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Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

5.3 from 16 reviews

These crispy baked ground turkey tacos are a delicious and healthier twist on a classic favorite. Featuring lean ground turkey cooked with a flavorful homemade taco seasoning blend, black beans, and green chiles, these tacos are baked to golden, crispy perfection with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Served with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce made from ripe avocado, sour cream, and fresh lime juice, this recipe offers a satisfying and vibrant meal that’s perfect for any taco night.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Turkey Taco Filling

  • 2 tsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 8 oz lean ground turkey
  • 2 1/2 tsp homemade taco seasoning (see spice blend 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

Taco Seasoning Blend

  • 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)

Assembly

  • Cooking/baking spray (or avocado oil for brushing)
  • 6 fajita-sized flour tortillas (6″)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: In a mini food processor, combine half of a ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lime (or lemon) juice, 1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons water. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Cook the Turkey and Onions: Heat 2 teaspoons avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 8 ounces lean ground turkey, half of the homemade taco seasoning (about 1 1/4 teaspoons), and 1/3 cup chopped onion. Break the turkey into small pieces and cook, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Finish the Taco Filling: Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, 4 ounces green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly, then reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
  4. Reduce Excess Liquid: Stir the mixture again and if it appears too watery, increase the heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often, until most of the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
  5. Build the Tacos: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Arrange six fajita-sized tortillas on the sheet, slightly overlapping if needed. Evenly sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each tortilla.
  6. Add Taco Filling: Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey and black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla.
  7. Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Carefully fold each tortilla in half over the filling and brush the tops with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray.
  8. Crisp the Tacos: Return the folded tacos to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve: Spoon the chilled creamy avocado sauce into small serving bowls. Serve the crispy baked turkey tacos alongside and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, leave the cayenne pepper in the seasoning; omit it for milder tacos.
  • If you prefer corn tortillas, use sturdy ones that can hold the filling, but be mindful they may crisp differently.
  • The avocado sauce can be made up to 24 hours ahead; keep refrigerated in an airtight container.
  • Use low-fat or plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter avocado sauce.
  • These tacos freeze well after baking—reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey tacos, baked tacos, avocado sauce, healthy tacos, crispy turkey tacos