You’ll love these Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce creamy, satisfying, and perfect for your holiday gatherings.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the 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 (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp. Water (adjust as needed)
For the 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 (optional)
For the Tacos
- Cooking/Baking Spray or Avocado Oil (for brushing)
- 6 Fajita-Sized Flour Tortillas (6″)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce by blending half of a ripe avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, kosher salt, and water in a mini food processor until smooth. Adjust consistency with more water if necessary, then refrigerate.
- In a large non-stick pan, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, half of the taco seasoning, and chopped onion. Cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking the turkey into small pieces until browned.
- Incorporate black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, water, and cilantro into the turkey mixture. Stir well and simmer on medium-low for 15 minutes, uncovered. If excess liquid remains, increase heat to medium and cook until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray or brush with avocado oil. Arrange tortillas on the baking sheet, slightly overlapping if needed. Distribute cheese evenly across each tortilla, then add the turkey mixture on one half of each tortilla.
- Bake for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts, then fold tortillas in half. Brush tops with avocado oil and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve with the creamy avocado sauce in small bowls alongside the tacos.
Recipe Tips
- Sour cream can be replaced with full-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
- Consider using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt; if using another brand, reduce the amount to 1/4 tsp. and adjust to taste.
- Lean ground turkey options include 85/15 or 90/10 for the best results.
- You can substitute homemade taco seasoning with 2 1/2 teaspoons of store-bought seasoning for convenience.
- Choose flour tortillas for easy folding; corn tortillas may break under pressure.
- Monterey Jack cheese can easily be swapped with Pepper Jack or Cheddar for a different flavor profile.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; keep the creamy avocado sauce separately for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, use an air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes or bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Variations
For a lower-carb option, these tacos can be made into lettuce wraps, offering a fresh and crisp alternative to traditional tortillas.
What to Cook Next
FAQs
Can these be meal prepped?
Yes, these tacos can definitely be meal prepped. Prepare the turkey filling and avocado sauce in advance, and store them separately in airtight containers. Assemble the tacos just before baking for the best texture.
Do I have to use ground turkey?
No, you can substitute ground turkey with other proteins such as ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat to fit your dietary preferences.
Can I use different tortillas?
Yes, you can use different types of tortillas. While we recommend flour tortillas for folding ease, corn tortillas can also work; just be cautious, as they may be more prone to breaking.
Conclusion
These Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are not just a delicious addition to your Christmas dinner but also a comforting meal any time of the year. For more delightful recipe inspirations, explore the creative ideas on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce
Equipment
- Mini food processor
- Large non-stick pan
- Rimmed baking sheet
Ingredients
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 1/2 medium Avocado
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream Can be replaced with full-fat Greek yogurt.
- 1 tbsp fresh Lemon or Lime Juice
- 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves Cilantro is optional; omit if preferred.
- 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Adjust to taste.
- 2 tbsp Water Adjust as needed.
For the Ground Turkey + Black Bean Filling
- 2 tsp Avocado Oil or Olive Oil
- 8 oz Lean Ground Turkey Options include 85/15 or 90/10.
- 2 1/2 tsp Homemade Taco Seasoning Can substitute with store-bought seasoning.
- 1/3 cup chopped Onion Yellow or white.
- 3/4 cup canned Black Beans Drained, not rinsed.
- 4 oz Green Chiles Any small can can be used.
- 2 tbsp finely chopped Cilantro Optional.
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.
For the Tacos
- Cooking/Baking Spray or Avocado Oil For brushing.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Can be swapped with Pepper Jack or Cheddar.
Instructions
Preparation
- Blend avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and water until smooth for the avocado sauce, then refrigerate.
- Heat oil in a pan, cook turkey with half of the taco seasoning and onion until browned.
- Add black beans, green chiles, remaining seasoning, and cilantro to the turkey mixture; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F, prepare baking sheet, and arrange tortillas with cheese and turkey mixture.
- Bake until cheese melts, fold tortillas, brush with oil, and bake until golden and crispy.
- Serve tacos with avocado sauce in small bowls.