Ground Turkey Taco Casserole
A hearty casserole that combines the comforting flavors of tacos with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and a crispy topping of tortilla chips.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 lb ground turkey Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option.
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup canned corn
- 1 can (540 mL) kidney beans Drained and lightly mashed.
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 tbsp chili powder Adjust to taste, mild or hot.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Use a good quality cheddar for better melting.
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups crushed nacho cheese tortilla chips Use sturdy chips to maintain crunch.
For Cooking
- 1/4 cup canola oil, divided Divided for cooking the turkey and vegetables.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- In a large skillet, heat half of the canola oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking apart with a spatula.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Cooking the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil slightly.
- Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and canned corn. Sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the salt and chili powder, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables well.
- Return the browned turkey to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly.
Assembly
- In a casserole dish, lightly mash the drained kidney beans at the bottom.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beans.
- Layer the turkey mixture over the cheese, followed by the salsa and sour cream. Mix gently.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Baking
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle the crushed nacho cheese tortilla chips on top before serving.
Notes
Serve with a simple side salad, additional salsa, and sour cream. Customize with toppings like jalapeños, cilantro, or diced avocados.