Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
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.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake Until Crispy: Return the folded tacos to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- 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