If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, healthier twist on taco night, look no further than the Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe. This dish combines the satisfying crunch of oven-baked tortillas with the savory goodness of seasoned ground turkey, all perfectly balanced by a smooth, zesty avocado sauce. It’s a vibrant, colorful meal that’s as fun to eat as it is simple to make—trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your culinary rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might sound straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe so irresistible. From the fresh brightness of cilantro to the creamy richness of avocado, every component counts for an unforgettable taco experience.
- 1/2 medium Avocado: Provides a creamy base for the luscious avocado sauce that cools down the spices.
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream: Adds tang and smoothness to the sauce, balancing the bold seasonings.
- 1 tbsp. fresh Lemon or Lime Juice: Brings brightness and a zesty kick to the avocado sauce.
- 1/4 cup (packed) Cilantro Leaves: Infuses freshness both in the sauce and in the taco filling.
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt plus more to taste: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
- 2 tbsp. Water plus more as needed: Helps achieve the perfect consistency for the sauce.
- 2 tsp. Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: Used for cooking to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
- 8 oz. Lean Ground Turkey: The tender, protein-packed star of the filling.
- 2 1/2 tsp. Homemade Taco Seasoning: A balanced blend of spices that delivers authentic taco flavor.
- 1/3 cup chopped Onion (yellow or white): Adds subtle sweetness and texture to the filling.
- 3/4 cup canned Black Beans (drained, not rinsed): Adds heartiness and fiber, plus extra texture.
- 4 oz. Green Chiles: Introduces a subtle smoky heat to the mixture.
- 2 tbsp. finely chopped Cilantro: Boosts the fresh herb flavor in the filling.
- 1/2 tsp. Cumin: Brings that earthy warmth synonymous with Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1/2 tsp. Mexican Oregano or Italian Oregano: Adds aromatic depth to the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder: Gives a robust, garlicky undertone to the filling.
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning for all savory components.
- 1/4 tsp. Smoked Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and a hint of color.
- 1/4 tsp. Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and rich complexity.
- 1/8 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (optional): For anyone who likes an extra spicy kick.
- Cooking / Baking Spray or Avocado Oil, for brushing the tortillas: Ensures tortillas crisp up perfectly in the oven.
- 6 Fajita-Sized Flour Tortillas (6″): The sturdy base that holds all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that irresistible gooey layer on top.
How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce
Start by tossing half of your ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water into a mini food processor. Blend everything until smooth and velvety—I love how this sauce brings a cool, creamy contrast to the spiced turkey. Adjust with water to get just the right pourable texture, then pop it in the fridge to chill while you cook the filling.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey and Onions
Next, heat the avocado oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey along with half the taco seasoning and chopped onions. Break the turkey into small pieces as it cooks, stirring regularly for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. This step builds the savory foundation for your tacos.
Step 3: Stir in Beans, Chiles, and More Seasoning
Now it’s time to add some heartiness and flavor complexity. Mix in drained black beans, green chiles, the rest of your taco seasoning, water, and chopped cilantro. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let everything simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This slow melding of flavors and evaporation of excess moisture makes the filling perfectly rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Finish Off the Filling
Give your mixture a final stir. If it still looks watery, bump the heat back to medium and cook a few minutes more, stirring frequently until thickened and just right. Then, remove from heat, letting the filling rest while you prepare the tortillas for baking.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos with Cheese and Filling
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray or brush a large rimmed baking sheet with oil, then lay out the six flour tortillas, slightly overlapping if you need to save space. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over each tortilla, then spoon the turkey mixture on top. This layering ensures every bite has melty cheese and flavorful filling.
Step 6: Bake Until Crispy and Melty
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the tortillas get delightfully crisp around the edges and the cheese bubbles up golden and melty. This is the magic moment when those tacos transform into irresistible little pockets of texture and taste.
Step 7: Serve with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Once out of the oven, serve these crispy wonders immediately alongside or drizzled with your chilled avocado sauce. The creamy sauce brings cool relief to the spiced turkey and adds a luscious finish to every crunchy bite. You’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take these tacos from tasty to spectacular. Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, thin slices of radish, or a squeeze of lime on top. A few pickled jalapeños or diced red onion can add an extra tangy punch that elevates every flavor.
Side Dishes
Round out your taco feast with classic sides like Mexican rice or a zesty corn and black bean salad. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. You can even add some crunchy tortilla chips for that extra textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress friends or family? Arrange these tacos standing upright in a taco holder so the crispy edges don’t get soggy. You can also serve the avocado sauce as a dip on the side so everyone customizes their creaminess level. For a party, chop leftover tacos and turn them into a colorful taco salad or loaded nachos—endless fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover turkey taco filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the avocado sauce separate to preserve its bright color and creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep the filling longer, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw thoroughly in the fridge overnight before reheating. Avoid freezing the tortillas or avocado sauce for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your turkey filling gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid drying out. For crispy tacos, bake the assembled tortillas again for a few minutes in the oven until warmed through and crisped. Add avocado sauce fresh before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe and will give a similarly light and healthy protein base. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and adjust seasoning as needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate with this recipe, especially if you skip the optional cayenne pepper. The creamy avocado sauce helps balance out any heat, making it family-friendly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas that suit your gluten-free needs. The recipe works just as well and tastes amazing.
How many tacos does this recipe make?
This Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe yields about 6 tacos, perfect for serving 2 to 3 people or a small gathering.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Definitely! The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to assemble and bake, which makes weeknight dinners easier and faster.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way the crispy tortillas, juicy seasoned turkey, melty cheese, and creamy avocado sauce come together in the Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe. It’s comfort food with a fresh, healthy twist that you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite taco night tradition!
Print
Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional tacos, featuring lean ground turkey seasoned with a homemade taco blend, black beans, and green chiles. Baked to crispy perfection with melted Monterey Jack cheese on fajita-sized flour tortillas, and served with a creamy, fresh avocado sauce, this recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
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 (divided)
- 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
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: Combine half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the lean ground turkey, half of the taco seasoning blend (about 1 1/4 teaspoons), and chopped onion. Break the turkey into small pieces with a spatula and cook, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Stir in black beans, green chiles, the remaining taco seasoning, water, and chopped cilantro. Mix well, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to let flavors meld and moisture reduce.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Stir the mixture again; if excess liquid remains, increase heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes, stirring often until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tortillas: 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 necessary. Spread about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over each tortilla.
- Assemble Tacos: Spoon the turkey mixture evenly on top of the cheese-covered tortillas.
- Bake Tacos: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the tortilla edges are crisp and the cheese has melted and become bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with the creamy avocado sauce on the side or drizzled on top for a delicious complement to the spicy filling.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add the optional cayenne pepper or increase chili powder to taste.
- If preferred, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though this will slightly alter the texture.
- Leftover avocado sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir well before serving.
- Ensure the turkey is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- To make this dish lower in fat, use reduced-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt for the avocado sauce.
