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Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos: A Flavorful Twist Tonight

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos offer a delicious twist to dinner with healthy ingredients and a creamy avocado sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 2 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 337

Ingredients
  

For the Avocado Sauce
  • 1/2 medium Avocado Ensures a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce; select a ripe one for the best taste.
  • 1/4 cup Sour Cream Adds a tangy base for the sauce; Greek yogurt is a great substitute for a healthier option.
  • 1 tbsp fresh Lemon or Lime Juice Brings brightness to the sauce; feel free to adjust to your personal taste.
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Leaves Introduces a fresh note; can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Enhances flavor; adjust according to your preferences.
  • 2 tbsp Water Helps achieve a smooth blend; add more if needed for the desired consistency.
For the Tacos
  • 2 tsp Avocado Oil or Olive Oil Ideal for cooking the turkey; any vegetable oil can work too.
  • 8 oz Lean Ground Turkey The heart of your taco filling; choose 85/15 or 93/7 ratios for optimal taste and health.
  • 2 1/2 tsp Homemade Taco Seasoning Infuses essential flavor; store-bought options are also available.
  • 1/3 cup chopped Onion (yellow or white) Builds depth in the turkey filling.
  • 3/4 cup canned Black Beans (drained, not rinsed) Adds protein and texture; keep the flavor intact by not rinsing.
  • 4 oz Green Chiles Provides a mild kick and flavor enhancement; any small can will suffice.
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped Cilantro Offers extra freshness in the filling; optional for your taste preference.
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin Warms up the filling with its earthy notes; a pinch of chili powder can substitute for a similar warmth.
  • 1/2 tsp Mexican Oregano (or Italian Oregano) Enriches the filling with herbaceous flavor.
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder Boosts the depth of your seasoning.
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt Season the filling to your liking.
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika Adds a lovely smoky flavor.
  • 1/4 tsp Chili Powder Introduces just a hint of heat; adjust based on preference.
  • 1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional) For those who love extra spiciness; omit for milder tacos.
  • Cooking/Baking Spray or Avocado Oil Essential for prepping the baking sheet.
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack Cheese Melts beautifully, enhancing richness; feel free to swap with cheddar cheese.

Equipment

  • Blender
  • non-stick skillet
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos
  1. Begin by preparing the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender, combine 1/2 a ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 tablespoons of water. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Once ready, transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate it while you prepare the tacos.
  2. In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of avocado oil over medium heat. Add 8 oz of lean ground turkey and 1/3 cup of chopped onion, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces. Sprinkle in 2 1/2 teaspoons of taco seasoning and cook for about 4-5 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked. This will form the flavorful base for your crispy baked ground turkey tacos.
  3. Stir in 3/4 cup of drained black beans, 4 oz of green chiles, and the remaining spices—1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Continue to cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer and any excess liquid to evaporate. The filling should be thick and rich, ready to flavor your Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos.
  4. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the 6 flour tortillas on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with cooking oil. Sprinkle approximately 1 1/2 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly across the tortillas. Spoon the turkey and bean mixture generously into each tortilla and fold them in half, ensuring the filling is contained within.
  5. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tacos for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they're ready when the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy. To achieve an even crunch, brush the tops of the tacos with a little more oil halfway through the baking time.
  6. Once baked to perfection, remove the crispy baked ground turkey tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot alongside the chilled avocado sauce you prepared earlier. These tacos make for a delightful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends!

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 8gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftover taco filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the avocado sauce separate, as it tastes best fresh and can last up to 3 days.

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