Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos

If weeknight dinners had a crown jewel, it just might be these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos. They’re crunchy, cheesy, full of flavor, and—wait for it—baked instead of fried. (Yes, you can enjoy tacos without turning your kitchen into an oil-splattered war zone.) And the best part? We’re dipping them in a creamy avocado sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to put it on everything from chips to eggs.

So whether you’ve got a hungry family waiting, or you just need a meal that feels fun without demanding hours of kitchen time, this recipe has your back.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos

Here’s the truth: tacos are always a hit. But when you bake them with ground turkey and layer on melty cheese, black beans, and green chiles, you get a dish that’s lighter, faster, and every bit as satisfying as its beefy cousin. Add in the avocado dipping sauce, and suddenly it feels like taco night leveled up.

These tacos are:

  • Quick: Ready in about 40 minutes, start to finish.
  • Kid-friendly: Crunchy, cheesy, and totally customizable.
  • Healthier than fried: Still crispy, but without deep frying.
  • Make-ahead friendly: The filling and sauce can be prepped in advance.

Perfect for busy moms, professionals, or anyone who just wants to get a delicious dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Turkey + Black Bean Filling:

  • 2 tsp. avocado oil (or olive oil), plus more for brushing the tortillas
  • 8 oz. lean ground turkey (85/15 or 90/10)
  • 2 ½ tsp. taco seasoning (or homemade blend below)
  • ½ tsp. cumin
  • ½ tsp. Mexican oregano (or Italian oregano)
  • ½ tsp. garlic powder
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp. smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp. chili powder
  • ⅛ tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ⅓ cup chopped yellow onion (or white onion)
  • ¾ cup black beans (½ can, drained, not rinsed)
  • 1 small can (4 oz.) green chiles
  • 2 tbsp. finely chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Tacos:

  • Cooking spray (or avocado oil)
  • 6 fajita-size flour tortillas (6-inch)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar/pepper jack)

For the Creamy Avocado Dipping Sauce:

  • ½ medium avocado
  • ¼ cup sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
  • ¼ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • ½ tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp. water (plus more as needed for consistency)

How to Make Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

1. Blend the Creamy Avocado Sauce

In a mini food processor, combine avocado, sour cream, lemon or lime juice, cilantro, salt, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water if you like it thinner. Taste and adjust with more lime or salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

(Pro tip: Make extra. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re dunking tortilla chips into it while the tacos bake.)

2. Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, half the seasoning blend, and onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, breaking up the meat until it’s browned and fully cooked.

3. Add the Beans, Chiles & Cilantro

Stir in black beans, green chiles, remaining taco seasoning, 2 tbsp. water, and cilantro. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. If it’s too liquidy, crank up the heat for a few minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat.

(This is where my kitchen starts to smell like taco-night heaven—and yes, my kids usually wander in asking, “When are we eating?”)

4. Build the Tacos

Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Lay out the tortillas. Sprinkle cheese on each, then spoon turkey mixture onto one half.

Bake for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Fold tortillas in half, brush tops lightly with oil, and bake for another 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.

5. Serve with Avocado Sauce

Pull them out of the oven, let cool for just a minute (if you can wait), and serve with little bowls of that dreamy avocado sauce.

Cooking Tips for Success

  • Don’t skip the oil brushing. That’s what makes the tortillas extra crisp.
  • Want spicier tacos? Toss in more cayenne or use pepper jack cheese.
  • Use corn tortillas if you prefer. Just warm them up first so they don’t crack when folding.
  • Double the batch. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos filled with black beans, cheese, and fresh cilantro.
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos are cheesy, crunchy, and perfect for taco night!

FAQs About Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce

Can I make these with corn tortillas?

Yes! Just warm them first so they don’t split when folding.

Can I prep the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely. Cook the turkey mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp.

Can I swap the sour cream in the sauce?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works just as well and adds a little tang.

Let’s Taco ’Bout It

These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with avocado dipping sauce are one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. They’re easy enough for a busy Tuesday night, but fun enough to serve at a game-day party or casual get-together.

So go ahead—make tonight a taco night. Just don’t be surprised if your family asks for these on repeat. 🌮💚

More Recipes You’ll Love

If these Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos had you smiling, you’ll want to explore more flavor-packed dishes from my kitchen. Here are some handpicked favorites to keep your meal plan exciting:

💬 If you give these tacos a try, I’d love to hear what you think—drop a review below and let me know how they turned out in your kitchen. And for daily recipe inspiration (plus plenty of chicken magic!), don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest and pin your favorite dishes to make later.

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Plate of Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with avocado sauce, black beans, and fresh cilantro.

Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos


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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 tacos 1x

Description

These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce are the ultimate weeknight win—cheesy, crunchy, and dipped in creamy avocado sauce. A family favorite that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Ground Turkey + Black Bean Filling:

  • 2 tsp avocado oil (or olive oil), plus more for brushing

  • 8 oz lean ground turkey (85/15 or 90/10)

  • 2 ½ tsp taco seasoning (or homemade blend below)

  • ½ tsp cumin

  • ½ tsp Mexican oregano (or Italian oregano)

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika

  • ¼ tsp chili powder

  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

  • ⅓ cup chopped yellow onion

  • ¾ cup black beans (½ can, drained, not rinsed)

  • 1 can (4 oz) green chiles

  • 2 tbsp finely chopped cilantro (optional)

For the Tacos:

  • Cooking spray or avocado oil

  • 6 fajita-size (6 inch) flour tortillas

  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or cheddar/pepper jack)

For the Creamy Avocado Dipping Sauce:

  • ½ medium avocado

  • ¼ cup sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)

  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed

  • ½ tsp kosher salt

  • 2 tbsp water (plus more if needed for consistency)


Instructions

  1. Make the avocado sauce. In a mini food processor, blend avocado, sour cream, lemon or lime juice, cilantro, salt, and water until smooth. Add more water for desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate until ready.

  2. Cook turkey and onions. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, half the seasoning blend, and onion. Cook 4–5 minutes until browned.

  3. Add beans, chiles & cilantro. Stir in black beans, green chiles, remaining seasoning, water, and cilantro. Simmer 15 minutes uncovered. If too liquidy, cook a few extra minutes until thickened.

  4. Assemble tacos. Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray or brush a baking sheet with oil. Place tortillas, sprinkle with cheese, and spoon filling on one half. Bake 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.

  5. Bake until crispy. Fold tortillas in half, brush tops lightly with oil, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden brown.

  6. Serve. Plate the tacos with avocado sauce for dipping and enjoy

Notes

Make extra avocado sauce—it doubles as a dip for chips or veggie sticks.
Corn tortillas can be swapped, but warm them first so they don’t crack.
Leftovers reheat perfectly in the oven or air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner , lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 taco
  • Calories: 265 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 465 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 46 mg

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