This Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole (One-Pan Dinner) is pure comfort food made simple. With layers of lean ground turkey, corn tortillas, enchilada sauce, black beans, and melty cheese, it’s an easy, hearty dinner that feeds a family without fuss. All the flavor of enchiladas—none of the rolling!
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Why I Love This Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole
I first made this on a rainy Tuesday when I had taco cravings but no energy to roll individual tortillas. The solution? Stack them like a lasagna, pour sauce, and top with cheese. One bite, and I was hooked! This Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole became a go-to—simple, filling, and guaranteed to disappear fast at the table.
Comfort food that’s weeknight-friendly
Everything comes together in one pan, with minimal chopping and clean-up. Seasoned ground turkey provides protein, while black beans and corn offer texture and fiber. Best of all? You don’t have to pre-cook the tortillas.
Big flavor with pantry staples
This dish uses ingredients you probably already have—canned enchilada sauce, beans, corn, tortillas, and ground turkey. Add your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce for the full experience. It’s a flavor-packed meal, just like our sloppy maple BBQ turkey joes.
How to Make Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole
Step-by-step prep
Here’s how to build your Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole in just a few easy steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes. Add 1 lb ground turkey and cook until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, 1 (15 oz) can black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup frozen corn. Cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat.
3. Prep your sauce and tortillas: Open a 10 oz can of red enchilada sauce. Slice 6 corn tortillas in half to help with layering.
4. Start layering: Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your dish. Lay 3 halved tortillas to cover the bottom. Spoon over one-third of the turkey mixture, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese.
5. Repeat layers: Continue layering with sauce, tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a final layer of tortillas, the last of the enchilada sauce, and cheese on top.
6. Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or sour cream if desired.
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Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole (One-Pan Dinner)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole is a one-pan dinner packed with layers of seasoned turkey, beans, enchilada sauce, tortillas, and melty cheese. Quick to make and full of comforting flavor.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen corn
10 oz red enchilada sauce
6 corn tortillas, halved
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Fresh cilantro, avocado, or sour cream for topping (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat oil in a skillet. Add diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes.
3. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, and corn. Cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Spread a little enchilada sauce in the baking dish. Layer with halved tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese.
6. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
8. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish as desired.
Notes
You can prepare this casserole a day in advance and bake before serving.
Use gluten-free tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free.
Add veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole, One-Pan Dinner, Easy Mexican Bake
Variations and Customization
Switch up proteins or tortillas
Swap the ground turkey for shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. Use whole wheat or grain-free tortillas to suit your preference. Gluten-free tortillas also work beautifully here.
Boost the veggies or spice
Layer in sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or baby spinach to increase the veggie count. Prefer it spicier? Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo or a few jalapeño slices. I often alternate between this and our creamy zoodle skillet for healthy weeknight rotation.
FAQ – Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. You can also freeze it unbaked—wrap tightly and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Will corn tortillas get soggy?
Nope! Corn tortillas hold up well when layered with sauce. They soften just enough to mimic enchiladas but keep their structure for that classic casserole feel.
What sides go with enchilada casserole?
It’s a full meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, Mexican rice, or guacamole. We usually keep it simple with shredded lettuce and hot sauce on the side.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Enchilada Casserole (One-Pan Dinner) is hearty, easy, and hits all the right notes. It saves time without skimping on flavor and turns everyday pantry ingredients into something truly satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight rush or a cozy weekend meal, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again.