Name: Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound 90/10 ground turkey; 4 tablespoons avocado oil (divided); ½ small sweet onion (finely diced); 2 garlic cloves (finely minced); 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; ¼ cup chicken broth (or water); ¾ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup refried black beans; 2 ½ cups shredded cheese (divided); 12 corn tortillas; ¼ cup ranch dressing; 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime); 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (plus more for serving); Pico de Gallo; Guacamole; Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Ingredients

1 pound 90/10 ground turkey

4 tablespoons avocado oil (divided)

½ small sweet onion (finely diced)

2 garlic cloves (finely minced)

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

¼ cup chicken broth (or water)

¾ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup refried black beans

2 ½ cups shredded cheese (divided)

12 corn tortillas

¼ cup ranch dressing

1 ½ tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)

1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)

Pico de Gallo (for serving)

Guacamole (for serving)

Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F for baking the tacos later.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the turkey, for 7–8 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.

Step 5: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese until melted, then remove the filling from heat.

Step 6: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 45–60 seconds to make them pliable.

Step 7: Brush one side of each tortilla with 1 teaspoon of avocado oil. Flip it over and spread 1 tablespoon of refried black beans on the unbrushed side, then top with 2 tablespoons of turkey filling and 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese.

Step 8: Fold the tortilla over the filling and press gently to seal, being careful not to crack the tortilla. Repeat with all tortillas.

Step 9: Arrange the filled tortillas in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 10: While tacos bake, whisk together ranch dressing, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl until smooth to make cilantro lime ranch sauce.

Step 11: Serve the crispy tacos with cilantro lime ranch sauce, and garnish with extra cilantro, pico de gallo, and guacamole as desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, use homemade taco seasoning or adjust the amount to taste.

Swap black beans for refried pinto beans if preferred.

Use your favorite shredded cheese blend, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican mix.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce.

To keep tortillas from cracking, warm them sufficiently before filling and folding.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the best texture.