Turkey Taco Bake

This mouthwatering Turkey Taco Bake recipe combines the savory flavors of ground turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and salsa, all baked to perfection with a generous topping of gooey melted cheese. With optional toppings like creamy avocado and tangy sour cream, this turkey taco bake is sure to become a family favorite!

Looking for an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love? This flavorful taco bake dish is a twist on classic tacos, featuring ground turkey as the star ingredient. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the delicious flavors of tacos without the hassle of assembling them individually. As a busy home cook, this recipe comes in handy fairly often and it makes the best leftovers.

This recipe features a blend of spices including chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin, which give the dish its signature taco flavor. Fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, and salsa add a depth of flavor and texture that makes it both hearty and satisfying. The dish is topped off with a generous helping of gooey melted cheese, which is really the only way to top off a casserole in my opinion.

One of the best things about this ground turkey taco bake is how easy it is to make! With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than an hour of prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious, filling meal on the table quickly.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort or cleanup and is a great way to use up extra canned ingredients you may have in your pantry!

If you’re into this easy dinner recipe, be sure to check out my other ground turkey recipes!

Watch How to make Turkey Taco Bake

Great for busy weeknights

• With easy-to-follow instructions and a simple ingredient list, this dish is a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and filling that won’t require hours of prep work.
• This recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
• One of the best things about this turkey taco bake is how versatile it is. It’s perfect for a cozy night in with the family, but it also makes a great party dish for entertaining.
• A great way to use up leftovers or ingredients you have on hand, making it a budget-friendly option that won’t break the bank!

Ingredients you’ll need

• Olive Oil – Used to cook the ground turkey and spices, as well as to prevent the mixture from sticking to the skillet. It also adds a rich flavor to the dish.
• Ground Turkey – This is the star ingredient in the recipe and adds a savory, meaty flavor to the dish.
• Seasonings – Along with salt and pepper, you’ll need chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin to create a taco flavor throughout the dish. You can also use a tablespoon of my homemade taco seasoning.
• Frozen Corn – Adds sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes – These add a smoky, slightly charred flavor to the dish, along with a sweet and acidic tomato flavor.
• Diced Green Chilies – Adds a mild heat and a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
• Black Beans – Provide a rich, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Cilantro – This herb adds a fresh flavor to the dish, along with a pop of green color.
• Lime Juice – Gives a bright, tangy citrus flavor to the dish and helps to balance out the other flavors.
• Cooked Rice – Adds texture and helps to bulk up the dish making it even more hearty.
• Shredded Cheese – Provides a rich, creamy flavor to the dish and helps to bind the ingredients together. Cheddar, jack, or a blend are all great options.

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

• Avocado
• Sour cream
• Cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapenos
• Black olives
• Red onion
• Shredded lettuce
• Guacamole
• Hot sauce
• Lime wedges
• Tortilla chips
• Queso fresco
• Cotija cheese

This recipe is great because you make the filling all in one pan before transferring it over to combine with some rice then sprinkle with cheese and you’re done!

How To Make Turkey Taco Bake With Ground Turkey

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375F. Get out a 13×9 baking dish. Set aside.

Cook the ground turkey: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and turn to medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spatula and add the spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the ground turkey is cooked all the way through.

Add the other ingredients: To the seasoned ground turkey mixture, add the frozen corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, and salsa, and cook for 3-5 minutes until warm. Then, add the cilantro and lime juice, and stir to combine. 

Pour and bake: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the cooked rice until the mixture is well combined. Pour the entire mixture into a 13×9 baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and serve: Serve with desired toppings, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• To save time, you can use pre-cooked rice or make it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
• To make this dish ahead of time, prepare the turkey and vegetable mixture, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just be sure to add the cooked rice and cheese right before baking.

Recipe Variations

• For a vegetarian version of this recipe, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based alternative like crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or omit it altogether and serve the turkey mixture over a bed of lettuce or spinach.
• Add additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini to the turkey mixture for more bulk.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream before adding the cheese topping.
• Instead of ground turkey, feel free to use other types of ground meat, including ground beef, ground chicken, ground pork, ground lamb, or a combination of your favorites.

Storing and Freezing

Storing: Leftover turkey taco bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or heat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freezing: Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

I hope you find this comforting meal as delicious as I do. It would be a great meal to bring to a friend, or to make ahead of time before a new baby comes. Dig in! For more comfort food and less meal planning, try my free 5 Days of Dinner Guide. It’s a week of food that you don’t have to think about!

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