Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce feature a flavorful turkey and black bean filling seasoned with homemade taco spices, baked inside crispy flour tortillas topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Paired with a creamy, tangy avocado sauce, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying taco experience with a healthy twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
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 below for components)
- 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)
Tacos 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
- Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce. Combine half of a ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, one tablespoon of fresh lime juice, 1/4 packed cup of cilantro leaves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and two tablespoons of water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Turkey and Onions. Heat two teaspoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces of lean ground turkey, half of the homemade taco seasoning (about 1 1/4 tsp.), and 1/3 cup chopped onion. Break the turkey into small pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through, mixing well to incorporate seasoning and onions.
- Finish the Taco Filling. Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, 4 ounces green chiles, the remaining taco seasoning (about 1 1/4 tsp.), 2 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly, reduce heat to medium-low, and let simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and some liquid to evaporate.
- Reduce Excess Liquid. Stir the mixture again and if there is still excess liquid, increase heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently until most liquid evaporates. Remove pan from heat.
- Build the Tacos. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Lay six flour tortillas on the sheet, overlapping slightly if needed. Spread about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each tortilla.
- Add the Turkey Filling. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey-black bean mixture over one half of each tortilla, spreading evenly.
- Initial Cheese Melting. Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Remove carefully as cheese will be hot.
- Fold and Brush. Fold each tortilla in half over the filling to form taco shapes. Brush the tops with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray to help crisp the tortillas.
- Bake Until Crispy. Return tacos to oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve. Spoon the creamy avocado sauce into small bowls and serve alongside the crispy baked tacos for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your flavorful and crispy ground turkey tacos!
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey helps keep the tacos healthier and less greasy.
- If you prefer spicier tacos, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the filling.
- Flour tortillas can be substituted with corn tortillas if preferred, but watch closely as corn tortillas crisp faster and may need less baking time.
- The avocado sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- If you don’t have a mini food processor, blend avocado sauce ingredients in a blender or mash the avocado and whisk ingredients together thoroughly.
- Homemade taco seasoning components are included in the ingredients list; adjust quantities for your taste preferences.
Keywords: ground turkey tacos, baked tacos, avocado sauce, crispy tacos, healthy tacos, Mexican tacos
