Name: Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
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

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 1 review

If you’re craving something that’s hearty, packed with flavor, and easy enough to whip up after a busy day, you have to try this Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe. Imagine layers of tender ground turkey mingling with spicy chili powder, vibrant bell peppers, beans, and rice, all baked to bubbly cheesy perfection. It brings all the best taco night vibes into one comforting, crowd-pleasing casserole that’s perfect for feeding family and friends. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to get a meal on the table that feels special but isn’t a hassle to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a cheesy layered casserole. The bottom layer has a mix of cooked ground meat and chopped red bell peppers, with a slightly browned melted cheese layer on top, giving it a yellow and golden texture. On the top right, there are slices of green avocado sprinkled with red seasoning. Near the center, there is a dollop of white sour cream with a few green onion pieces and a light dusting of red seasoning on it. A wooden spoon is scooping out a portion from the corner, showing the melted cheese and meat mixed together. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a mustard-colored textured cloth beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this casserole plays an essential role, combining simple pantry staples with fresh produce to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. You’ll love how each element enhances the dish, from the creamy avocado to the melty cheese topping.

Avocado oil: Adds a subtle richness and handles the initial sautéing perfectly without overpowering flavors.
Yellow onion: Diced for sweetness and depth, it softens beautifully while cooking.
Ground turkey: The lean protein star that’s hearty and adaptable, soaking up all the spices and juices.
Red bell pepper: Chopped to add crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a pungent punch that lifts the flavor profile.
Chili powder: Brings that signature taco flavor with just the right amount of smoky heat.
Chicken broth: Provides the necessary moisture for cooking the rice and infuses savory depth throughout.
Salsa: Adds tangy, zesty notes and a touch of juiciness to the casserole mixture.
White rice: Uncooked and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors as it bakes.
Black beans: Drained and rinsed, they contribute a creamy texture and rich, earthy taste.
Green chilis: Bring a mild heat and complexity without overwhelming the dish.
Sea salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Grated colby jack cheese: A melty, gooey topping that makes the casserole irresistible.
Ripe avocado: Sliced for fresh creaminess when serving.
Green onion stalks: Chopped to add a crisp, fresh bite at the end.
Sour cream: Offers tang and a cool contrast to the warm, spicy casserole.

How to Make Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and give a 13” x 9” casserole dish a quick spray of cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and your delicious casserole slides out with ease later.

Step 2: Cooking the Turkey Mixture

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it softens and sweetens, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. You want to cook until the meat is mostly no longer pink but not fully done yet, as it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt for flavor balance.

Step 3: Combining the Casserole Ingredients

Transfer the chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, chicken broth, salsa, uncooked white rice, drained black beans, green chilis, and a pinch more sea salt to the prepared casserole dish. Stir these ingredients well until everything is evenly combined — this is the flavor foundation of your Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe.

Step 4: Adding the Turkey and Cheese

Fold the ground turkey and sautéed onions into the mixture in the casserole dish. Then generously sprinkle the grated colby jack cheese evenly on top. This will melt and get beautifully bubbly while baking.

Step 5: Baking Covered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook fully, absorbing all that flavorful liquid and spices.

Step 6: Broiling for the Perfect Finish

Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil. Switch your oven to the “High Broil” setting and broil the casserole for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it — the cheese should bubble up and turn slightly golden brown, adding a perfect crispy texture on top.

Step 7: Serving It Up

Though it might look a little liquidy at first, don’t worry — the liquid will soon soak into the rice as the casserole rests. It’s now ready to be topped and served. Get ready for some serious compliments on this comforting classic.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole showing a base of dark beans and red bell peppers, topped with a thick layer of melted golden-yellow cheese mixed with browned ground meat. On top, there are four dollops of white sour cream sprinkled with red seasoning and chopped green onions. Near each dollop, there are fresh light green avocado slices, some sprinkled with the same red seasoning and chopped green onions. The edges of the dish are slightly browned, and the whole dish sits on a white marbled surface with a textured golden-brown cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The toppings are where you personalize this dish to your heart’s content. Fresh sliced avocado adds creamy coolness that balances the heat, while chopped green onions give a crisp, fresh burst. Don’t forget sour cream for that tangy, silky touch, and an extra spoonful of salsa for added zing. These garnishes elevate the casserole from great to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a satisfying main on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or roasted corn for a bit of sweetness and crunch. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for some added texture and to scoop up every bit of cheesy goodness left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve this Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions that look charming and elegant. Layer it with extra cheese or add a drizzle of chipotle sauce on top for a smoky twist. Garnish with fresh cilantro or radish slices to brighten the presentation even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe holds up beautifully for up to four days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying multiple meals without the fuss.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to three months. Just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat portions gently in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top can refresh that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey?

Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps the casserole lean and light, ground beef will add a richer, heartier flavor if that’s your preference. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Do I have to use white rice in the casserole?

White rice works perfectly here because it cooks through in the oven along with the other ingredients. If you want to substitute, avoid quick-cooking or pre-cooked rice, as they may become mushy. Brown rice is an option but may need extra cooking time and liquid.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to chili powder and green chilis, but it’s very adaptable. You can dial up or down the heat depending on how spicy you like your tacos by adjusting the chili powder or adding jalapeños.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein. You can also add extra beans or veggies like zucchini and corn to keep it hearty.

What’s the best salsa to use for this recipe?

Choose your favorite salsa that has a good balance of acidity and flavor. A mild or medium salsa works well here to complement the spices without overwhelming the dish, but feel free to experiment with smoky or chunky varieties.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Ground Turkey Taco Casserole Recipe finds a happy spot in your recipe rotation as it has in mine. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something so much more than the sum of its parts. Whether for a weeknight meal, a family gathering, or meal prep for busy days ahead, this casserole delivers comforting, crave-worthy flavor every time. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.