Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a delightful and easy dinner that your whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. They combine the deliciousness of seasoned ground turkey, hearty black beans, and a zesty avocado sauce that takes them over the top. Trust me when I say, these tacos are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!

What makes this dish so special is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy. Plus, they’re baked until crispy, making them fun to eat and perfect for taco night!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of only 50 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when you need something fast.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love tacos! These crispy baked versions are crunchy and delicious, making them an instant hit with little ones.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: The filling can be prepared in advance, allowing you to assemble the tacos right before baking.
• Flavorful and Wholesome: Packed with lean turkey, beans, and fresh herbs, these tacos are both nutritious and bursting with flavor.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe! Let’s gather everything we need for our Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce.

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 Assembling

• 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! Feel free to swap out any ingredients or add a twist to make it your own.

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or beef if you prefer a different flavor.
• Add some veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers or corn for added crunch and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling to give it an extra kick.
• Try different sauces: Instead of avocado sauce, serve these tacos with salsa or Greek yogurt for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Start by preparing the creamy avocado sauce because it will complement your tacos perfectly! In a mini food processor, combine half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water. Blend until smooth—this sauce adds a fresh and tangy element that balances out the savory flavors of the taco filling.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat two teaspoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add in your lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning and chopped onion. Cooking these together allows the onions to soften while infusing their sweetness into the turkey meat—a crucial step for building flavor!

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Stir in black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning blend, water, and finely chopped cilantro into the cooked turkey mixture. Allow this mixture to simmer on medium-low heat for about fifteen minutes uncovered—it helps marry all those lovely flavors together into one delicious filling!

Step 4: Build Your Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F while you assemble your tacos! Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush it with avocado oil. Lay out six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the baking sheet; it’s okay if they overlap slightly! Sprinkle shredded cheese across each tortilla before spooning on about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of that tasty turkey-black bean mixture.

Step 5: Bake Your Tacos

Pop those beauties in the oven for about 1-2 minutes just until the cheese melts—this makes folding them easier! Afterward, carefully fold each tortilla in half and brush their tops with avocado oil before baking again for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve!

Once they’re out of the oven, serve immediately alongside bowls of that creamy avocado sauce—perfect for dipping! Enjoy every bite of these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce; they’re truly irresistible!

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

Here are some handy tips to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavor of your tacos significantly. Fresh cilantro and ripe avocados will provide a vibrant taste that dried or older ingredients simply cannot match.
• Don’t Overfill the Tacos: While it might be tempting to load up on filling, overstuffing can lead to soggy tortillas. Aim for about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of filling per taco, allowing them to crisp up nicely in the oven.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensuring that your oven is fully preheated before baking is crucial. This allows the tortillas to cook evenly and achieve that golden brown crispiness you’re looking for.
• Use Cooking Spray or Oil Generously: Brushing or spraying the tops of the tortillas with oil not only helps them get crispy but also adds a lovely golden color. Don’t skip this step if you want perfectly baked tacos!
• Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allowing your tacos to cool for just a minute after baking helps them set a little, making them easier to handle when serving and eating.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

These crispy baked ground turkey tacos are perfect for sharing with family or friends, and presenting them beautifully can make your meal feel even more special!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions on top for a pop of color and crunch.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Crumbled Tortilla Chips: For added texture, sprinkle some crumbled tortilla chips on top right before serving.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This zesty salad combines sweet corn, lime juice, cotija cheese (or a dairy-free alternative), and fresh herbs, making it a refreshing compliment to your tacos.
• Black Bean Rice: A flavorful side of rice cooked with black beans, garlic, and spices is not only filling but also enhances the overall taste of your meal.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole served alongside your tacos is always a hit! It adds richness that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the tacos while adding freshness to your plate.

Enjoy creating memorable meals around these crispy baked ground turkey tacos with avocado sauce—they’re sure to become a favorite at your table!

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 taco filling and sauce ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and quick meal whenever you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing.
• Place the tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store the avocado sauce separately in a small container to keep it fresh.

Freezing

• To freeze, ensure the tacos are fully cooled.
• Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The tacos can be frozen for up to 2 months; just remember to label the bag with the date.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the tacos in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• You can also microwave them, but this may result in softer tortillas; heat them on high for about 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey for these crispy baked tacos?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute that will still yield deliciously crispy tacos. Just follow the same cooking instructions.

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

You can make these tacos healthier by using whole wheat tortillas and reducing the cheese. Adding more veggies like diced bell peppers or spinach can also boost their nutritional value!

Can I prepare the creamy avocado sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The creamy avocado sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

What sides go well with Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or even some corn on the cob.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce! This recipe not only provides a delightful crunch but also combines flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos are sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking adventure and don’t hesitate to share your creations!