Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to spice up your dinner, you’ve come to the right place! These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are not only bursting with flavor, but they also bring a little crunch to your meal. I love how simple they are to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or even family gatherings. Plus, the creamy avocado sauce adds a delightful freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory turkey filling.

These tacos are sure to become a favorite in your home. They’re easy to customize and can please even the pickiest eaters at the table. Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy night in, these baked tacos are here to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these flavorful tacos, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare the filling or sauce ahead of time for an even quicker dinner on busy nights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of ground turkey, black beans, and spices makes every bite satisfying.
• Creamy Avocado Sauce: This sauce elevates the dish, adding creaminess and freshness that everyone will crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe! You may already have many of these items in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 Turkey 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 Assembling

• Cooking / Baking Spray (or Avocado Oil, for brushing the tortillas)
• 6 Fajita-Sized Flour Tortillas (6)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor profile.
• Add more veggies: Mix in bell peppers or corn into the turkey filling for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Go spicy: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños to the filling or top your tacos with hot salsa.
• Cheese alternatives: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or a dairy-free cheese option if preferred.

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by making the creamy avocado sauce! Combine half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro leaves, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor. Blend it all together until smooth—this sauce is a game changer! Adjust with more water for consistency if needed and set it aside in the fridge while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

In a large non-stick pan over medium heat, heat up some avocado oil and add lean ground turkey along with half of your taco seasoning and chopped onions. Cooking these together helps infuse flavor into the meat while ensuring it browns nicely—about 4-5 minutes should do it!

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

Once your turkey is cooked through, add black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, water, and finely chopped cilantro into the pan. Stir everything well and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about fifteen minutes uncovered; this allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Thicken if Necessary

Give everything another stir after simmering—if there’s excess liquid left in the pan, increase the heat slightly until most evaporates. This ensures each taco won’t be soggy once baked!

Step 5: Build the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F while preparing your baking sheet by spraying it with cooking spray or brushing it lightly with avocado oil. Lay out six tortillas on the sheet; each should have about ¼ cup of shredded cheese spread across its surface.

Step 6: Fill Each Taco

Spoon about ¼ – ⅓ cup of your turkey mixture onto one half of each tortilla—don’t be shy! The more stuffing, the better!

Step 7: Bake the Tacos

Place your baking sheet in the oven just long enough for cheese to melt—about 1-2 minutes should do it! Once melted and gooey, carefully fold each taco in half and brush avocado oil on top for that perfect golden finish.

Step 8: Crisp Them Up

Bake those tacos again for another 10-12 minutes until they turn crispy and golden brown—your kitchen will smell amazing!

Step 9: Serve!

Spoon out that creamy avocado sauce into small bowls ready for dipping alongside those crispy baked tacos! Dig in and enjoy every crunchy bite—you deserve it!

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delightful Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Creating the perfect crispy baked tacos is all about the little details! Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out delicious every time.

• Choose the Right Tortillas: Opt for fajita-sized flour tortillas that are pliable and can hold your filling without tearing, ensuring a great crunch when baked.

• Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on filling, keeping it around 1/4 to 1/3 cup per taco ensures they fold easily and bake evenly, resulting in a delightful crunch without spilling over.

• Adjust Cooking Time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your tacos as they bake; if they’re not golden brown after 12 minutes, pop them back in for a couple more minutes until they reach that perfect crispness.

• Mix Up the Cheeses: For added flavor, consider blending Monterey Jack with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack. This will enhance creaminess and give a unique twist to each bite.

• Customize Your Toppings: Get creative with toppings! Add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for an unexpected yet tasty kick that complements the creamy avocado sauce.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Presentation can elevate your meal experience from good to great! Here are some fun ideas on how to serve these delightful tacos.

Garnishes

• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime adds a zesty brightness that balances the richness of the avocado sauce.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy a spicy kick, fresh slices provide both heat and color to your dish.
• Chopped Green Onions: A sprinkle of these adds a mild onion flavor and vibrant green color that enhances visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, lime juice, cilantro, and spices makes for a vibrant side that pairs wonderfully with tacos.
• Simple Black Bean Salad: Combine black beans with corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado for a nutrient-packed salad that complements the flavors in your tacos.
• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with lime juice and fresh cilantro makes for a fantastic base or side dish that’s light yet satisfying.
• Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: For those who can’t get enough avocado goodness, serving homemade guacamole alongside crunchy tortilla chips makes for an irresistible appetizer.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to make your dinner party or family meal unforgettable. Enjoy every crispy bite of your baked ground turkey tacos!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can make the components ahead of time and assemble them whenever you’re ready for a delicious meal.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the avocado sauce in a separate container to prevent browning and maintain freshness. It should also last about 3 days.

Freezing

• Freeze assembled but unbaked tacos by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• The creamy avocado sauce can also be frozen in small batches. Just remember to leave some space for expansion!

Reheating

• To reheat frozen tacos, bake directly from the freezer at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
• If reheating leftovers, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until crispy again.

FAQs

I know you might have some questions, so let’s tackle a few common ones!

Can I use different meat instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking times according to your meat choice.

How do I make the Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce spicier?

To add some heat to your tacos, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the turkey filling. You can also top them with jalapeños or hot salsa before serving!

Can I prepare the Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components ahead of time, store them separately, and then assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

What kind of cheese works best for these tacos?

While Monterey Jack cheese is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce a try! They’re not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Enjoy making this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to put your unique spin on it. Happy cooking!

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