Turkey Tortilla Casserole
A hearty and cheesy turkey casserole packed with flavors of green chilies, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. Tender turkey and vegetables are layered with torn tortillas and baked until bubbly, making it a perfect comfort food for family dinners or gatherings that love bold, savory tastes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 cups chopped turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 10 to 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, torn into bite-sized pieces ⓘ
- 4 oz. can diced green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can reduced sodium chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine chopped onion, reduced sodium chicken broth, and chopped celery.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
- Simmer covered for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder to the vegetable mixture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for the chopped turkey. You can also use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture. Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or spicy salsa based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Turkey Tortilla Casserole with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Quick Enchiladas for a festive dinner. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sour cream to enhance the flavors and add a creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Tortilla Casserole contains roughly 900 calories, with 33g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2553mg per serving (111% 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 leftover turkey from Thanksgiving for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this casserole and adds great flavor. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mixture. This is a great way to enjoy your holiday leftovers in a new dish.
What can I substitute for the green chilies?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the green chilies or use diced bell peppers instead. For a spicier kick, consider using jalapeños or a hot salsa. Adjust according to your heat preference to still achieve a delicious casserole.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
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).