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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 12 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving When you shop for ingredients, look for bright colors and firm textures. For tomatoes, choose ones that feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Fresh onions should be dry, firm, and have no sprouting. Select avocados that give slightly when pressed, but are not mushy. For the best ground turkey, check the color; it should be pink, not gray. Lastly, always rinse canned black beans under cold water to remove excess sodium and improve taste. - Ground turkey is a lean protein that helps build muscle. - Black beans are full of fiber, aiding digestion and providing energy. - Onions have antioxidants that support heart health. - Garlic can boost your immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties. - Tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K, which help skin health. - Avocados are high in healthy fats, which are good for your heart. - Cheese adds calcium for strong bones but should be used in moderation. - Corn tortillas are gluten-free and provide complex carbs for energy. These ingredients not only taste great together but also offer a range of health benefits. Enjoying these tacos means you’re eating well while savoring rich flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 12 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend) - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 avocado, diced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving Chop the onion and mince the garlic. This step adds flavor. Rinse and drain the black beans. This helps remove excess sodium. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it is browned, which takes about 7-10 minutes. After that, mix in the black beans along with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Lay the corn tortillas flat inside the dish. Spoon the turkey and black bean mixture into each tortilla. Top each filled tortilla with shredded cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. Finally, let the tacos cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them topped with diced tomatoes, avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Enjoy your delicious creation! To prevent tortillas from sticking, warm them first. Heat a skillet on low and add a tortilla for about 30 seconds. This softens it and makes it easier to handle. You can also use a little oil or cooking spray on the pan. This adds flavor and keeps them from sticking. Keep the tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean towel. This way, they stay soft and easy to fill. Cheese adds great taste to tacos. I recommend using cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses. Cheddar melts well and has a sharp flavor. A Mexican cheese blend gives a nice mix of flavors. If you want something different, try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Always shred the cheese yourself for the best melt. To make these tacos kid-friendly, let kids help with the assembly. They can fill their tortillas with the turkey and beans. Offer toppings like cheese, avocado, and tomatoes for them to choose from. You can also make a mild version of the filling. This way, even picky eaters will enjoy it. Consider using smaller tortillas for smaller hands. This makes eating tacos fun and easy for kids. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your tacos. Freshness can make a significant difference in taste! Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños for a spicier kick. Tailoring the heat level to your preference can make your meal more enjoyable. Make Ahead: Prepare the turkey and black bean mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time on busy nights and make for a quick assembly when you’re ready to bake. Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings like pickled red onions, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of lime juice to add extra flavor and texture to your tacos. {{image_2}} You can easily make these tacos vegetarian. Swap the ground turkey for firm tofu. Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Crumble it into small pieces. Sauté the crumbled tofu just like you would the turkey. Use the same spices for flavor. This option is healthy and tasty. You still get great protein from the black beans, too! If you enjoy heat, add jalapeños for a spicy kick. Chop fresh jalapeños and mix them into the meat filling. You can also add some sliced jalapeños on top before baking. This adds flavor and heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. Your tacos will have an exciting twist with this variation! For those avoiding gluten, choose corn tortillas. They are naturally gluten-free and perfect for these tacos. Check the label to ensure they are certified gluten-free. All other ingredients, like beans and spices, are also gluten-free. Enjoy a delicious meal without worry! To store leftover tacos, first, let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra filling, store it separately. This keeps the tortillas from getting soggy. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and tasty. You can also use a microwave for quicker reheating. If you choose this method, add a bit of water to keep them moist. If you want to freeze your tacos, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then follow the reheating tips for best results. Enjoy your delicious tacos even later! Yes, you can use ground beef. It will change the taste. Ground beef has more fat. This can make the tacos richer. If you choose this option, cook it the same way. Just be sure to drain excess fat for a lighter dish. To make these tacos ahead, cook the filling first. Let it cool, then store it. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, fill the tortillas and bake. This saves time and adds great flavor. Many sides work well with these tacos. Try simple options like: - Mexican rice - Refried beans - Fresh salad - Corn on the cob - Guacamole and chips These sides add texture and flavor, making your meal even better. In this article, we explored the key ingredients, steps, and tips for making delicious tacos. Fresh ingredients boost flavor and nutrition. I shared ways to avoid sticky tortillas and make meals kid-friendly. Variations let you customize for your taste. Proper storage keeps leftovers tasty. Tacos are versatile and fun for any meal. Enjoy creating your own tasty versions and impress your family and friends!

Baked Turkey and Black Bean Tacos

Delicious baked tacos filled with ground turkey and black beans, topped with cheese and fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Mix in the black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Combine everything and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • In a lightly greased baking dish, lay the corn tortillas flat and spoon the turkey and black bean mixture into each tortilla.
  • Top each filled tortilla with shredded cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
  • Serve the tacos topped with diced tomatoes, avocado, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings as desired.
Keyword baked, black beans, easy, tacos, turkey