Description
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey Tacos are a flavorful, healthier twist on classic tacos, featuring seasoned ground turkey, melty cheese, and a crispy tortilla shell baked to perfection. Served with a zesty cilantro lime ranch dressing and your choice of fresh toppings like pico de gallo and guacamole, they make a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey Filling
- 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)
Tacos
- 12 corn tortillas
Cilantro Lime Ranch Dressing
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- 1 ½ tablespoons lime juice (from 1 lime)
- 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped cilantro (plus more for serving)
Optional Garnishes
- Pico de Gallo
- Guacamole
- Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the tacos to crispy perfection.
- Cook the Meat: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onion, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the Filling: Stir in the taco seasoning, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates. Mix in 1 cup of the shredded cheese and remove the skillet from heat once the cheese has melted.
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 45-60 seconds. This softens them to make rolling easier without cracking.
- Fill the Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla with 1 teaspoon of avocado oil. Flip it over and spread 1 tablespoon of refried black beans on one half of the unbrushed side. Layer 2 tablespoons of the turkey filling, then 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese on top of the beans. Fold the tortilla over the filling and gently press to seal it without cracking. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Bake the Tacos: Arrange the filled tortillas in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure an even, crispy texture.
- Prepare the Cilantro Lime Ranch: While the tacos are baking, whisk together ranch dressing, lime juice, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Plate the crispy baked tacos and drizzle or serve alongside the cilantro lime ranch dressing. Garnish with additional cilantro, pico de gallo, and guacamole as desired for extra freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Use 90/10 ground turkey for a balance of moisture and leanness.
- Microwaving tortillas wrapped in a damp towel prevents cracking when folding.
- Flip the tacos halfway through baking for even crispiness on both sides.
- Feel free to substitute chicken broth with water for a lighter option.
- Adjust taco seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: ground turkey tacos, baked tacos, crispy tacos, healthy tacos, Mexican recipes, easy taco recipe, low fat tacos
