Craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the bold flavors of Southwestern cuisine with the ultimate comfort of a cheesy casserole? Look no further! This Easy Santa Fe Casserole is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. Packed with protein-rich ground turkey, hearty black beans, and a zesty salsa kick, this dish is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Santa Fe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southwestern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chili powder, salt, and pepper to the ground turkey. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the black beans. Drain the corn and diced tomatoes. Add these to the skillet with the turkey and mix well.
- Pour the salsa into the skillet and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Cut the corn tortillas into quarters or strips to create a layering base for the casserole.
- Begin assembling the casserole by spreading a thin layer of the meat and vegetable mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Create a layer of tortilla pieces over the meat mixture, slightly overlapping them.
- Spoon more of the meat and vegetable mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layering process: tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and become golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced green onions before serving.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality salsa and consider mixing different types of cheese for a more complex taste profile.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground turkey to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking – it helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
- Want to make it spicier? Add some diced jalapeños or use a hot salsa for an extra kick.
- This casserole is incredibly versatile – try substituting ground turkey with chicken or beef, or make it vegetarian by using plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prep tip: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights!
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
