Turn Thanksgiving Leftovers into a Fiesta: Delicious Turkey Mexican Casserole Recipe

Thanksgiving has come and gone, leaving behind a bounty of delicious leftovers. While turkey sandwiches and simple reheats are comforting, why not transform that leftover turkey into something truly special? This Mexican Turkey Casserole recipe is the perfect way to give your holiday bird a vibrant, flavorful makeover. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience a post-Thanksgiving fiesta!

## Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Mexican Casserole

* **Flavor Explosion:** This casserole combines the savory goodness of turkey with the zesty, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. Think chili powder, cumin, salsa, and a generous helping of cheese.
* **Easy to Customize:** Don’t like black beans? Swap them for pinto beans. Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños. This recipe is your canvas to create a casserole masterpiece.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** It’s the ideal way to use up leftover turkey, stuffing (optional), and even mashed potatoes (also optional!).
* **Quick and Simple:** This casserole comes together in under an hour, making it a weeknight winner.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for a quick and easy meal later on.
* **Comfort Food with a Kick:** It’s warm, cheesy, and satisfying, with a delightful Mexican twist that will tantalize your taste buds.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Mexican Turkey Casserole:

* **Cooked Turkey:** About 3-4 cups, shredded or diced. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is perfect, but you can also use rotisserie chicken or ground turkey if you prefer. Make sure to remove any bones or skin.
* **Corn Tortillas:** 8-10 tortillas, depending on the size of your baking dish. You can use white or yellow corn tortillas. Flour tortillas can be used in a pinch but the texture is better with corn tortillas.
* **Canned Black Beans:** 1 (15-ounce) can, rinsed and drained. Adds protein and fiber.
* **Canned Corn:** 1 (15-ounce) can, drained. Adds sweetness and texture.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained. Provides moisture and acidity.
* **Salsa:** 1 (16-ounce) jar, your favorite variety (mild, medium, or hot). Use a chunkier salsa for a better texture. Consider using homemade salsa for an extra boost of fresh flavor.
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2-3 cups, a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and/or Mexican blend. The amount of cheese can be adjusted to your preference. A sharper cheese will add more flavor.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Adds savory flavor and aroma.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Essential for depth of flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons. For sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Chili Powder:** 1-2 tablespoons. Adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon. Adds warmth and earthiness.
* **Dried Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon. Complements the other spices.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** Diced bell peppers, jalapeños, green chiles, olives, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes.

## Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Mixing bowl

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Mexican Turkey Casserole:

**1. Prepare the Turkey Mixture:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
* Add the shredded or diced turkey, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), and salsa to the skillet.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the flavors have melded.

**2. Assemble the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Spread a thin layer of the turkey mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
* Arrange a layer of corn tortillas over the turkey mixture, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish. You may need to cut the tortillas to fit.
* Spread another layer of the turkey mixture over the tortillas.
* Sprinkle with about 1 cup of shredded cheese.
* Repeat layers of tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

**3. Bake the Casserole:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through.
* Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and lightly browned.

**4. Rest and Serve:**

* Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, or sliced green onions.

## Tips for the Perfect Turkey Mexican Casserole

* **Don’t Overfill:** Avoid overfilling the casserole dish, as this can make it difficult to bake evenly.
* **Prevent Soggy Tortillas:** Lightly toasting the tortillas before assembling the casserole can help prevent them from becoming too soggy. You can quickly toast them in a dry skillet or in the oven.
* **Use Quality Salsa:** The salsa is a key component of this casserole, so choose a variety that you enjoy. Freshly made salsa is always a great option.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder and the type of salsa you use. If you like it spicy, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
* **Shred Your Own Cheese:** Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding your own cheese ensures a perfectly melted and gooey topping.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the turkey mixture, such as diced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option.
* **Use a Different Protein:** Ground beef, shredded chicken, or even chorizo would work well in this recipe.
* **Consider layering with stuffing and/or mashed potatoes:** Thin layers of leftover stuffing or mashed potatoes can add delicious variety to your casserole. Alternate the layers with tortillas, turkey, and cheese.

## Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to suit your taste and dietary needs.

* **Spicy Casserole:** Add diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture.
* **Creamy Casserole:** Stir in a can of cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup to the turkey mixture for a creamier texture. A dollop of sour cream or cream cheese can also be added.
* **Vegetarian Casserole:** Substitute the turkey with cooked lentils, black beans, or a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
* **Gluten-Free Casserole:** Use gluten-free corn tortillas.
* **Dairy-Free Casserole:** Use dairy-free cheese alternative.
* **Add Green Chilies:** A can of diced green chilies adds a mild, tangy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This Mexican Turkey Casserole is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of sides and toppings.

* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Adds a cool and tangy counterpoint to the spicy casserole.
* **Guacamole:** A creamy and flavorful topping that complements the Mexican flavors.
* **Salsa:** Serve with extra salsa for dipping or topping.
* **Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor.
* **Green Onions:** Sliced green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
* **Lime Wedges:** A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors.
* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the casserole.
* **Refried Beans:** Another traditional Mexican side dish.
* **Salad:** A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the rich casserole.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply preheat the oven and follow the baking instructions.

## Freezing Instructions

This casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Then, preheat the oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the casserole)*

* Calories: 350-450
* Fat: 20-30g
* Saturated Fat: 10-15g
* Cholesterol: 70-90mg
* Sodium: 600-800mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Protein: 25-35g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This Mexican Turkey Casserole is a fantastic way to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious and exciting meal. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, ditch the boring turkey sandwiches and get ready to fiesta with this flavorful casserole! Enjoy!

## Recipe Card

**Mexican Turkey Casserole**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-40 minutes
**Servings:** 8

**Ingredients:**

* 3-4 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
* 8-10 corn tortillas
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa
* 2-3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: diced bell peppers, jalapeños, green chiles, olives, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add turkey, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
5. Spread a thin layer of turkey mixture in the baking dish. Layer with tortillas, turkey mixture, and cheese, repeating layers until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with desired toppings.

**Notes:**

* Adjust the spice level to your preference.
* Use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option.
* Assemble ahead of time or freeze for later.

Enjoy your delicious Mexican Turkey Casserole!