Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

A delicious way to enjoy dinner is with Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce. This recipe combines seasoned ground turkey with black beans and green chiles, all tucked into crispy tortillas and topped with a creamy avocado sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals, gatherings, or just when you’re craving something satisfying, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 35 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The combination of ground turkey, black beans, and spices creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or extra avocado.
• Healthier Option: Baked instead of fried, these tacos offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing crunch.
• Perfect Portions: This small batch recipe makes six tacos—great for a cozy family dinner or meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the essential tools needed for this delicious taco recipe. Having the right equipment can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Non-stick pan
• Mini food processor
• Large rimmed baking sheet
• Cooking/baking spray
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Non-stick pan: Ensures easy cooking and cleanup as the turkey doesn’t stick while browning.
• Mini food processor: Provides a smooth consistency for the creamy avocado sauce without lumps.
• Large rimmed baking sheet: Allows for even cooking of multiple tacos at once without them falling over.

Ingredients

To make these crispy baked ground turkey tacos with avocado sauce, gather the following ingredients:

For the 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 Turkey 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 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

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: 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 of kosher salt, and two tablespoons of water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before covering and refrigerating until ready to use.

Step 2: 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 along with half of the seasoning blend from your ingredients list (or 2 1/2 teaspoons). Stir in 1/3 cup chopped onion and cook while breaking up the turkey into small pieces for about 4-5 minutes until browned.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Stir in three-quarters of a cup black beans and four ounces green chiles along with the remaining taco seasoning blend, two tablespoons of water, and two tablespoons finely chopped cilantro into the cooked turkey mixture. Combine well and let it simmer on medium-low heat uncovered for fifteen minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Tacos for Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush it lightly with avocado oil. Lay out six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the baking sheet slightly overlapping if necessary and sprinkle about 1/4 cup shredded cheese on each tortilla.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

Spoon about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of the turkey black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla.

Step 6: Bake Tacos

Place the baking sheet in preheated oven for about 1-2 minutes until cheese melts; carefully fold each taco in half then brush tops with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray.

Step 7: Finish Baking

Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Serve!

Spoon some creamy avocado sauce into small bowls for dipping or drizzling over your crispy baked tacos before enjoying!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Serving your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce can elevate the dining experience. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your meal.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy spice, add sliced jalapeños for a kick.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes offer a juicy contrast to the crispy tacos.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Sour Cream: A classic choice that balances the spiciness of the tacos.
• Salsa Verde: This green salsa adds a zesty edge that complements the flavors well.
• Hot Sauce: For an extra heat boost, provide various hot sauces for guests to choose from.

Serve with Sides

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices pairs perfectly with tacos.
• Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad adds sweetness and crunch to the meal.

How to Perfect Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

To ensure your tacos turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Seasoning: Use homemade taco seasoning for better control over flavors. Adjust spices according to your taste.
• Thin Tortillas: Opt for thinner tortillas, as they crisp up better in the oven compared to thicker varieties.
• Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve that perfect golden brown texture.
• Brush Generously with Oil: Don’t skimp on oil when brushing the tops of the tortillas; it aids in achieving that crispy finish.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

A well-rounded meal is all about balance. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with your tacos.

1. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice cooked with spices and herbs makes an excellent complement.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and are a traditional side dish in taco meals.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brushed with butter enhances any taco dinner.
4. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside fresh guacamole make for a great appetizer or side.
5. Fiesta Black Bean Salad: This colorful salad combines black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly seasoned grilled vegetables add a healthy element to your meal while enhancing flavor profiles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid.

• Not seasoning adequately – Failing to use enough taco seasoning can result in bland tacos. Make sure to taste your turkey mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed for maximum flavor.

• Overfilling the tortillas – Stuffing too much filling into the tortillas can make them hard to fold and lead to spills. Aim for about 1/4 cup of filling per taco to ensure they’re easy to handle.

• Skipping the avocado sauce – The creamy avocado sauce adds moisture and flavor. Don’t skip it! Take the time to whip it up, as it elevates your tacos significantly.

• Using cold ingredients – Starting with cold ground turkey or cheese can cause uneven cooking. Allow these ingredients to reach room temperature before cooking for the best results.

• Not preheating the oven – Placing tacos in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 425°F before baking for that perfect crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

• You can freeze unbaked tacos by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap.
• They will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes but be cautious, as this may make tortillas soft.
• Stovetop – Place tacos in a skillet over medium heat and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce.

Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken, beef, or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I customize the avocado sauce?

You can add jalapeños for spice or more herbs like dill or parsley for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

What sides pair well with crispy baked tacos?

Consider serving them with a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make these tacos vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives and skip any animal-derived products in the recipe.

How long does it take to prepare these tacos?

The total time is around 50 minutes, which includes both prep and cook time. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try today!