Go Back

Easy Ground Turkey Taco Bake - A Weeknight Favorite With Big Flavor

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 to 1.25 pounds ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for browning)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen and thawed, or canned and drained)
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel), drained
  • 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, jalapeño, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cut tortillas into quarters.
  2. Brown the turkey: Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if your turkey is very lean. Cook ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in diced onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season and simmer: Sprinkle in taco seasoning. Stir to coat. Add water or broth and simmer 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in the mixers: Add black beans, corn, and drained tomatoes with green chiles. Cook 2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed.
  6. Layer the bake: Spread 1/3 cup salsa on the bottom of the baking dish. Add a layer of tortilla pieces to mostly cover the base. Spoon half the turkey mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese.
  7. Repeat: Add another layer of tortillas, the remaining turkey mixture, and another 1/3 of the cheese. Top with a final layer of tortillas, spread the remaining salsa over the top, and finish with the last 1/3 of the cheese.
  8. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.
  9. Rest and garnish: Let it rest 5–10 minutes so it sets and slices cleanly. Top with chopped cilantro and any extras you like.
  10. Serve: Scoop into squares and add sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, and a squeeze of lime.