Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that brings the family together, look no further! These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are not just easy to make, but they also pack a punch of flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this recipe is a favorite in my home. The combination of seasoned ground turkey, black beans, and zesty avocado sauce makes for a satisfying dish that feels special yet comforting.

This small-batch taco recipe makes six tacos—perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick dinner treat. Trust me; once you try these crispy baked tacos, they will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 35 minutes of prep time, dinner can be on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these tasty tacos; they’re always a hit!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the filling and sauce in advance for an even quicker meal later.
• Delicious Flavor: Each bite is filled with savory spices and creamy goodness from the avocado sauce.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use what you have on hand; this recipe is flexible enough to accommodate various tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering 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 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

One of the best things about these tacos is how flexible they are! Feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Go vegetarian: Leave out the meat and add more beans or some sautéed veggies for a hearty filling.
• Change up the cheese: Try pepper jack cheese for an extra kick of heat or cheddar for a classic flavor.
• Add toppings: Top with sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce for added crunch and freshness.

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

First up is our creamy 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 step is crucial because it adds a refreshing zing that complements the savory taco filling beautifully. If it’s too thick, don’t hesitate to add more water until you reach your desired consistency. Once blended, taste it; adjusting salt or lime juice can elevate its flavor even more!

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat up two teaspoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat—this helps prevent sticking while adding healthy fats! Next, toss in your lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning blend and chopped onion. Cook this mixture for about 4-5 minutes until everything is nicely browned and cooked through. Breaking up the turkey ensures every bite carries plenty of flavor!

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Now it’s time to bring all those flavors together! Stir in your black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning blend, water, and chopped cilantro into the turkey mixture. Let it simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for about fifteen minutes—this allows all those tasty spices to meld beautifully together!

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

After simmering, give everything another good stir! If there seems to be excess liquid from your mixture, turn up the heat slightly and let it cook down for a few minutes until most of it evaporates—this step ensures your tacos won’t be soggy when baked.

Step 5: Build the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray or brush a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or avocado oil; this helps achieve golden-brown tacos! Lay out six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the sheet slightly overlapping if needed. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese over each tortilla; this layer keeps everything deliciously gooey!

Step 6: Fill Your Tacos

Spoon about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of your turkey-black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla—don’t overfill them to avoid messy tacos!

Step 7: Bake Your Tacos

Pop your baking sheet into the preheated oven for just 1-2 minutes until that cheese melts perfectly! Once melted, fold each tortilla in half gently and brush their tops with avocado oil or cooking spray.

Step 8: Crisp Them Up!

Bake those beauties for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy—the aroma wafting from your oven will drive everyone wild!

Step 9: Serve!

Finally, spoon that creamy avocado sauce into small bowls for serving alongside those crispy baked tacos! Enjoy every flavorful bite with friends or family; trust me—they won’t last long on your table!

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

These tacos are a delightful treat, and with a few tips, you can ensure they’re perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce like ripe avocados and bright cilantro will enhance the flavor of both the filling and the avocado sauce. Freshness makes a world of difference in taste!
• Don’t Overfill the Tacos: While it’s tempting to pack in more filling, overfilling can lead to soggy tacos. Stick to 1/4 – 1/3 cup of filling per tortilla for that perfect crunch.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture. Tailoring spice levels ensures everyone at your table enjoys their meal!
• Bake to Perfection: Keep an eye on your tacos as they bake. Every oven is different; you want them golden brown and crispy but not burnt. Checking a minute or two early can save your dish!
• Make Extra Sauce: The creamy avocado sauce is so delicious that you might want extra! Consider doubling the recipe so everyone can enjoy it generously on their tacos.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Serving these tacos is all about presentation and pairing them with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and an oniony crunch that complements the creamy avocado sauce.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a kick, add fresh or pickled jalapeños as a garnish, giving each taco an extra layer of flavor.
• Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos just before eating. The fresh citrus adds brightness that brings all the flavors together.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This sweet and tangy corn salad with lime juice, chili powder, and cotija cheese (or a plant-based alternative) adds a delicious contrast to your tacos.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic accompaniment that not only pairs well but also adds protein and fiber to your meal.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provides freshness that balances out the richness of the tacos.
• Guacamole and Chips: Serve some homemade guacamole alongside tortilla chips for an irresistible appetizer or snack before diving into your main course.

Enjoy every bite of your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the filling and sauce in advance, making mealtime a breeze during your busy week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They are best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the avocado sauce separate to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

• To freeze, prepare the taco filling and let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-friendly container.
• The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze the tortillas separately and assemble fresh when ready to eat.

Reheating

• Reheat the tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• You can also microwave individual tacos for about 1-2 minutes, but they may not retain their crispiness.
• If reheating the filling, do so on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through.

FAQs

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

Can I make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the turkey filling and avocado sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your tacos.

How do I store leftovers from Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. To keep everything fresh, store your avocado sauce separately from the tacos.

Can I use different toppings for my Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Fresh tomatoes, lettuce, jalapeños, or even salsa would complement these tacos beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey with lentils or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version that still maintains great flavor and texture.

What sides go well with Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, corn salad, or a simple green salad. Enjoy them with your favorite sides!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce as much as I do! This recipe brings together wonderful flavors while being easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out; you might just find your new favorite dinner option. Happy cooking!