Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos are a flavorful and healthier twist on traditional tacos. Featuring seasoned lean ground turkey, black beans, and green chiles, baked inside crispy golden flour tortillas layered with melted Monterey Jack cheese. Served with a creamy avocado-cilantro sauce, this recipe is perfect for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Taco Filling
- 2 tsp. Avocado Oil (or Olive Oil)
- 8 oz. Lean Ground Turkey
- 2 1/2 tsp. Homemade Taco Seasoning (divided; seasoning blend includes 1/2 tsp. Cumin, 1/2 tsp. Mexican 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)
- 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
Assembly & Baking
- 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 a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the Turkey and Onions: Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add lean ground turkey, half the taco seasoning, and chopped onion. Cook, breaking the turkey into small pieces, stirring frequently for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Finish the Taco Filling: Stir in black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, water, and chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly, reduce heat to medium-low, and let the mixture simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Reduce Excess Liquid: Stir the filling again and if liquid remains, increase heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Arrange tortillas on the sheet, slightly overlapping if needed.
- Add Cheese and Filling: Spread about 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over each tortilla. Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey and black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla.
- Initial Bake: Bake in the oven for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts. Carefully fold each tortilla in half and brush the tops with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray.
- Final Bake to Crisp: Return the tacos to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy avocado sauce into small bowls and serve alongside the crispy baked tacos. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to control spiciness or omit if you prefer mild tacos.
- You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but adjust baking time accordingly.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortillas.
Keywords: ground turkey tacos, baked tacos, crispy tacos, healthy taco recipe, turkey taco filling, avocado sauce, easy dinner
