Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it is easy to prepare, packed with protein, and full of bold Tex-Mex flavors. I like that everything bakes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup simple. It is also easy to customize with different toppings and ingredients to suit my taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 4 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sliced avocado
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Directions
- I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion and bell pepper until softened.
- I add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
- I stir in the ground turkey and cook until it is browned and fully cooked.
- I mix in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, cooked rice, salt, and black pepper.
- I remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until the mixture is creamy.
- I spread half of the tortilla strips into the prepared baking dish.
- I spoon half of the turkey mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- I repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, turkey mixture, and cheese.
- I bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- I let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- I garnish with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings I enjoy.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- I substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for the turkey.
- I use pinto beans instead of black beans for a different flavor.
- I add chopped zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables.
- I stir in diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers when I want more heat.
- I replace the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a different texture.
- I use pepper Jack cheese instead of the Mexican cheese blend for a spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I can also freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months. When I am ready to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. I reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes or microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals until heated through. If the casserole begins to dry out, I add a spoonful of salsa before reheating to help keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. I assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving.
Can I use leftover turkey?
Yes. I use cooked shredded turkey instead of ground turkey when I have leftovers. I simply stir it into the seasoned vegetable mixture and continue with the recipe.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes. I use certified gluten-free tortillas and gluten-free taco seasoning to make the recipe gluten-free.
What side dishes pair well with turkey burrito casserole?
I enjoy serving it with tortilla chips, guacamole, Mexican rice, a green salad, refried beans, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make this casserole spicier?
Yes. I add extra jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cayenne pepper, or hot salsa whenever I want a little more heat.
Conclusion
I think this turkey burrito casserole is a flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time. The seasoned turkey, hearty rice, creamy filling, and melted cheese create a comforting casserole that is always a favorite at my table. I love how versatile it is, making it easy to adapt with different ingredients and toppings whenever I make it.
PrintTurkey Burrito Casserole Recipe
This Turkey Burrito Casserole is a hearty, cheesy baked dish packed with seasoned ground turkey, rice, beans, vegetables, and Tex-Mex flavors. It’s an easy family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning, or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 4 large flour tortillas, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion and bell pepper until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, salsa, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the sour cream until creamy.
- Spread half of the tortilla strips into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the turkey mixture and half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla strips, turkey mixture, and cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite optional toppings.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for the turkey if desired.
- Use pinto beans, pepper Jack cheese, or corn tortillas for delicious variations.
- Add zucchini, spinach, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers for extra flavor and heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave, adding a spoonful of salsa if needed to keep the casserole moist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg