Now you don’t have to decide between taco salad and a hot meal. This Taco Salad Casserole loaded with seasoned meat, hearty rice, flavorful salsa, and healthy cabbage gives you the best of both!
I have to give my husband credit for naming this recipe. While I was cooking, he walked in and said “It smells like taco salad in here!” I thought that was an odd thing to say instead of “It smells like tacos in here!” What does taco salad smell like exactly? I realized that since I would be adding cabbage to this dish that it is a bit like salad in casserole form, thus the name. Thanks, Matt!
If you haven’t noticed, I love bagged shredded cabbage. Not only do I pile it on top of tacos, nachos, enchiladas, and pretty much any other sort of Mexican food, I also like stirring it into recipes (like this other casserole or this stir fry). It is convenient and packed with nutrients, but it sort of blends in with other ingredients to fool unsuspecting husbands and children.
This is a great make-ahead dinner. I made it in the afternoon to take photos, and it heated up perfectly for dinner later that night. My only warning is to choose your salsa and cheese carefully if you are making this for kids. I chose medium salsa and pepper jack cheese, and with the first bite I realized it was too spicy for my boys. Next time I’ll be sure to use mild salsa and monterey jack cheese, and then I think they will really like it. Whether you make it spicy or mild, I hope you enjoy this fun and easy dinner recipe!
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings |
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- 16 ounces ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 16 ounces chunky red salsa
- 1 cup instant brown rice
- 3/4 cup water
- 16 ounces bagged shredded coleslaw mix (just the cabbage, no dressing)
- 5 Roma tomatoes sliced
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese (or pepper jack for spice)
Ingredients
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- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 9 x 13" baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Spray a large skillet with cooking spray, and heat over medium high heat. Add turkey to the hot skillet, and sprinkle with chili powder, oregano, cumin, and garlic powder. Brown and crumble meat until mostly cooked through.
- Stir in rice, salsa, and water, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in cabbage until well mixed, and turn off heat.
- Transfer meat and cabbage mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the top. Arrange sliced tomatoes evenly over the cheese, and sprinkle with green onions. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, then serve.
Want more Mexican casserole ideas? Here you go!
Chicken and Rice Enchilada Casserole
Mexican Barley Casserole
Also check out these recipes from The Weary Chef’s friends:
Beefy Mexican Casserole by Or Whatever You Do
Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole by Boulder Locavore
Cheesy Mexican Breakfast Casserole by Eazy Peazy Meals
Evelyn says
I made this last night. Delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe. The flavors were very good, and the coleslaw made the dish. Just wish I had added an avocado for a topping. Oh well, I guess that what leftovers are for! Thanks, again.
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you so much, Evelyn. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Avocado always makes everything better :)
Gerry Speirs says
My kinda munchies!!
Andi Gleeson says
Glad you like it, Gerry. Thanks!
Meg @ With Salt and Wit says
Now this is my kinda dinner! I love taco salads and the hubby loves a good casserole! And anything mexican is a win in my books!
Andi Gleeson says
Best of both worlds! Thanks, Meg!
Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
I love all of the flavors going on here! It’s so great too that you can make this ahead of time and just re-heat. Definitely making this soon instead of traditional tacos! Gotta love casseroles! ;)
Andi Gleeson says
Thanks so much, Jessica! Yes, I LOVE casseroles!
Sherri@ The Well Floured Kitchen says
Andi the pictures are gorgeous! I love the idea of using the cabbage, and it is so good for you. My kids ask for tacos all the time, but I usually just make taco salad – so I could see them saying it smells like taco salad :)
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you, Sherri! I took a chance with the light that was happening at the time and liked the shadows.
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
Now this is my kind of casserole! :) Looks amazing, Andi!
Andi Gleeson says
Thank you so much, Carrie!
Kristyn says
This looks SO good and like something any family can love! Thanks for sharing! :)
Andi Gleeson says
Thanks, Kristyn! It’s definitely a family pleaser if you don’t accidentally make it too spicy like I did ;)
Amy Stafford says
Love how healthy and easy this dish is. Great for one of our weeknight dinners. Definitely putting it on the menu rotation!
Andi Gleeson says
Thanks so much, Amy. I hope you like it!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
I kind of need to make this, if for not other reason, than to know what taco salad smells like :) We love anything Mexican at our house, and I know this casserole would be a great weeknight dinner!
Andi Gleeson says
Haha yes! I’m sure it smells completely different than tacos… Thanks, Erin!