Layered Taco Bake: A Cheesy Mexican-Inspired Comfort Food
A baked casserole combining seasoned ground turkey, black beans, bell peppers, and melted cheddar cheese. Its crispy edges and bold flavors make it a family-friendly Tex-Mex alternative to traditional tacos.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Vegetarian in meatless variation
Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent
Add ground turkey, cooking until fully browned
Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, and chili powder
Press turkey mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish
Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce evenly over the turkey layer
Add drained black beans in a single layer
Top with remaining tomato sauce and shredded cheese
Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly
Let rest 5 minutes before serving
Notes
Substitute ground turkey with crumbled tofu or chickpeas for meatless version
Use vegan cheese for dairy-free option
Press turkey mixture firmly to prevent sinking during baking
Rinse cans of beans thoroughly to reduce sodium
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg