Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that combines the bold taste of tacos with the comfort of a baked casserole. Packed with seasoned ground turkey, beans, cheese, and tortillas, this family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a one-dish wonder that delivers all your favorite Tex-Mex flavors in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground turkeyolive oiloniongarlictaco seasoningdiced tomatoes with green chiliesblack beansfrozen cornflour tortillasshredded cheddar cheeseshredded Monterey Jack cheesefresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Stir in the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.

Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained black beans, and corn. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.

Cut tortillas into strips or quarters.

Layer half the tortilla pieces in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Spread half the turkey mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with a mix of the cheeses.

Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use ground beef or chicken in place of turkey for a different flavor.

Swap black beans with pinto or kidney beans.

Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños for extra spice and texture.

Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa when serving.

Make it low-carb by substituting tortillas with zucchini slices or cauliflower rice.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes.Freeze unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely, corn tortillas offer a slightly different texture and are a great gluten-free option.

Is it spicy?

It has mild heat from the taco seasoning and green chilies, but you can adjust by using mild or spicy ingredients.

Can I add rice?

Yes, cooked rice can be layered in for a heartier casserole.

How do I keep it from getting soggy?

Lightly toasting the tortillas before layering can help maintain their texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese and top with avocado after baking.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning?

Definitely! Homemade blends work great and let you control the spice level.

What side dishes go well with this?

Serve with a side salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips and salsa.

Can I cook it in a slow cooker?

Yes, assemble the ingredients and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

What kind of cheese is best?

A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully and adds a creamy, rich flavor.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a delicious, customizable, and satisfying meal that brings all the best taco flavors into a comforting baked dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a make-ahead weeknight dinner, this casserole checks all the boxes. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner table.