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Cheesy Ground Turkey Jalapeño Bake – Cozy, Spicy, 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
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–1.25 pounds ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced (seeds removed for mild, keep some for heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but great for depth)
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, well drained (or rotel-style tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish unless you’re using an oven-safe skillet.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Add jalapeños and tomatoes: Stir in sliced jalapeños and the drained diced tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes to soften slightly.
  5. Moisten the mixture: Pour in chicken broth and simmer 1–2 minutes, scraping up browned bits. You want it juicy but not soupy.
  6. Make the creamy base: In a bowl, whisk cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. If the cream cheese is stiff, microwave it for 10–15 seconds first. Season with a pinch of salt.
  7. Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the turkey-jalapeño mixture over the top and spread in an even layer.
  8. Cheese it up: Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the turkey layer. Add a few extra jalapeño slices on top if you like it spicy.
  9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake 12–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Finish and serve: Let it rest 5 minutes. Top with green onions and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of sides—rice, cauliflower rice, a green salad, or warm tortillas.