Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

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why make this recipe

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a delightful and easy dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It combines the savory flavors of tacos with the comforting warmth of a casserole. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. With ground turkey as the star ingredient, you get a lower-fat alternative to beef while still enjoying a hearty meal. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder that simplifies cleanup, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time washing up after dinner.

This casserole is packed with flavor from spices, fresh vegetables, and tasty toppings. It is versatile enough to cater to different tastes, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit what you have on hand. It is filling, satisfying, and can be made in advance, making it perfect for busy nights. Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is also great for leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop after sitting in the fridge.

In today’s busy world, finding simple yet satisfying meals can be quite a challenge. This casserole makes it easy to provide a wholesome meal for your family without spending all day in the kitchen. With this recipe, you’ll be able to have your dinner prepared, cooked, and on the table in about an hour, giving you more time to relax.

how to make Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Making Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is straightforward. You will start by prepping your ingredients and gathering everything you need. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Ingredients

1 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
1 yellow onion (diced)
1 lb ground turkey
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
3 Tbsp chili powder
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup salsa
⅔ cup white rice
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained
1 (7-oz) can green chilis
1 tsp sea salt (to taste)
3 cups grated colby jack cheese
1 ripe avocado (sliced)
3 stalks green onion (chopped)
½ cup sour cream
½ cup to 1 cup salsa

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential to ensure that your casserole bakes evenly.
Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spray a 13” x 9” casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. The aroma of the onions cooking will already make your kitchen smell wonderful.
Brown the Turkey: Now, add the raw ground turkey into the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into small, bite-sized pieces. You do not need to cook it fully at this point; just cook it until most of the pink is gone. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt for flavor.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the mixture of chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, chicken broth, salsa, uncooked white rice, drained black beans, green chilis, and additional sea salt into the prepared baking dish. Stir everything well until it’s all nicely combined.
Add the Ground Turkey: Pour the ground turkey and onion mixture into the baking dish. Give it another mix to ensure even distribution.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the grated colby jack cheese generously over the top of the casserole. The cheese will create a beautiful, gooey topping when baked.
Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook in the liquid.
Broil for Finish: After 45 minutes, remove the foil. Switch your oven to the High Broil setting and broil the casserole for another 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown. The caramelized cheese on top is always a crowd-pleaser!
Rest Before Serving: Once done, take the casserole out of the oven. Initially, it may look a bit liquidy, but don’t worry! Let it sit for a few minutes before serving; the liquid will absorb into the rice, making it even more delicious.
Add Toppings: Serve the casserole while it’s warm. Let your guests or family members top their portions with sliced avocado, guacamole, black olives, corn chips, sour cream, extra salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, or any other toppings they like.

how to serve Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is best served warm right after it comes out of the oven. The top layer of cheese is beautifully melted, making for a comforting and hearty meal. For a complete dinner experience, it can be paired with a simple green salad or tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.

When serving, encourage everyone to load their plates with their favorite toppings. This not only adds flavor but also makes the meal interactive, allowing guests to personalize their servings. Consider providing a variety of toppings like sliced jalapeños for heat, fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness, and more salsa for those who like a bit of zing.

how to store Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Just let the casserole cool down to room temperature. Transfer any remaining casserole to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Make sure to cover it well to maintain its flavor.

To keep the casserole for a longer time, consider freezing it. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven until heated through.

tips to make Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your family’s taste preferences. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder or even some cayenne pepper.
Make it Ahead: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble everything in the casserole dish without baking, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, simply increase the baking time since it will be starting cold.
Experiment with Cheese: While colby jack cheese is delicious, you can use any cheese you prefer, like cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or pepper jack for extra spice.
Add Vegetables: To boost the nutrition, consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini, corn, or spinach to the mix.
Use Leftover Protein: If you have leftover chicken, beef, or even beans, you can substitute them to make the dish your own and minimize food waste.

variation

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is highly adaptable. Here are some variations to consider:

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with lentils or a mix of beans, such as pinto beans and black beans, for a hearty vegetarian version.
Keto-Friendly: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice to make it lower in carbs. Ensure to adjust the liquid amounts accordingly for the cauliflower to cook properly.
Southwestern Twist: Add corn or diced tomatoes with green chilies to bring a Southwestern flair to the dish.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes! You can easily substitute ground beef for ground turkey. Just keep in mind that ground beef is higher in fat, so you might want to adjust the cooking oil or drain excess fat after browning the meat.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this casserole are generally gluten-free. Just ensure that the chicken broth and salsa you use are labeled as gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Just remember to add the cheese at the end and let it melt for about 15 minutes before serving.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is bubbly, and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid. If you’re unsure, you can also check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) if you have a food thermometer.
Can I freeze this casserole before cooking?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly and bake it from frozen, increasing the cooking time accordingly.

By following these guidelines, you will create a memorable dish that everyone will love. Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy creating this scrumptious meal and the happiness that comes from sharing good food with good company.