Name: Crispy Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican American
Ingredients: 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; 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; Cooking or baking spray or avocado oil, for brushing tortillas; 6 fajita-sized flour tortillas (6″); 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 52 reviews

If you’re craving a taco night that feels a little lighter but still packs a punch of flavor and crunch, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Crispy Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe is one of my favorite weeknight go-tos — it’s quick, delicious, and that crispy baked shell with the creamy, tangy avocado sauce? Absolute magic. You’re going to want to dive right in and maybe make extra for leftovers (because trust me, you’ll love it that much).

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Why This Recipe Works

Lean but Flavorful: Ground turkey keeps it light but absorbing the homemade taco seasoning and green chiles keeps every bite packed with zest and personality.
Perfectly Crispy Tortillas: Baking the tacos lets you skip frying but still get that irresistible crunch that makes taco nights special.
Creamy Avocado Sauce: The avocado sauce brings a cool, fresh, and tangy counterpoint that balances the warm, savory filling beautifully.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: This recipe uses everyday pantry staples with a few fresh touches, making it easy to prepare without a fuss.

Crispy Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce, ground turkey taco recipes, baked taco shells, quick healthy taco ideas, dinner recipes with avocado sauce - On a white plate, five small folded tacos are arranged in a slight curve, each taco made with a golden brown tortilla that looks lightly crisped on the edges. Inside the tacos, there is a dark filling made of black beans and browned ground meat mixed with small bits of red and green vegetables. The tacos are garnished with small fresh green cilantro leaves. Next to the tacos on the plate is a small white bowl filled with a light green creamy sauce that has fine green specks. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with scattered cilantro leaves around it, and in the background are two glasses filled with cold drinks and a second white plate holding more tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe shines because each ingredient plays a clear role — from the lean ground turkey that carries the flavor without heaviness, to the creamy avocado sauce that soothes and adds richness, and the tortillas crisped just right for that satisfying bite. Let me share some shopping insights to help you pick the best versions.

Avocado: Choose a ripe but firm avocado so your sauce stays creamy and smooth without becoming too watery.
Sour Cream: Full-fat makes the sauce luscious, but Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want extra tang and protein.
Lemon or Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed always — it brightens the avocado sauce and wakes up the flavors.
Cilantro Leaves: Adds freshness and herbaceousness; wipe this if you’re in the camp that’s not a fan.
Ground Turkey: Look for 85/15 to 90/10 lean, so it stays juicy but not greasy.
Homemade Taco Seasoning: Making your own lets you control the heat and freshness — trust me, it’s worth it!
Chopped Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and texture that balances the savory turkey.
Black Beans: Don’t rinse them! The juice adds flavor and moisture to the filling.
Green Chiles: Hatch chiles are ideal — they bring smoky heat without overwhelming everything.
Flour Tortillas: Perfect size and pliability for baking and folding without cracking.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully with mild flavor — but pepper jack works if you like a bit of kick!

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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 love how flexible this Crispy Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe is — you can easily change things up to fit whatever mood you or your family are in, without losing that satisfying crunch or creamy sauce that steals the show.

Variation: I sometimes swap black beans for pinto beans or add corn for a little sweetness and texture contrast — both work beautifully.
Spice Level: If you want more heat, sprinkle some cayenne or add diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture. For milder palates, reduce the chili powder or skip the cayenne.
Cheese Choices: I’ve tried sharp cheddar and even crumbled queso fresco when I want a Mexican flair — both add their own magic.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas, but warm and handle them carefully so they don’t crack when you fold them before baking.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Creamy Avocado Sauce

The avocado sauce is the magic touch here. I toss half a ripe avocado, sour cream, fresh lime juice, cilantro, kosher salt, and a splash of water into my mini food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water little by little to get the perfect creamy but pourable consistency. A quick taste test here is key — maybe a pinch more salt or lime juice — then cover and pop it in the fridge to chill while you tackle everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Onions

Heat avocado oil in your pan over medium heat, then add the ground turkey, half the homemade taco seasoning, and chopped onion. Stir and break the meat down into small bits as it cooks, making sure all those spices coat the turkey. In about 4-5 minutes, you should have a beautifully browned, fragrant base. Keep the heat steady so you avoid drying out the turkey — a little moisture keeps it tender.

Step 3: Finish the Filling with Beans, Chiles & Cilantro

Next, add black beans (don’t rinse them — the juice adds flavor), green chiles, the remaining seasoning, water, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. This step lets the flavors meld and the mixture thicken up nicely. Stir every now and then — and if it looks too wet at the end, turn the heat back up for a few minutes to evaporate excess liquid.

Step 4: Build Your Tacos

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray or brush a large rimmed baking sheet with avocado oil. Spread six fajita-sized flour tortillas on the sheet — they can barely overlap if needed. Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on each, then spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the turkey filling onto one half of each tortilla.

Step 5: Bake and Crisp the Tacos

Pop the sheet into the oven for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese—watching closely so it doesn’t burn. Then, carefully fold each tortilla in half over the filling. Brush or spray the tops with a little more avocado oil, and bake again for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This is when the magic happens, turning soft tortillas into that perfect taco crunch.

Step 6: Serve with the Avocado Sauce and Enjoy!

Serve these warm with bowls of creamy avocado sauce for dipping or drizzling. The combo of crispy shell, melty cheese, savory turkey filling, and that lush sauce will have you coming back for more.

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

Don’t Skip the Simmer: I once rushed through the simmering step and the filling was too wet to crisp properly — letting it cook uncovered gives you that perfect taco texture.
Handle Tortillas Gently: I find warming tortillas just a bit before baking makes them more flexible and less prone to cracking when folded.
Adjust Avocado Sauce Thickness: Add water slowly when blending so you can customize how thick or runny your sauce is — thicker for dolloping, thinner for drizzling.
Use Fresh Lime Juice: Bottled just won’t give you the bright zing that fresh juice provides — it’s worth the extra squeeze to brighten the sauce and filling.

How to Serve Crispy Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes straightforward — a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and maybe some thinly sliced radishes for crunch and color. Sometimes I add diced tomatoes or thinly sliced jalapeños if I want extra freshness or heat. Oh, and a little crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese turns these into something restaurant-level.

Side Dishes

On the side, I like to keep it simple with a fresh green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, or sometimes Mexican street corn salad (elote) if I’m feeling decadent. Black beans and rice also work great to round out the meal if you want something more traditional.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these tacos on a large platter with a taco bar feel—bowls of avocado sauce, extra cilantro, chopped onions, and lime wedges alongside. Another favorite: turn the baked stuffed tortillas into mini taco cups by shaping them around the backs of muffin tins before baking for a fun bite-sized twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover turkey and black bean filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep avocado sauce separate so it stays fresh longer — it keeps best in a small airtight jar with a little plastic wrap pressed on top to minimize browning.

Freezing

The filling freezes beautifully — just portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to use, thaw overnight then reheat on the stove until warmed through. I haven’t frozen the assembled tacos because the tortillas can get soggy, but the filling definitely holds up well in the freezer.

Reheating

For reheating leftover tacos, I pop them back in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes — this revives the crispiness better than the microwave. Warm the avocado sauce separately and dollop it right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef will work just fine and adds a richer, beefier flavor. Just keep in mind it may be a bit greasier, especially if using higher-fat content beef, so adjust cooking time and drain excess fat as needed.
What’s the best way to keep avocado sauce from browning?

The lime juice in the sauce helps slow browning, but to keep it fresh longer, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 2 days for the best color and flavor.
Can I make these tacos vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Swap ground turkey for sautéed mushrooms or crumbled tofu seasoned the same way. Use vegan sour cream or omit it from the avocado sauce, and be sure to choose vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a vegan version.
How do I prevent the tacos from getting soggy after baking?

Baking them until golden crisp is key. Also, don’t overload each taco with filling — spreading it evenly and using just enough cheese helps keep the shell sturdy. Serve immediately or re-crisp in the oven before serving.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for this recipe?

You can! Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and flavorful, but they’re a bit more fragile. Warm them gently before folding and baking to reduce cracking, but expect a softer texture compared to flour tortillas.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Ground Turkey Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe has become a staple for me because it strikes the perfect balance — it’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, feels fresh and satisfying, and never gets boring. Plus, the crispy shell paired with creamy sauce is just downright addictive. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and tasty in your kitchen as I do in mine. Happy cooking, and taco on!