Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

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Why Make This Recipe

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a delightful and easy dish that brings the flavors of tacos together in a casserole format. Why should you consider making this recipe? First, it’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that combines healthy ingredients like lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and nutritious beans. This dish is not only packed with flavor, but it is also a one-pan wonder that simplifies meal prep and cleanup.

Additionally, this recipe makes a generous portion, making it perfect for family gatherings or meal prep for the week. You can serve it for a casual family dinner, a game day feast, or even a potluck. Taco lovers and casserole enthusiasts alike will find something to enjoy in this dish.

How to Make Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Making Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is simple and straightforward. Follow the step-by-step instructions below to create this delicious dish.

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 (for topping)

Directions:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking casseroles, ensuring everything cooks evenly.
Prepare the casserole dish: Spray a 13” x 9” casserole dish with cooking spray. This step is essential for preventing the casserole from sticking to the dish.
Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula until the meat is no longer pink. It’s vital to season the turkey with sea salt while cooking for flavor.
Combine the ingredients: In your prepared baking dish, combine the chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, chicken broth, salsa, white rice, drained black beans, and green chilis. Stir everything well to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.
Incorporate the turkey: Once the turkey is cooked, add it to the baking dish with the other ingredients. Mix everything together again, ensuring that all components are well-distributed.
Top with cheese: Spread the grated colby jack cheese evenly on top of the mixture in the baking dish. This cheese will melt and create a delicious, cheesy layer during baking.
Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the rice to cook properly.
Broil for finish: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil for an additional 5-8 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during this step to avoid burning.
Cool and serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling time allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve. When you are ready to serve, add your favorite toppings like sliced avocado, chopped green onion, sour cream, and extra salsa.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Ground Turkey Taco Casserole can be served as a complete meal on its own due to its well-rounded ingredients. However, to elevate your dining experience, consider serving it with the following sides:

Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the flavors nicely and adds a comforting touch to the meal.
Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips on the side for some extra crunch and texture.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty casserole.
Guacamole: Pairing the casserole with homemade or store-bought guacamole adds a smooth, creamy element that enhances the dish’s flavors.

When serving, you might want to let everyone customize their portions by adding their favorite toppings, such as diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.

How to Store Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

Storing your Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is easy, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Here’s how you can store it:

Refrigerator: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. You can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat the casserole, you can place it back in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for quick meals.

Tips to Make Ground Turkey Taco Casserole

To ensure that your Ground Turkey Taco Casserole turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavor profile of your casserole significantly.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more or less chili powder based on your heat preference.
Cook the Rice Separately: If you prefer firmer rice or are using a different type of rice that requires more cooking time, consider cooking the rice separately and then mixing it into the casserole ingredients.
Cheese Variations: While colby jack cheese works well, you can experiment with other cheeses, such as cheddar or Monterey jack, depending on your taste.
Add More Vegetables: For added nutrition, consider including other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or spinach both into the main mix or as a topping.

Variation Ideas

If you want to mix things up with your Ground Turkey Taco Casserole, consider these variations:

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Cheesy Delight: Consider layering cheese between the casserole layers rather than just on top for a more cheesy experience throughout.
Different Proteins: You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
Taco Seasoning: Instead of chili powder, you can use a package of taco seasoning for added convenience and a burst of flavor.
Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, you can substitute white rice with cauliflower rice to maintain the casserole’s texture without the extra carbs.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Is it necessary to cover the casserole while baking?
Covering the casserole with foil while baking helps to keep the moisture in, which helps to cook the rice properly. You can uncover it toward the end for browning the cheese.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To ensure the casserole is gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free salsa and check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.
How long does it take to reheat frozen casserole?
When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bake it in the oven until heated through, which can take about 1 hour at 350°F (175°C).
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to add extra liquid as well.

Creating a Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is an easy way to enjoy a satisfying meal that combines the popular flavors of tacos with the comforting feel of a warm casserole. Enjoy the delicious taste and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen as you prepare this dish for yourself, family, or friends!