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Southwestern Ground Turkey Casserole

Savory Southwestern Ground Turkey Casserole for Family Fun

This Southwestern Ground Turkey Casserole combines savory ground turkey, fresh veggies, and melty cheese for a comforting family dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Southwestern, Tex-Mex
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing; adds moisture.
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey Choose 93/7 for lean option or 85/15 for more flavor.
  • 1 large Onion Finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly minced for best flavor.
  • 2.5 tsp Cumin Essential for Southwestern profile.
  • 1.5 tsp Chili Powder Adjust to taste.
  • 1.5 tsp Paprika Adds smokiness and color.
  • 1 tsp Salt Enhances overall flavors.
  • 0.5 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 2 cups Brown Rice Fully cooked and slightly cooled.
  • 4 oz Green Chiles Recommended Old El Paso.
  • 14 oz Diced Tomatoes Drain well to prevent sogginess.
  • 2 cups Salsa Adjust based on consistency.
  • 1.5 cups Black Beans Rinse to reduce sodium.
  • 1 cup Corn Can use fresh or frozen.
  • 0.5 cup Cilantro Optional based on preference.
  • 0.5 Red Bell Pepper Finely diced.
  • 0.25 cup Sour Cream Gently folded in for texture.
  • 0.75 cup Monterey Jack Cheese Freshly shredded melts better.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic cloves, chop the red bell pepper, and shred your cheese.
  3. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions if not pre-cooked, then let it cool slightly.
  4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat, add ground turkey and onion, cook until turkey is no longer pink.
  5. Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir for about 1 minute.
  6. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked brown rice, green chiles, diced tomatoes, salsa, black beans, corn, cilantro, and bell pepper.
  7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, add dollops of sour cream and gently fold it in.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This casserole can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.

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