Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

A delightful combination of flavors and textures, Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are perfect for any occasion. These tacos are not only easy to make but also packed with healthy ingredients like ground turkey, black beans, and a creamy avocado sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe will surely impress your family and friends with its delicious taste and crispy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean turkey and black beans, these tacos are a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.
• Customizable Toppings: You can easily adapt the toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With the savory taco filling and creamy avocado sauce, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these delicious crispy baked tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mini food processor
• Large non-stick pan
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Cooking spray or brush
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mini food processor: Perfect for quickly blending the creamy avocado sauce to a smooth consistency.
• Large non-stick pan: Ensures even cooking of the turkey without sticking, allowing for easy cleanup.
• Rimmed baking sheet: Ideal for baking multiple tacos at once while keeping them from spilling over.

Ingredients

A delicious baked taco recipe with ground turkey, black beans, and green chiles paired with a creamy avocado sauce. This is a small batch turkey taco recipe that makes six baked tacos.

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 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 the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if necessary. Cover the sauce and refrigerate 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 (or 2 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning) and 1/3 cup chopped onion. Cook while breaking up the turkey into small pieces for about 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Stir in half a can (3/4 cup) of black beans, four ounces of green chiles, remaining taco seasoning blend, two tablespoons of water, and two tablespoons of finely chopped cilantro into the turkey mixture. Mix well — then turn down to medium-low heat allowing it to simmer uncovered for fifteen minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Tacos for Baking

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush it lightly with avocado oil to prevent sticking. Lay six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the baking sheet slightly overlapping if necessary; spread about 1/4 cup shredded cheese across each tortilla’s surface.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

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

Step 6: Bake Tacos

Pop in the oven for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts; carefully fold each tortilla in half then brush tops with avocado oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.

Step 7: Final Bake

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

Step 8: Serve!

Serve warm alongside bowls filled with creamy avocado sauce for dipping! Enjoy your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Crispy baked ground turkey tacos are a delightful and versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes add juiciness and flavor.
• Lettuce Shreds: Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing crunch.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, jalapeños make a great addition.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

• Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa pairs well with the flavors of the tacos.
• Chipotle Sauce: Add a smoky kick with chipotle sauce for extra flavor.

Pair with Sides

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice complements the tacos perfectly and adds heartiness.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide richness and texture alongside your tacos.

Create a Taco Bar

• Taco Station: Set up a taco bar with all your favorite toppings and let guests customize their own tacos.

How to Perfect Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Perfecting crispy baked ground turkey tacos ensures you achieve the best flavor and texture. Follow these tips for an excellent taco experience.

• Use Lean Turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier option that stays juicy during baking.
• Customize Taco Seasoning: Adjust the homemade taco seasoning to fit your taste preferences, adding more spices if desired.
• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure even cooking and crispy tortillas.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Avoid overfilling tortillas to prevent them from tearing and ensure they bake evenly.

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

Complementing your crispy baked ground turkey tacos with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that enhances flavors while offering a smooth texture.
2. Corn Salad: A fresh blend of corn, tomatoes, and herbs adds sweetness and crunch.
3. Pico de Gallo: Bright and zesty salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
4. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy sauce topped with cheese and spices.
5. Zucchini Fries: Baked zucchini sticks offer a healthy, crunchy alternative to traditional fries.
6. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing for added zest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the turkey and bean mixture thoroughly can result in bland tacos. Always taste and adjust the spices as needed.
• Overstuffing the tortillas: Filling your tortillas too much can lead to tearing. Use just enough filling to allow for easy folding without spilling.
• Not preheating the oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat to 425 F before baking for crispy results.
• Ignoring the avocado sauce: The creamy avocado sauce is essential for flavor. Don’t skip it or substitute with plain ingredients; make it fresh for the best taste.
• Not allowing time to simmer: Rushing the simmering step can leave your mixture watery. Allow it to simmer uncovered for the full time to thicken properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store crispy baked ground turkey tacos in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

• Wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 F. Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place tacos inside. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common 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 beef, chicken, or even lamb as alternatives in this recipe while maintaining great flavor.

How do I customize my avocado sauce?

Feel free to add more herbs like dill or parsley, or include spices such as cumin or chili powder to enhance the flavor of your avocado sauce.

What are some good toppings for these tacos?

Consider adding chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, or additional cilantro as delicious toppings that complement these tacos well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute ground turkey with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms combined with black beans for a tasty vegetarian option.

How do I ensure my tortillas stay crispy?

Make sure not to overload your tortillas and bake them at a high temperature until they are golden brown.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Their versatility allows you to customize both the filling and toppings according to your preferences. Try them out for an easy weeknight dinner or as part of meal prep!