Description
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce offer a delicious and healthier twist on traditional tacos. Ground turkey cooked with a flavorful homemade taco seasoning blend and black beans creates a hearty filling that is baked inside crispy golden tortillas topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese. The recipe is completed with a smooth, zesty avocado sauce that adds creamy freshness. Ready in just 50 minutes, this recipe yields six satisfying tacos perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Creamy 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)
- 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 water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water if necessary to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or lime juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the Turkey and Onions: Heat two teaspoons of avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces lean ground turkey, half of the homemade taco seasoning (approximately 1 1/4 tsp), and 1/3 cup chopped onion. Cook, breaking the turkey into small pieces and mixing with the onions and seasoning, for 4-5 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Finish the Taco Filling: Stir in 3/4 cup black beans, 4 oz green chiles, the remaining taco seasoning blend, 2 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors and reduce excess liquid.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Stir the mixture again; if too much liquid remains, increase heat to medium and cook for a few more minutes, stirring frequently until most liquid has evaporated. Remove pan from heat.
- Build the Tacos: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Lay six 6-inch flour tortillas on the sheet, slightly overlapping if needed. Evenly distribute about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each tortilla.
- Add Filling: Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey and black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla, forming the taco.
- Melt Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1-2 minutes until the cheese just melts. Remove carefully and fold each tortilla in half over the filling. Brush the outside of the folded tortillas with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Bake Until Crispy: Return the tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy baked tacos hot with small bowls of the creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling. Enjoy your flavorful, healthy turkey tacos!
Notes
- The homemade taco seasoning is a blend of cumin, Mexican oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, and optional cayenne pepper; adjust spice levels to your taste.
- You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or a neutral oil if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas.
- Leftover taco filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top before serving adds extra brightness.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter and healthier while still flavorful.
