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Ground Turkey Taco Casserole - A Comforting Weeknight Favorite

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

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean or similar)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for deeper flavor)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen and thawed or canned and drained)
  • 1/2 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 8–10 small corn tortillas, cut into strips or quarters
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings: sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime wedges, pickled jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cut the corn tortillas into strips or quarters so they layer easily.
  2. Cook the aromatics: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until soft, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and veggies.
  5. Build the filling: Add the diced tomatoes with chilies, black beans, corn, salsa, and chicken broth. Stir and simmer 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed.
  6. Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the filling in the baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla pieces, then more filling, followed by a handful of cheese. Repeat 2–3 times, finishing with cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges bubble.
  8. Rest and top: Let the casserole rest 8–10 minutes to set. Add toppings like green onions, cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Squeeze a little lime juice over the top for brightness.
  9. Serve: Slice into squares. Pair with a simple salad or crunchy slaw for a complete meal.