Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is fun to make, you’ve come to the right place! These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce have become a beloved recipe in my home. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, these tacos hit the spot every time. The combination of flavorful ground turkey and creamy avocado sauce makes this dish special and oh-so-delicious!

The best part? They’re easy to whip up and are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, which means you can indulge a little without any guilt!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 35 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a tasty dinner ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these crispy tacos, making dinner a hit for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to bake!
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and creamy avocado sauce takes these tacos to the next level.
• Versatile Options: Customize your toppings or fillings for endless variations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce. These items are not only tasty but also easy to find at your local grocery store!

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 Taco 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 Assembling

• Cooking / Baking Spray (or Avocado Oil, for brushing the tortillas)
• 6 Fajita-Sized Flour Tortillas (6)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows for creativity! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Mix in some bell peppers or corn into your taco filling for extra crunch and color.
• Change the cheese: Try using cheddar cheese or even a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or jalapeños if you like your tacos with an extra kick!

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Start by making your delicious avocado sauce! Combine half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. Tasting is key here—feel free to adjust with more salt or lime juice if you’d like! Once done, cover it and pop it in the fridge until you’re ready.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Next up is cooking the turkey! Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add in the lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning and chopped onions. Cook everything together for about 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through—this step is vital as it enhances all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Now let’s add some excitement! Stir in black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, water, and cilantro into your turkey mixture. This is where all those flavors meld together beautifully! Allow it to simmer on medium-low heat uncovered for about fifteen minutes; this helps deepen the flavors even more.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Once everything looks good—and smells even better—preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray or brush oil onto a large rimmed baking sheet before laying out your flour tortillas just slightly overlapping them if necessary.

Step 5: Build the Tacos

Spread shredded cheese across each tortilla before adding about 1/4 – 1/3 cup of that mouthwatering turkey-black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla.

Step 6: Bake Your Tacos

Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven just long enough for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully! Carefully fold each taco in half; give them a light brush of oil on top before returning them to bake for another 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, serve these beauties hot alongside small bowls filled with your creamy avocado sauce! Each bite will be crispy on the outside while bursting with flavor on the inside—happy taco night!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Creating the perfect crispy baked tacos can be a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll be on your way to taco night success!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional value. Opt for ripe avocados and fresh cilantro for a vibrant sauce and filling.
• Don’t Skip the Preheat: Preheating your oven ensures that the tacos cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. A hot oven will help achieve that golden-brown texture you crave!
• Control the Liquid: If your turkey mixture seems too wet, allow it to simmer longer or cook off excess moisture on medium heat. This step prevents soggy tacos and ensures a satisfying crunch.
• Brush vs. Spray: Brushing avocado oil on the tortillas before baking helps them crisp up nicely compared to just spraying them. It creates an even coating for that golden finish.
• Experiment with Tortilla Types: While fajita-sized flour tortillas are delicious, consider trying corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or whole wheat for a healthier twist. Each type brings its unique flavor to the dish!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Serving your crispy baked tacos can be as fun as making them! Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dish, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle some finely chopped green onions over the top for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like an extra kick, sliced jalapeños add both spice and crunch to your tacos.
• Lime Wedges: Fresh lime wedges not only brighten up the dish visually but also allow guests to customize their taco experience with an added zesty squeeze.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad combines sweet corn, creamy dressing, lime juice, and spices for a vibrant side that complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
• Black Bean and Quinoa Salad: Packed with protein and fiber, this hearty salad adds a nutritious balance to your meal while echoing the black beans in your tacos.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A classic pairing! Creamy guacamole alongside crunchy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible appetizer or side that guests will love.
• Spanish Rice: Flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, this colorful rice dish serves as a perfect accompaniment to your tacos and makes every bite feel festive.

With these serving ideas and pro tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy an unforgettable taco night! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat these delicious tacos.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for about 3-4 days.
• Keep the creamy avocado sauce in a separate container to maintain its freshness.

Freezing

• If you want to prepare a large batch, you can freeze the uncooked taco filling.
• Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator before use.

Reheating

• To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make the tortillas soft.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce!

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! While this recipe features ground turkey for a leaner option, you can substitute it with ground beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How do I make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce spicier?

To add more heat to your tacos, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the turkey mixture. You can also serve them with hot sauce on the side!

Can I prepare the creamy avocado sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The creamy avocado sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh.

What toppings can I add to my tacos?

Feel free to get creative with toppings! Fresh diced tomatoes, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, or extra cilantro all make great additions to your tacos.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes six delicious crispy baked tacos, perfect for a small gathering or family dinner!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce as much as I do! They’re a fantastic way to bring joy and flavor to your dining table while being easy enough for busy weeknights. Get ready for a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious! Happy cooking!