Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Why You’ll Love Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

• It’s quick and easy — about 50 minutes from start to finish.

• The flavorful filling uses ground turkey, spices and beans to deliver depth of taste while keeping things on the lighter side.

• A healthier choice — lean turkey, fresh ingredients and baked instead of fried tortillas make this a more nutritious option.

• Customizable — you can tailor the toppings, spice level or even swap tortillas to suit your preferences.

• Family‑friendly — the recipe makes about six servings, ideal for a family dinner or a gathering of friends.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the creamy avocado sauce:

• ½ medium avocado

• ¼ cup sour cream

• 1 Tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice

• ¼ cup packed cilantro leaves

• ½ 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

• 2½ tsp homemade taco seasoning

• ⅓ cup chopped onion (yellow or white)

• ¾ cup canned black beans (drained, not rinsed)

• 4 oz green chiles

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp Mexican oregano (or Italian oregano)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp kosher salt

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ¼ tsp chili powder

• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

For assembling:

• Cooking/baking spray (or avocado oil for brushing the tortillas)

• 6 fajita‑sized flour tortillas

• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425 °F (about 220 °C).

2. Make the creamy avocado sauce: Combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, salt and water in a blender or mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Cook the turkey and onions: Heat the oil in a large non‑stick pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion and about half of the taco seasoning. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through.

4. Finish the taco filling: Stir in the black beans, green chiles, the remaining taco seasoning, water and chopped cilantro. Mix well and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, on medium–low heat for about 15 minutes.

5. Prepare the tortillas for baking: On a rimmed baking sheet coated with cooking spray or lightly brushed oil, lay the six flour tortillas (they may overlap a bit). Sprinkle about ¼ cup of shredded cheese across each tortilla’s surface.

6. Assemble & bake the tacos: Spoon about ¼–⅓ cup of the turkey‑bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Bake in the preheated oven for 1–2 minutes just until the cheese begins to melt. Carefully fold each tortilla in half, brush or spray the tops with a little avocado oil or cooking spray.

7. Final bake: Bake for another 10–12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.

8. Serve: Serve the crispy baked tacos alongside the avocado sauce for dipping. Top with optional extras (see Variations) and enjoy immediately.

Servings and timing

• Makes about 6 servings (six tacos).

• Total time: approximately 50 minutes (about 20 minutes prep, 30 minutes cook/assembly).

• This information assumes standard kitchen equipment and should allow for a smooth dinner preparation.

Variations

• Use corn tortillas instead of flour, but note: they may not get quite as crispy, and may need a lighter brushing of oil.

• Swap the lean ground turkey for ground chicken or ground beef if you prefer — cooking time may vary slightly.

• Change the beans: replace black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans for a different texture or flavor.

• Add vegetables: diced bell pepper, chopped zucchini or corn kernels stirred into the turkey mixture add color and nutrition.

• Spice it up: increase the cayenne or add sliced jalapeños for more heat.

• Alternate sauce: if you’d like a different sauce, try salsa verde, lime crema or even a chipotle mayo.

• Top it differently: add fresh tomato salsa, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: If you want to freeze, place cooled, unbaked tacos in a freezer‑safe container (up to about 2 months).

• Reheating:

  • Oven: Preheat to 350 °F (about 175 °C) and bake for 10‑15 minutes until heated through and crisp restored.

  • Microwave: Place on a microwave‑safe plate, heat on medium power for 1‑2 minutes (may soften the tortilla crisp).

  • Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through and the exterior regains some crunch.

FAQs

How do I ensure the tacos stay crispy?

To maintain crispness, avoid over‑filling the tortillas and ensure the oven is properly preheated (425 °F). Brush or spray the outer surface of the folded tortillas lightly with oil to help browning.

Can I substitute ground beef or chicken for the ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef or chicken. Ground beef may cook a little faster or become more browned, so adjust cooking time as needed. The flavor profile will shift slightly but it still works well.

Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

You can use corn tortillas, but they tend to be less pliable and may not crisp up in exactly the same way as flour tortillas. To improve crispiness, lightly brush oil on them and monitor the bake time closely.

Can I skip the avocado sauce or use a different sauce?

Yes, the avocado sauce is optional though it adds creaminess and balances the spices nicely. You may substitute salsa verde, lime crema or another favorite sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How spicy are these tacos, and can I adjust the heat level?

They are moderately spiced but not overly hot. You can adjust the heat by omitting or reducing the cayenne pepper, using mild green chiles, or adding more heat with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.

How many tacos does this recipe make per person?

This recipe yields six tacos total. Depending on appetite, one taco per person might suffice for a light meal, or two tacos per person for a more filling dinner if serving only for two or three.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes — you can prepare the avocado sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator (keep it covered so it doesn’t brown). You can also cook the turkey‑bean mixture ahead and then assemble and bake just before serving for quick meal timing.

Is this recipe gluten‑free?

As written, this uses flour tortillas so it is not gluten‑free. To make it gluten‑free, swap in certified gluten‑free tortillas (corn or flour style) and ensure your taco seasoning and other ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You could make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground turkey with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant‑based ground meat substitute and adjusting cooking time accordingly. The rest of the recipe (beans, chiles, tortillas, sauce) stays the same.

What are good side dishes to serve with these tacos?

Some excellent side dishes include Mexican rice, refried beans or a fresh corn salad. You could also serve tortilla chips with salsa or a light garden salad to balance the richness of the tacos.

Conclusion

These crispy baked ground turkey tacos with avocado sauce offer a delicious, satisfying meal that blends the convenience of a family‑friendly dish with the appeal of hearty, bold flavors and a healthier twist. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe gives you plenty of flexibility to make it your own — from tofu swaps to extra toppings. Go ahead and give it a try and enjoy a flavorful, crisp taco night!

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

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These crispy baked ground turkey tacos are a healthier twist on traditional tacos, filled with seasoned ground turkey, topped with melted cheese, and baked in the oven for a crunchy finish. Served with a creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Cooking spray or additional olive oil for brushing
• 1 avocado
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Add tomato paste and water. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
7. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable (in microwave or skillet).
8. Place tortillas on the prepared baking sheet. Add 2-3 tablespoons of turkey mixture and a sprinkle of cheese to one side of each tortilla. Fold over to form a taco.
9. Lightly brush or spray the tops of the tacos with olive oil or cooking spray.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes, flip tacos, then bake another 5-8 minutes or until crispy and golden.
11. Meanwhile, make the avocado sauce: in a blender or food processor, combine avocado, sour cream (or yogurt), lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
12. Serve the crispy tacos with the avocado sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Notes

• Warm tortillas before filling to prevent cracking.
• Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to sour cream in the avocado sauce.
• You can add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the turkey filling for extra spice.
• These tacos are best served immediately for maximum crispiness.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 330mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 40mg