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Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

This Ground Turkey Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish combining lean ground turkey, vegetables, beans, rice, and spices, topped with melted colby jack cheese. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting meal perfect for family dinners, offering a delicious twist on classic taco flavors in a nutritious casserole form.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main 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

For Serving/Toppings

  • 1 ripe avocado (sliced)
  • 3 stalks green onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup to 1 cup salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 13” x 9” casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Turkey: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula, cooking until it turns mostly opaque with very little pink remaining. Lightly season with sea salt.
  3. Combine Casserole Ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, add the chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, chicken broth, salsa, uncooked white rice, drained black beans, green chilis, and sea salt. Stir well to combine all these ingredients.
  4. Add Turkey Mixture and Cheese: Stir the partially cooked ground turkey and onion mixture into the casserole base, then evenly sprinkle the grated colby jack cheese on top.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it for 45 minutes, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavors.
  6. Remove Foil: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and peel back the foil.
  7. Broil Cheese Topping: Switch the oven to the High Broil setting and broil the casserole for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown. The casserole may look somewhat liquidy initially, but the rice will absorb this liquid as it cools.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the casserole hot topped with your choice of sliced avocado, chopped green onions, sour cream, additional salsa, or other desired toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, olives, or corn chips.

Notes

  • You can substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if desired.
  • Make sure to cover the casserole while baking to ensure the rice cooks properly and absorbs the liquid.
  • If you prefer a spicier casserole, add extra chili powder or jalapeños.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • For a gluten-free version, verify that your salsa and chicken broth are gluten-free.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

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