Name: Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 (see below); 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; 2 tbsp. Water; 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

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If you’re on the hunt for a taco recipe that delivers big on flavor without a fuss, I have just the thing for you. The Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic taco night, featuring tender spiced ground turkey paired with black beans and green chiles, all baked into perfectly crispy tortillas. What truly sets this dish apart is the luscious, creamy avocado sauce that adds a refreshing, zesty touch that will have you coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you try these tacos, they’ll become a go-to favorite for quick dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stainless steel pan sits on a white marbled textured surface, filled with four main layers of ingredients. The base is light brown cooked ground meat spread unevenly across the pan's bottom. On top, a mound of dark, shiny black beans is placed slightly off-center. To one side, there is a pile of finely chopped fresh green herbs, and next to it, a heap of diced yellow-green cooked vegetables with a few orange bits mixed in. The ingredients look fresh and separated, waiting to be mixed. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you—each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, richness, and texture. From the lean ground turkey that ensures a healthy base to the fresh herbs and spices that add vibrant color and taste, you’ll see how everything comes together so beautifully.

Avocado: Provides the creamy element for the sauce, balancing the spices perfectly.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the avocado sauce for extra richness.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Brightens the avocado sauce with fresh acidity.
Cilantro Leaves: Bring fresh herbaceous notes to both the sauce and filling.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop.
Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Ensures the turkey browns nicely and the tortillas crisp up beautifully.
Lean Ground Turkey: The star protein, lean yet juicy when cooked right.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: Combines cumin, oregano, garlic, paprika, chili powder, and optional cayenne to give the filling a warm, smoky kick.
Chopped Onion: Adds sweetness and texture to the filling.
Black Beans: Provide fiber, protein, and a heartiness that complements the turkey.
Green Chiles: Bring a mild heat and vibrant flavor to the filling.
Fajita-Sized Flour Tortillas: Perfect for folding around the filling and melting cheese.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, adding creaminess and a mild sharpness.
Cooking or Baking Spray: Helps achieve that irresistible crispy tortilla texture.

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Start by combining half a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro, kosher salt, and a splash of water in a mini food processor. Blend until silky smooth, adding more water if needed for the right drizzling consistency. This sauce will bring a cooling, tangy freshness to balance the spices in the filling, so taste and adjust salt or lime juice as you like before setting it aside in the fridge.

Step 2: Sauté the Turkey and Onions

Heat avocado oil in a spacious non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey along with half of your homemade taco seasoning and the chopped onion. Break the turkey up as it cooks so it browns evenly and absorbs all that delicious seasoning. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes, creating a flavorful and aromatic base.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Next, stir in the black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, a bit of water, and fresh cilantro. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This slow simmer lets the flavors knit together beautifully, and ensures the filling isn’t watery. If it still seems moist, turn up the heat to medium and cook a few more minutes, stirring until thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a large baking sheet with cooking spray or a light brush of avocado oil. Arrange six fajita-sized tortillas on the sheet, slightly overlapping if needed. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each tortilla, then dollop the turkey and bean filling onto one half of each.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy and Melty

Pop the tray in the oven for just 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese, then carefully fold the tortillas in half. Brush or spray the tops with oil to encourage that golden crisp. Bake for another 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden and crunchy. Keep an eye so they don’t burn; these crispy baked tacos are worth the watch.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

The image shows four folded tortillas filled with a dark brown and black bean mixture, arranged in a semi-circle on a white plate. The tortillas are lightly toasted to a golden brown with slightly crispy edges. Each tortilla is drizzled with a thick, pale green sauce that looks creamy and speckled with herbs. A small, white bowl filled with the same green sauce and a silver spoon sits on the plate's right side. Fresh green cilantro leaves are scattered on and around the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lime over your tacos. Adding finely chopped red onions or pickled jalapeños can give an exciting crunch and tang. The creamy avocado sauce drizzled on top or served on the side is essential for that cool, creamy contrast against the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe with a bright, simple salad of mixed greens and citrus vinaigrette or a classic Mexican street corn salad. Rice and beans or a light slaw with lime and cilantro are also fantastic companions to round out the meal and keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, serve the tacos in a colorful taco holder or on a wooden board lined with parchment paper for a rustic vibe. Add small bowls of avocado sauce, extra cheese, and garnishes to invite guests to customize their own tacos. For a fun twist, try baking the filling inside crispy tortilla bowls for an impressive presentation that feels just as delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy avocado sauce separate to preserve its fresh flavor and prevent browning. Tortillas are best stored separately as well to maintain crispiness when reheated.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Pack the cooked turkey and bean filling in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. The avocado sauce does not freeze well, so make it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy the tacos again. Tortillas can be frozen separately and thawed at room temperature.

Reheating

Reheat the filling gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. To bring back the tortilla crispiness, pop the assembled tacos in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving for the best texture everywhere.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will work just as well in this Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since chicken can cook faster.

Is there a vegetarian version of this taco recipe?

You can easily swap the ground turkey for extra beans, diced mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. The seasoning and avocado sauce remain fantastic with these choices, making it a delicious vegetarian meal.

How spicy are these tacos?

The recipe has mild to medium spice due to the green chiles and homemade taco seasoning. If you prefer more heat, add extra chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste, or include fresh jalapeños as a garnish.

Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The avocado sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce before sealing the container.

What type of cheese works best for these tacos?

Monterey Jack melts smoothly and has a mild flavor that complements the turkey and avocado sauce perfectly. You could also try a mild cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s flavorful, wholesome, and impressively crispy, the Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe is a winner every time. From the ease of prep to the fantastic combination of textures and tastes, it truly feels like a little celebration on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own beloved taco night staple.