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Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 55 reviews

A flavorful Ground Turkey Taco Casserole that combines lean turkey, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices with cooked rice and melted pepper jack cheese. This easy-to-make dish is baked until bubbly and perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delicious twist on classic tacos in a comforting casserole form.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 recommended)
  • ½ cup diced onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 8 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounce can corn, drained
  • 4 ounce can green chiles
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (about 2/3 cup uncooked)
  • 2 cups grated pepper jack cheese, divided

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh minced parsley or cilantro
  • Fresh diced tomatoes
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare either a large oven-safe skillet or spray a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Cook turkey and onions: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onions, cooking while breaking the meat apart with a spatula until the turkey is no longer pink.
  3. Add flavorings: Stir in minced garlic and all the seasonings—chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper—and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
  4. Add tomatoes and vegetables: Mix in the petite diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained black beans, corn, and green chiles. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add rice and cheese: Add the cooked white rice and one packed cup of the grated pepper jack cheese to the skillet, stirring everything together thoroughly.
  6. Prepare for baking: If using an oven-safe skillet, simply sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mixture. If using a casserole dish, transfer the turkey mixture into it and then top with the remaining cheese.
  7. Bake: Place the casserole or skillet in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
  8. Rest and garnish: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and minced parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use 93/7 lean ground turkey for optimal flavor and texture, avoiding overly lean variants like 99% fat-free.
  • Ensure you use 2 cups of cooked white rice, which is roughly 2/3 cup dry rice before cooking.
  • To increase the heat level, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture.
  • The recipe requires either a 2-quart casserole dish or a 10 to 12-inch oven-safe skillet.
  • Browning the turkey before adding other ingredients enhances the overall flavor significantly.
  • Drain beans and corn thoroughly to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
  • This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
  • It freezes well for up to 3 months; when freezing, undercook slightly to maintain texture.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/ground-turkey-taco-casserole-recipe/