Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will have everyone at the table smiling, then you’ve come to the right place! I can’t tell you how often my family requests these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and just perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Plus, who doesn’t love a taco night?

What makes these tacos truly special is the combination of lean ground turkey with black beans and zesty green chiles, all baked until crispy. And let’s not forget that creamy avocado sauce—it adds a delightful touch that brings everything together. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, these tacos are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 50 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this tasty meal in no time.
• Family-Friendly: These tacos are packed with flavors that kids and adults alike will enjoy!
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean ground turkey and wholesome veggies, they’re a nutritious option for dinner.
• Make Ahead: You can prep the filling in advance—just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak the spices or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe calls for simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. Check your kitchen and get excited about creating these scrumptious tacos!

For the Creamy 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 Assembly:

• 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 wonderfully flexible! If you’re feeling adventurous or want to cater to different tastes, here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or even plant-based meat alternatives if you prefer.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and color.
• Spice it up: Increase the cayenne pepper or add jalapeños if you like heat.
• Switch up the cheese: Feel free to try cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Start by making the creamy avocado sauce—this step is crucial because it adds an amazing layer of flavor! In a mini food processor, combine half of a ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 1/4 packed cup of cilantro leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and two tablespoons of water. Blend until smooth; if it’s too thick, simply add more water until you reach your desired consistency. Give it a taste and adjust with extra salt or lime juice if needed before refrigerating it.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

In a large non-stick pan over medium heat, warm two teaspoons of avocado oil. Add in 8 ounces of lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning blend (that’s 2 1/2 teaspoons). Toss in 1/3 cup of chopped onions too! Cook everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through—it’s important to break it into small pieces so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in half a can (3/4 cup) of black beans, four ounces of green chiles, the remaining taco seasoning blend, two tablespoons of water, and two tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro into your cooked turkey mixture. Mix well and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about fifteen minutes—not only does this develop deeper flavors but also helps meld all those yummy ingredients together beautifully.

Step 4: Build the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F while you prepare your baking sheet—spray it lightly with cooking spray or brush it with avocado oil. Carefully lay six fajita-sized flour tortillas on top; they can overlap slightly if needed! Now spread about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese across each tortilla surface—this melty cheese will hold everything together once baked!

Step 5: Bake the Tacos

Spoon about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of that delicious turkey black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla; don’t overfill them! Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven for just 1-2 minutes until that cheese is perfectly melted. Gently fold each taco in half; brush their tops lightly with avocado oil or spray again with cooking spray.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Finally, bake those beautiful tacos for another 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy—trust me; this step is worth it! Serve them up hot alongside bowls filled with that creamy avocado sauce so everyone can scoop some on top before diving in. Enjoy every bite!

With this recipe tucked away in your collection, I hope you’ll create many happy taco nights ahead!

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

Making your tacos perfectly crispy and delicious is a joy, and with these helpful tips, you’ll impress everyone at the table!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients enhance flavors and textures. Opt for ripe avocados, fresh herbs, and quality ground turkey to elevate your dish.
• Don’t Overfill the Tacos: While it’s tempting to load up on filling, overstuffing can lead to soggy tortillas. Aim for 1/4-1/3 cup of filling per taco for the best crispiness.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve that golden brown crunch that makes baked tacos irresistible.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to suit your taste! Adding a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños can spice things up if you love heat.
• Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing the tacos to cool for a couple of minutes after baking helps them hold their shape better when serving.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Serving your tacos in an appealing way can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to create a delightful presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling chopped green onions adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the taco filling.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a little heat, sliced jalapeños add a nice kick and an attractive touch.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes not only brighten up the plate but also add freshness that balances out the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of sweet corn, lime juice, cilantro, and cheese makes for a vibrant side that pairs beautifully with tacos.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is always a favorite! It’s perfect for dipping or as an additional topping on your tacos.
• Spanish Rice: Fluffy Spanish rice seasoned with spices complements the savory flavors of the tacos while providing a hearty side.
• Black Bean Salad: A zesty black bean salad with corn, bell pepper, and lime dressing adds both flavor and nutrition to your meal.

These serving suggestions will surely make your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce an unforgettable dining experience! Enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the filling and the avocado sauce in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For best results, keep the avocado sauce separate to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the tacos to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen tacos, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the tacos on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce?

Absolutely! While this recipe features ground turkey, you can substitute it with ground beef or any other preferred meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on your choice.

How do I make the avocado sauce for my Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce?

Making the avocado sauce is easy! Simply blend half a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste!

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Yes! To make these tacos gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas. The filling remains perfectly delicious regardless of your tortilla choice!

How spicy are these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos?

The spice level is customizable. The recipe includes cayenne pepper as an optional ingredient; you can adjust or omit it based on your preference for heat.

Can I add extra toppings to my tacos?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or additional cheese for extra flavor and crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce! They’re not only delicious but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together around the table. Enjoy every bite and feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings. Happy cooking!