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Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

ByTaylor
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 22 reviews

I’ve got to tell you, there’s something so satisfying about these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe that just hits all the right notes. The combination of tender, flavorful ground turkey paired with melty Monterey Jack cheese and that dreamy, creamy avocado sauce on top? Absolute perfection. These tacos aren’t just tasty—they’re a healthier twist on classic comfort food, which makes them perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.

What I love most is how the baking process transforms the tortillas into this wonderful crispy shell without frying, so you get crunch without the guilt. Plus, the zesty avocado sauce adds a fresh, cooling touch that balances out the spicy, seasoned turkey filling beautifully. Trust me, once you try this Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe, it’ll become your go-to taco night winner!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The savory seasoned turkey is perfectly complemented by the fresh, tangy avocado sauce, creating harmony in every bite.
  • Healthy Crunch: Baking the tacos crisps up the tortillas without frying, making it a lighter alternative that still satisfies crunchy cravings.
  • Simple and Quick: With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
  • Customizable: You can easily tweak the seasoning, cheese, or toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
A woman's hand holds a golden-brown taco filled with dark brown cooked meat and black beans, dipping it into a small white bowl of thick, creamy light green sauce with green specks. The taco shell looks crispy and slightly textured. The bowl is placed on a white plate with more tacos inside, showing the same dark filling. Some green cilantro leaves are scattered casually on the white marbled surface around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other perfectly—think creamy avocado, hearty turkey, bright herbs, and melting cheese—all designed to deliver flavor, texture, and nutrition.

  • Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the sauce both rich and fresh without overpowering the tacos.
  • Sour Cream: Provides tang and creaminess, balancing heat with a smooth texture; Greek yogurt works well as a swap.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens up the avocado sauce and lifts the entire flavor profile with a refreshing citrus note.
  • Cilantro: Brings a burst of fresh herbaceousness to both the sauce and filling—optional if you’re not a fan.
  • Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and a healthier alternative to beef, it soaks up seasoning beautifully.
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning: A simple blend with cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder that makes the turkey filling flavorful and authentic.
  • Black Beans: Adds heartiness and fiber to the filling while keeping things plant-powered and filling.
  • Green Chiles: Adds subtle heat and complexity, elevating the filling with a smoky kick.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a mild, creamy layer that helps hold the taco filling together.
  • Flour Tortillas: Flexible enough to fold and crisp up nicely when baked, giving you that irresistible taco crunch.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this recipe simple but love adding my own twists depending on what’s in my kitchen or who’s joining me at the table. You can absolutely make this Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe your own by swapping ingredients or adjusting the heat.

  • Extra Spice: Sometimes I add a pinch more cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce if I’m craving a spicier kick.
  • Cheese Variations: Pepper Jack works great for more flavor, or cheddar for a sharper punch.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap ground turkey for sautéed mushrooms and add extra black beans for a hearty plant-based option.
  • Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce

Start by combining half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro, kosher salt, and a bit of water in a mini food processor. Blend everything until smooth, adding extra water if you want a thinner sauce—personally, I like mine thick enough to spoon easily but still smooth enough to drizzle. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice—it’s all about balancing that creamy, tangy freshness.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, then add the ground turkey, half your homemade taco seasoning, and chopped onions. Break up the turkey as it cooks and stir so the seasoning evenly covers every bite. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, then get ready to bring the filling together.

Step 3: Finish the Taco Filling

To the turkey, stir in black beans, green chiles, the remaining taco seasoning, water, and chopped cilantro. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes—this step helps infuse all those flavors and evaporates excess liquid so your filling isn’t soggy. If you spot any remaining moisture, just crank the heat back up to medium and stir frequently until it’s nicely thickened.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Lay out your six fajita-sized flour tortillas, overlapping slightly if needed to save space. Sprinkle a quarter cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over half of each tortilla, then spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey filling on top of the cheese.

Step 5: Bake & Crisp the Tacos

Pop the tray in the oven for 1-2 minutes just to melt the cheese. Then carefully fold each tortilla in half and brush the tops with avocado oil or spray lightly. Return the tacos to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the tortillas are golden and crispy—you’ll love this no-fry method for the crunch. If any filling spills out while baking, use a fork to gently push it back inside before the cheese cools.

Step 6: Serve with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Serve your crispy baked tacos with the avocado sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling. This creamy touch really elevates each bite and keeps things fresh and vibrant. Grab your favorite toppings and enjoy!

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

  • Use Ripe Avocados: The creaminess of the sauce depends on perfectly ripe avocados, so choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking turkey and onions, give them space so they brown instead of steaming, locking in flavor.
  • Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the tacos in the oven; you want them golden and crispy but not burnt.
  • Fold Carefully: Fold tacos gently after melting cheese to avoid cracking the tortillas, especially if using corn.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

The image shows four golden-brown folded tortillas filled with a dark mixture of black beans and browned ground meat, with a light layer of melted cheese visible inside. The tacos are neatly placed on a white plate, with some small green cilantro leaves scattered around. In the background, there is a white bowl with a creamy light green sauce and another white plate with more filled folded tortillas. The surface is a white marbled texture, and the photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with extra chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a sprinkle of radish slices for extra crunch and color. Sometimes, a spoonful of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce finishes the ensemble perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with simple sides like Mexican street corn salad, a fresh cabbage slaw, or even some cilantro-lime rice. Black bean salad also works beautifully to keep things cohesive and hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at your next gathering, I’ve served these tacos open-faced on a large platter with avocado sauce drizzled artistically on top, plus bowls of toppings so guests can customize. You could also make mini versions with smaller tortillas for tasty party bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I keep leftover turkey filling and avocado sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, the tacos stay fresh and the filling can be repurposed for salads, bowls, or quesadillas.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the turkey filling alone (not the assembled tacos) in portioned bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove before assembling fresh tacos.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the turkey filling on the stovetop, and crisp up tortillas in a hot skillet or oven. I avoid reheating assembled tacos in the microwave to keep that amazing crisp texture intact.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey in this recipe?

    Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute and will also soak up the taco seasoning nicely. Just adjust cooking times slightly as chicken can cook a bit faster than turkey.

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

    You can, but keep in mind corn tortillas are more delicate and may crack when folding and baking. To prevent this, lightly warm them before assembling to improve pliability or use smaller tortillas folded without overlap.

  3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    Use gluten-free flour or corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free. Also, double-check that your taco seasoning and other canned ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.

  4. Can I prepare the avocado sauce in advance?

    Yes! The avocado sauce holds well for up to 24 hours refrigerated. To keep it vibrant and from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.

  5. What if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

    You can omit cilantro if it’s not your thing, or substitute it with fresh parsley or a pinch of dried herbs. The tacos will still taste great without it, especially with the seasoned turkey and creamy avocado sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe truly shines because it’s approachable, delicious, and a bit healthier—like a little kitchen hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a family dinner or hosting friends, these tacos bring everyone together around good food without the stress. Give this recipe a try and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites to make (and eat!) time and again.

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Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 tacos
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with a creamy avocado sauce. Made with lean ground turkey, black beans, green chiles, and homemade taco seasoning, these tacos are baked until golden and crispy with melted Monterey Jack cheese, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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

Ground Turkey + Black Bean 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

Small Batch Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 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

  • 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

  1. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce: Combine half of a ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup packed cilantro leaves, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons water in a mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Cook the Turkey and Onions: Heat 2 teaspoons avocado oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces lean ground turkey, half of the homemade taco seasoning (about 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 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  3. Finish the Taco Filling: Stir in 3/4 cup drained black beans, 4 ounces green chiles, the remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, and 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro into the cooked turkey mixture. Combine thoroughly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally, and if excess liquid appears, increase heat to medium and cook until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
  4. Build the Tacos: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray or brush a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or avocado oil. Arrange six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the sheet, slightly overlapping if needed. Spread approximately 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese over each tortilla. Spoon about 1/4 to 1/3 cup turkey black bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla.
  5. Bake the Tacos: Place baking sheet in the oven and bake for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts. Carefully fold each tortilla in half, brush tops with avocado oil or spray with cooking spray. Return to oven and bake for another 12 minutes until tortillas are golden brown and crispy.
  6. Serve: Spoon creamy avocado sauce into small bowls and serve alongside the crispy baked tacos. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Sour cream in the avocado sauce can be substituted with full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
  • Adjust kosher salt amount depending on brand; if using a different kosher or sea salt, start with 1/4 tsp and adjust to taste.
  • Lean ground turkey with fat content around 85/15 or 90/10 works best for the filling.
  • You can replace homemade taco seasoning with your favorite store-bought blend if preferred.
  • Drain black beans but do not rinse to retain flavor and texture.
  • Use Hatch green chiles if available; otherwise any small 4 oz can of green chiles works fine.
  • Cilantro is optional in both filling and sauce; omit if you dislike the herb.
  • Flour tortillas are preferred for easy folding; corn tortillas may break more easily but can be used.
  • Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with Pepper Jack, Cheddar, or a quesadilla cheese like Chihuahua cheese.
  • If filling spills out while baking, gently push it back in with a fork before the cheese cools to maintain shape.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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