Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, weeknight dinner that brings the spicy, zesty flavors of tacos into a warm and satisfying casserole. Made with lean ground turkey, beans, corn, rice, and melty cheese, this one-dish wonder is perfect for meal prepping, family dinners, or feeding a hungry group. Plus, it’s super customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – ready in under an hour with basic pantry staples.
• One-dish meal – minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Healthy option – made with lean ground turkey and plenty of fiber-rich beans.
• Family-friendly – a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile – easy to adjust for dietary needs or preferences.

ingredients

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

• Ground turkey
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Frozen corn
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• Diced green chilies
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Salsa (your favorite variety)
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Cooked rice (white or brown)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, extra cilantro, crushed tortilla chips

directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add ground turkey, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add veggies and beans: Stir in corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, and salsa. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, then stir in chopped cilantro and lime juice.
4. Mix with rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the turkey mixture with cooked rice and stir well.
5. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top evenly with shredded cheese.
6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Top with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Make it low-carb: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Go vegetarian: Skip the turkey and use more beans or meat alternatives.
• Add heat: Use hot salsa, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap the grains: Try quinoa, farro, or even cooked lentils for a twist.
• Change the cheese: Try pepper jack, cotija, or a vegan cheese alternative.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it ahead and bake it later. Just refrigerate it covered and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Is it spicy?

It depends on your salsa and chilies. For mild flavor, use a mild salsa and skip the chilies.

Can I use ground beef instead?

Yes, ground beef, chicken, or even shredded rotisserie chicken all work well.

What kind of salsa should I use?

Use your favorite—chunky, smooth, mild, or spicy all work. Fire-roasted or chipotle-style salsa adds extra flavor.

Can I use brown rice?

Absolutely. Brown rice adds more fiber and a slightly nutty flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just use a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip the cheese altogether.

Can I use pre-cooked turkey?

Yes, just stir it in with the other ingredients in step 3 to heat through.

How do I keep it from drying out?

Make sure your mixture is moist before baking, and don’t overbake it. Cover with foil if it starts to dry out.

What toppings work best?

Avocado, green onions, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, tortilla chips, or even a fried egg on top.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all your ingredients (like salsa and spices) are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying way to enjoy taco night—without the mess. With its bold taste, easy prep, and endless customization options, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Great for families, make-ahead meals, or potlucks—just bake, serve, and enjoy!

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