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Healthy Taco Casserole Bake - Cozy, Flavor-Packed, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (or chicken, beef, or plant-based crumble)
  • 1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional boost)
  • 1 cup salsa (mild or medium, your choice)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen or canned corn (drained if canned)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips (or 1 1/2 cups crushed baked tortilla chips)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional toppings: plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream, sliced avocado, jalapeño, chopped green onions, shredded lettuce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Sauté the veggies: Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Cook the protein: Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Add seasonings and sauces: Sprinkle in taco seasoning and cumin. Stir in salsa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt.
  5. Layer in the dish: Spread half of the tortilla strips over the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon half the turkey mixture on top. Add a light sprinkle of cheese. Repeat with remaining tortillas and turkey mixture, then top with the rest of the cheese.
  6. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 10 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
  7. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes so it sets. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and your favorite toppings like Greek yogurt, avocado, and jalapeño.