Print

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

4.7 from 560 reviews

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce offer a delicious, healthier twist on traditional tacos by using lean ground turkey and baking the tortillas to golden perfection. Paired with a creamy and zesty avocado sauce made from fresh ingredients, these tacos are flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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)

Taco Filling

  • 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
  • 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 the tortillas)
  • 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 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 desired consistency. Adjust salt or lime juice to taste, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  2. Cook the Turkey and Onions: Heat 2 teaspoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces lean ground turkey, half of the taco seasoning (1 1/4 teaspoons), and 1/3 cup chopped onion. Cook 4-5 minutes, breaking turkey into small pieces and mixing with onions and seasoning until browned and cooked through.
  3. Finish the Taco Filling: Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, 4 ounces green chiles, remaining taco seasoning (1 1/4 teaspoons), 2 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro. Mix well and reduce heat to medium-low. Let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Evaporate Excess Liquid: Stir the mixture again and if excess liquid remains, increase heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
  5. Prepare Tacos for Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Lay six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the sheet, slightly overlapping if needed. Evenly spread about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese on each tortilla.
  6. Add Taco Filling: Spoon between 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey and black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla over the cheese layer.
  7. Partially Bake to Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the oven for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Carefully fold each tortilla in half over the filling, then brush the tops with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray.
  8. Bake Until Crispy: Return the folded tacos to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  9. Serve: Spoon the prepared creamy avocado sauce into small bowls and serve alongside the crispy baked tacos. Enjoy warm!

Notes

  • You can adjust the spice level by adding or omitting the cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the avocado sauce.
  • To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas.
  • Leftover taco filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For extra crispiness, slightly brush the folded taco edges with additional oil before baking.

Keywords: ground turkey tacos, baked tacos, avocado sauce, healthy tacos, crispy tacos, Mexican-inspired recipes, lean protein tacos