Spicy Turkey-Tortilla Casserole
A flavorful, spicy turkey casserole with layers of seasoned ground turkey, salsa, and crispy tortilla strips, perfect for a quick, satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup salsa ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nonfat sour cream
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground turkey, chopped onion, white wine vinegar, oregano, paprika, salt, cumin, crushed red pepper, and chopped garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the turkey is browned.
- Spread half of the salsa in the bottom of an ungreased 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the remaining salsa, nonfat sour cream, and chicken broth together.
- Layer half of the tortilla strips, turkey mixture, and sour cream mixture over the salsa in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortilla strips, turkey mixture, and sour cream mixture.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Serve topped with chopped lettuce, tomato, black olives, and red onion.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or omit it altogether. You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred. For added creaminess, consider using Greek yogurt instead of nonfat sour cream. This casserole is flexible; feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to boost nutrition. Pairing this dish with Best Black Beans creates a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Turkey-Tortilla Casserole is best served hot, topped with fresh ingredients like chopped lettuce, tomato, black olives, and red onion for added crunch. Consider pairing it with a side of rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with Chicken Enchiladas A La Rhodes, creating a delicious Mexican-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. This ensures the casserole remains moist and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Turkey-Tortilla Casserole contains roughly 213 calories, with 8g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2023mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. However, corn tortillas add a unique flavor and texture to the casserole. Just be mindful that flour tortillas may become softer when baked, which can alter the overall texture of the dish.
How can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with black beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the flavor and texture. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to complement the vegetables.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).