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Ground Turkey Taco Casserole - A Comforting, Weeknight Favorite

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (1 to 1.25 pounds, 93% lean recommended)
  • Yellow onion (1 medium, diced)
  • Bell pepper (1 medium, any color, diced)
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
  • Canned black beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
  • Corn (1 cup frozen or 1 can drained)
  • Diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can, 10 ounces)
  • Tomato sauce (1 cup)
  • Taco seasoning (2–3 tablespoons; homemade or store-bought)
  • Low-sodium chicken broth (1/2 cup)
  • Corn tortillas (8–10 small) or tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheese (2 cups; Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
  • Olive oil (1–2 tablespoons)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, salsa, green onions

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stack tortillas and cut into quarters, or leave whole for layering.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Season it right: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir to coat. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with chiles, and chicken broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Fold in the goods: Stir in black beans and corn. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed. You want a saucy, well-seasoned mixture.
  6. Layer the base: Arrange half the tortillas in the baking dish (overlap as needed). Spoon half the turkey mixture over them. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese.
  7. Repeat: Add another layer of tortillas, the remaining turkey mixture, and finish with the last cup of cheese. For extra crunch, scatter a handful of crushed tortilla chips on top.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Uncover and bake another 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly crisp.
  9. Rest and top: Let the casserole rest 8–10 minutes to set. Top with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, jalapeños, and a few lime squeezes. Serve with sour cream or Greek yogurt and avocado.
  10. Serve: Scoop into bowls or plates. Add salsa on the side if you like extra heat.