill perfectly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have these tasty tacos ready in just 50 minutes, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner.
• Family-Friendly: With flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, everyone will enjoy building their own crispy taco!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the filling and sauce ahead of time for an even quicker assembly when it’s time to eat.
• Flavor Packed: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
• Healthy Twist: Using lean ground turkey and plenty of veggies makes this dish a lighter yet satisfying option compared to traditional fried tacos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything you need to make these mouthwatering tacos!

For the Avocado Sauce:

• 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)

For the Taco Filling:

• 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)

For Building the Tacos:

• 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

This recipe is flexible, allowing you to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand! Here are some ideas to keep things exciting:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Incorporate diced bell peppers or zucchini into the filling for added nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick or cheddar for a classic taste.
• Make it vegan: Swap out the ground turkey with lentils or quinoa and use vegan sour cream for an entirely plant-based version.

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by making the creamy avocado sauce that will accompany your tacos. Combine half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth! Adding water helps achieve your desired consistency—so don’t hesitate to adjust if necessary! Once blended, give it a taste and tweak with extra salt or lime juice if you like.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

In a large non-stick pan over medium heat, add avocado oil and let it warm up before adding lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning and chopped onions. Cook this mixture while breaking apart the turkey into small pieces until it’s nicely browned—about 4-5 minutes should do it! Cooking the onions until translucent brings out their sweetness, enhancing your filling’s overall flavor.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Now it’s time to add heartiness to your filling! Stir in black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, water, and finely chopped cilantro into your turkey mixture. Mix well and reduce the heat to medium-low so this can simmer uncovered for about fifteen minutes—a step that allows all those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Thicken If Needed

Give everything another stir after simmering; if there’s excess liquid in your pan, turn up the heat slightly and cook it down while stirring frequently until most of it evaporates. This step is crucial—it ensures your taco filling isn’t soggy when assembled!

Step 5: Build the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or brushing it lightly with avocado oil. Lay out your flour tortillas on one side of the baking sheet; they can overlap slightly if needed! Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese across each tortilla—this cheesy layer adds richness!

Step 6: Fill Each Tortilla

On one half of each tortilla, spoon about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of your delicious turkey black bean mixture. This generous filling is what makes each bite irresistible!

Step 7: Bake the Tacos

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven for just 1-2 minutes—enough time for that cheese on top to melt beautifully! Carefully fold each tortilla in half before brushing them lightly with avocado oil or spritzing with cooking spray.

Step 8: Crisp Them Up

Bake those lovely tacos again for another 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy! Keep an eye on them; we want that perfect crunch!

Step 9: Serve!

Spoon your creamy avocado sauce into small bowls alongside those crispy baked tacos and get ready to dig in! Enjoy every flavorful bite—these tacos are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home too!

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

Making these tacos is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your dish to restaurant quality!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and ripe avocados will enhance the flavor of your avocado sauce and taco filling, making your meal more vibrant and delicious.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas: When spooning in the turkey mixture, keep it to about 1/4 – 1/3 cup to ensure that the tacos fold easily and bake evenly, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Check your oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature accuracy. If you find your tacos aren’t browning as expected, consider using an oven thermometer for precise baking.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste! Adding a bit more cumin or chili powder can give your taco filling an extra kick.
• Let the filling cool slightly before baking: Allowing the turkey mixture to cool for a few minutes makes it easier to handle and helps prevent soggy tortillas when baking.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

The presentation of your crispy baked tacos can make them even more appealing. Here are some creative ideas for serving them up!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the flavors beautifully.
• Crumbled Feta or Cotija Cheese: For a creamy, salty bite, sprinkle some crumbled cheese on top—this can add an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad mixes corn with lime juice, cilantro, and spices, offering a sweet contrast to the savory tacos.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips is always a hit and pairs perfectly with your crispy tacos.
• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro adds zing and brightness to each bite.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with lime juice and cilantro makes for a light side dish that helps balance out the richness of the tacos.

Enjoy crafting this delightful meal that’s perfect for any gathering or weeknight dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious tacos throughout the week without any hassle. You can easily make the filling and avocado sauce ahead of time, making it a great option for busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Keep the avocado sauce in a separate container; it’s best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for about 2 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the tacos without baking them. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The taco filling can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen tacos, bake them directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• If reheating refrigerated tacos, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10-15 minutes until crispy.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this recipe, here are some common questions:

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey for these baked tacos?

Absolutely! While this recipe features ground turkey, feel free to substitute with ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.

How do I make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce healthier?

You can make it healthier by using whole wheat tortillas, reducing cheese, or adding more veggies like bell peppers or spinach into the filling.

Can I prepare Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the taco filling and avocado sauce ahead of time, making it easy to assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

What toppings pair well with these baked tacos?

These tacos are delicious as-is but consider adding fresh diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, or shredded lettuce before serving.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce! They’re not just easy to whip up but also bring a delightful crunch and creamy goodness that everyone will love. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite!