Quick and Easy One-Pot Cheesy Taco Casserole Recipe
Makes: 4 Servings
Per Serving: 38g Protein | 304 Cal
Is there anything more satisfying than a flavorful, hearty taco? Probably not—unless you count this incredible stovetop taco casserole that’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen. 🌮🥘 Taco night just got an upgrade!
Picture this: you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and the idea of a pile of dishes is just... no thanks. Enter this taco casserole, your new weeknight hero. It’s got all the flavors of your favorite tacos—juicy ground turkey, zesty salsa, cheesy goodness—but without the fuss. Plus, it all comes together in just one pan, making clean-up a breeze. I don’t know about you, but that’s a big win in my book.
This dish isn’t just easy, though. It’s also packed with lean protein, making it perfect for a post-workout meal, a healthy dinner option, or even meal prep for the week. With 40g of protein per serving, this skillet will keep you full and energized without weighing you down. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re into spicy salsa, loaded toppings, or sneaking in extra veggies, you can make this recipe your own.
Honestly, the first time I made this, I couldn’t stop eating it. I had to remind myself that it technically serves four—oops! It’s that good, though, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way once you try it.
Ready to dive into a skillet full of taco goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Casserole Recipe
Quick & Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less time spent cooking and cleaning, and more time enjoying your meal.
High-Protein: With 40g of protein per serving, this skillet is not only satisfying but also great for keeping you full and energized.
Versatile: This dish is like a blank canvas—you can customize it to your heart’s content. Add in extra veggies, switch up the toppings, or use your favorite salsa to make it uniquely yours. It’s also perfect for meal prep since it reheats beautifully.
Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of lean ground turkey, melty cheese, and zesty salsa is a match made in taco heaven. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is actually good for you.
Family-Friendly: This skillet is a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. You can serve it up as is, or let everyone add their own toppings to make it just how they like it.
So whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep solution, or just a super tasty dish, this easy stovetop taco casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey (99% lean)
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 1/4 cup of your favorite jar of salsa (I used Siete Enchilada Red Sauce, and wow, it was amazing)
1 cup Cowboy Caviar from Trader Joe’s OR 1/2 cup black beans or pinto beans + 1/2 cup fire-roasted corn
1 cup shredded lite cheese (like monterey jack or the light Mexican blend from Trader Joe's)
Optional additions: spinach, bell peppers, salt & pepper to taste
Optional toppings: avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, chopped cilantro, green onion, black olives, pico de Gallo, or any of your other favorite taco ingredients
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced yellow onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Toss in the ground turkey and cook until it's browned and cooked through.
Stir the salsa or enchilada sauce into the taco meat mixture, then mix in the corn or Cowboy Caviar.
Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Turn the heat down to low, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Garnish with your favorite taco toppings (cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt), and dig in!
FAQs
-
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you've got on hand—broccoli, cauliflower, greens, squash, you name it. It's a great way to pack your meal with extra nutrients.
-
You’ve got options! Serve it on a bed of lettuce for a taco salad, wrap it in corn or flour tortillas, scoop it up with tortilla chips, or just dig in with a fork. You could even serve it over a bed of white rice, riced cauliflower, or brown rice.
-
Sure thing! If ground turkey isn't your thing, use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground chicken, or lean ground beef instead.
This easy, healthy taco casserole recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight meal, meal prep, or whenever you're craving something tasty and nutritious. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
Taco Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (99% lean)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 1/4 cup of your favorite jar of salsa (I used Siete Enchilada Red Sauce, and wow, it was amazing)
- 1 cup Cowboy Caviar from Trader Joe’s OR 1/2 cup black beans or pinto beans + 1/2 cup fire-roasted corn
- 1 cup shredded lite cheese (like monterey jack or the light Mexican blend from Trader Joe's)
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Avocado
- Greek yogurt or sour cream,
- Chopped cilantro,
- Green onion,
- Black olives,
- Pico de Gallo, or any of your other favorite taco ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced yellow onions to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the ground turkey and cook until it's browned and cooked through.
- Stir the salsa or enchilada sauce into the taco meat mixture, then mix in the corn or Cowboy Caviar.
- Let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Turn the heat down to low, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
- Garnish with your favorite taco toppings (cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt), and dig in!
