Baked turkey tacos! That’s right, we're taking the comforting flavors of Thanksgiving and stuffing them into a crispy, cheesy taco shell. Think juicy, seasoned turkey, melty cheddar, and all your favorite taco toppings, all baked to golden perfection. These baked turkey tacos are a fun, flavorful twist on the classic taco night and the perfect way to use up leftover turkey!
Table of Contents
My grandmother used to make "turkey pockets" after Thanksgiving, repurposing the bird in the most ingenious ways. This recipe is an homage to her resourcefulness, but with a bit more spice and a lot more crunch. Get ready for a weeknight dinner that’s both easy and exciting.
Why You Will Love This baked turkey tacos Recipe
These baked turkey tacos are everything you want in a weeknight meal: comforting, quick, and bursting with flavor. Forget boring leftovers; this recipe transforms cooked turkey into a fiesta of deliciousness. They are incredibly easy to make, even the kids can help!
What makes these tacos special? The baking process creates a crispy, cheesy crust that elevates the entire experience. No more soggy tacos falling apart! Plus, the customizable toppings allow everyone to personalize their plate. It is also a great base recipe. Want something similar, try my One Pot Turkey Tacos.
Imagine gathering around the table, everyone excitedly reaching for a hot, cheesy baked turkey taco. These are more than just a meal; they're a memory in the making. This baked taco recipe uses leftover ingredients from my Baked Turkey Soup.
Ingredients Needed for This baked turkey tacos Recipe
Here's what you'll need to whip up a batch of these fantastic baked turkey tacos:
Cooked Turkey: 2 cups, shredded
Taco Seasoning: 2 tablespoons.
Taco Shells: 12 hard taco shells.
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon.
Onion: 1/2 cup, diced
Diced Green Chilies: 4 ounce can. Drained.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro
How to Make This baked turkey tacos Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect baked turkey tacos:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded turkey, taco seasoning, and diced green chilies. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Using my turkey taco recipe as inspiration, I also have a Sheet Pan Turkey Tacos recipe.
- In a bowl, combine the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into each taco shell.
- Top each taco with the shredded cheese mixture.
- Arrange the filled tacos on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the taco shells are slightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve This baked turkey tacos Recipe
These baked turkey tacos are fantastic on their own, but a few carefully chosen accompaniments can take them to the next level. Serve them straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Consider pairing these tacos with a refreshing side salad, Mexican rice, or black beans. For toppings, offer a variety of options such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Let everyone customize their own taco for a fun and interactive meal.
For a more elegant presentation, try arranging the tacos on a platter garnished with lime wedges and sprigs of cilantro. A bowl of homemade salsa and a dollop of guacamole complete the picture.
How to Store This baked turkey tacos Recipe
Proper storage is key to enjoying leftover baked turkey tacos.
To refrigerate, allow the cooked tacos to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be aware the taco shells may soften a bit in the refrigerator.
Freezing is not recommended, as the taco shells can become soggy upon thawing.
When reheating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tacos on a baking sheet and bake for 5 7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a shorter period, but the shells will not be as crispy.
Tips to Make This baked turkey tacos Recipe
Want to make your baked turkey tacos even better? Here are a few tips:
- Ingredient Swaps: Use ground turkey instead of shredded cooked turkey. You can also substitute different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Colby jack.
- Success Tip: Avoid overfilling the taco shells, as this can cause them to break during baking.
- Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can prevent the tacos from crisping up evenly.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, brush the outside of the taco shells with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
Helpful Notes for This baked turkey tacos Recipe
A few extra details to ensure success:
- Turkey: Rotisserie chicken is a good alternative.
- Taco Seasoning: Store-bought works great, but homemade taco seasoning offers better control over the spice level and ingredients.
- Taco Shells: Stand up taco shells are the best.
- Equipment: A large baking sheet is essential for baking the tacos evenly.
Variation of This baked turkey tacos Recipe
Keep things interesting with these variations:
- Seasonal Twist: Add a can of drained corn for a summer vibe, or some butternut squash for a fall flavor.
- Optional Versions: Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
- Creative Modification: For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with seasoned black beans or lentils.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep baked turkey tacos from getting soggy?
To prevent soggy tacos, lightly brush the tortillas with oil before baking and avoid overfilling them with wet ingredients. Baking them at a slightly higher temperature also helps to crisp up the tortillas.
What toppings go well with baked turkey tacos?
Popular toppings for baked turkey tacos include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and pickled onions. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of leftover roasted turkey?
Yes, you can definitely use ground turkey. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet with taco seasoning before adding it to the tacos. Ensure it’s fully cooked before baking the tacos.
How long do baked turkey tacos last in the refrigerator?
Baked turkey tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
So, there you have it the ultimate guide to making delicious baked turkey tacos! This recipe is a fun, flavorful way to use leftover turkey or spice up your next taco night. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings and customize these baked turkey tacos to your liking. Happy cooking!
Baked Turkey Tacos: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner!
These Baked Turkey Tacos take comforting Thanksgiving flavors and stuff them into a crispy, cheesy taco shell. A great way to use leftover turkey in a fun and flavorful way!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12 tacos
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition:
Protein: 15g
Carbs: 12g
Fat: 15g
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded\n2 tablespoons taco seasoning\n12 hard taco shells\n2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded\n1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded\n1 tablespoon olive oil\n½ cup onion, diced\n4 ounce can diced green chilies, drained\nOptional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).\nHeat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.\nStir in shredded turkey, taco seasoning, and diced green chilies. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.\nCombine cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in a bowl.\nSpoon turkey mixture into each taco shell.\nTop each taco with cheese mixture.\nArrange tacos on a baking sheet.\nBake for 10-12 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.\nLet cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brush the outside of the taco shells with melted butter or olive oil before baking.\nAdd a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick of spice.\nSubstitute ground beef or rotisserie chicken for the turkey, if desired.\nVegetarian option: substitute seasoned black beans or lentils for the turkey.
