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Crispy Baked Ground Turkey & Black Bean Tacos

Taco night just got a whole lot easier—and crunchier! These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey & Black Bean Tacos are the perfect balance of hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly. Instead of standing at the stove frying tortillas one by one, the tacos are filled, lined up in a baking dish, sprinkled with cheese, and baked until golden and crispy. Made with lean ground turkey, protein-packed black beans, and melty cheese, this recipe is wholesome without sacrificing flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights but fun enough to serve at parties or game nights. Add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got tacos everyone will love!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or homemade mix: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 10 –12 crunchy taco shells
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings:
  • Lettuce shredded
  • Fresh tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking dish (9x13-inch works well)
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat oven
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Grease or line a baking dish large enough to hold your taco shells upright.
Step 2: Cook the turkey filling
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add ground turkey, cooking until browned and no longer pink, about 6–7 minutes.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, and black beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes until mixture thickens.
Step 3: Assemble tacos
  1. Stand taco shells upright in the baking dish.
  2. Spoon turkey and bean mixture evenly into each shell.
  3. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake
  1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 8 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes, until cheese is melted and taco shells are crispy.
Step 5: Serve
  1. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy taco night made easy!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked turkey and bean filling (without taco shells) for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm filling on the stovetop; assemble fresh tacos before serving.
🥄 Variations
Spicy version – Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or chipotle peppers.
Veggie-loaded – Stir in corn, bell peppers, or spinach to the filling.
Cheese lovers – Add queso or extra cheese before baking.
Low-carb option – Use lettuce wraps instead of taco shells.
Breakfast tacos – Swap beans for scrambled eggs and top with avocado.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes, beef or even chicken works.
Do I have to bake the tacos?
No, but baking makes the shells extra crispy and the cheese perfectly melted.
What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, skip the turkey and double the beans or add sautéed veggies.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of crunchy shells?
Yes, but baking time will be shorter to prevent them from drying out.
Do I need to cover with foil when baking?
Yes, it prevents the taco shells from browning too quickly before the cheese melts.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Prepare the filling ahead, then assemble and bake right before serving.
How do I keep taco shells from getting soggy?
Add a sprinkle of cheese at the bottom of each shell before filling—it acts as a barrier.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just use multiple baking dishes.
What sides go best with these tacos?
Mexican rice, refried beans, or chips and guacamole.
🏁 Conclusion
These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey & Black Bean Tacos are the easiest way to bring flavor, crunch, and fun to your dinner table. With a simple skillet filling and an oven-baked finish, they’re fast, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Taco night just got even better!