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Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Casserole - A Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Weeknight Bake

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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
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is great)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, drained (optional for mild heat)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned and drained)
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 2 cups cooked rice or 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar/Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • For serving: sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, green onions, shredded lettuce, extra salsa, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Stir in the garlic during the last minute.
  4. Season it up: Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the turkey and vegetables. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Add the mix-ins: Stir in the diced tomatoes, green chiles, black beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let flavors meld. Squeeze in the lime juice and adjust salt if needed.
  6. Build the base: If using rice, fold 2 cups cooked rice into the turkey mixture until evenly combined. If using tortilla strips, spread half the turkey mixture in the baking dish, layer with half the tortilla strips and 3/4 cup cheese, then repeat with remaining turkey mixture and tortilla strips.
  7. Top with cheese: Transfer everything to the baking dish (if mixed with rice) and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.
  9. Finish and rest: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro if using.
  10. Serve: Spoon into bowls and top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, green onions, shredded lettuce, or extra salsa. A dash of hot sauce never hurts.