![['Side view close-up of a juicy Mexican Inspired Turkey Rice Casserole topped with melted cheese.', 'A vibrant bowl of Mexican Inspired Turkey Rice Casserole, showcasing colorful ingredients.', 'Close-up view of turkey rice casserole featuring colorful peppers and beans, with cheese on top.', 'Delicious Mexican turkey casserole, highlighting layers of rice, turkey, and fresh vegetables.']](https://timetocooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/mexican-inspired-turkey-rice-casserole_1_U1-300x300.webp)
Mexican Inspired Turkey Rice Casserole
A flavorful casserole combining turkey, rice, and vibrant Mexican spices, topped with crispy bread and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 cups leftover turkey (chopped)
Grains
- ½ cup+1tbsp cups uncooked rice (rinsed)
Vegetables & Legumes
- 1 piece onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
- 1-2 pieces green chili peppers (finely chopped)
- 1 piece red bell pepper (roughly chopped)
- ⅔ cup canned corn kernels (drained)
- 1 can black beans (drained)
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1½ tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 cups vegetable/chicken or turkey stock (hot)
- 2 tbsp vegetable/olive oil
- 1¼ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
- ⅔ tsp ground cumin
- 6 tbsp cilantro/fresh coriander (finely chopped)
- 2 slices soft bread (white or whole wheat)
- 4-5 tbsp cheddar (or other hard cheese, finely grated)
- 1 tbsp vegetable/olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Mix bread pieces with 1 tbsp oil and cheese; set aside.
- Fry onion, garlic, and chilies in 2 tbsp oil for 3 minutes. Add rice and red pepper; cook briefly.
- Add ⅔ of stock, tomatoes, tomato puree, spices, and chili sauce. Bring to boil, simmer 6 mins.
- Remove from heat, stir in turkey, beans, corn, cilantro, and remaining stock.
- Top with bread mixture and bake 13 mins until crispy. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh cilantro for best flavor and adjust spice levels to taste.