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Protein Burrito Casserole

A cozy and comforting casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground turkey, black beans, tortillas, and cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican
Calories: 360

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken Substitute with ground beef or a plant-based crumble for variation.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Or avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped Use white or yellow onion.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced Substitute with green pepper or roasted poblano for heat.
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed Use pinto beans as an alternative.
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles Or plain diced tomatoes with 1 teaspoon chili powder.
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed Or fresh corn for sweetness.
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional, for a smoky note.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 8 small flour tortillas, torn into pieces Use corn tortillas for gluten-free.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese Or a dairy-free cheese for a healthier option.
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, for serving
  • to taste Fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and lime wedges For garnish, optional but lovely.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the pepper is soft, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
  4. Season with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast the spices in the pan for a minute to deepen the flavors.
  5. Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn. Let everything simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Layering and Baking
  1. In the greased baking dish, layer half of the torn tortillas to create a rustic base. Spoon half of the turkey and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle one cup of cheese evenly.
  2. Repeat with remaining tortillas, the rest of the filling, and the last cup of cheese. Press lightly to compact the layers.
  3. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden at the edges.
  4. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting so it holds together—this is when the flavors settle.
Serving
  1. Serve warm with dollops of Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges.

Notes

This casserole can be made ahead of time. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the refrigerator.