Start your day on a seriously high note with this Turkey Taco Breakfast Bake! This hearty, vibrant dish captures all the best flavors of your favorite taco night—think zesty spices, savory ground turkey, creamy beans, and gooey cheese—then wraps them up in a protein-rich, make-ahead breakfast that everyone will look forward to. Even better: it’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it your new best friend for busy mornings and stress-free meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a hungry household or just want leftovers to power up your week, this breakfast bake is the hero your mornings deserve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Totally fuss-free: Everything comes together in one dish with zero fancy techniques or equipment required.
- Satisfyingly filling: Between the lean turkey, beans, and egg whites, you get tons of protein without feeling heavy.
- Customizable: Fuss-free swapping and add-ins make it easy to suit your tastes or whatever’s in your pantry.
- Meal prep perfection: Bake it once, and you have breakfast ready to go for days!
- A flavor-packed wake up call: Southwest spices, melty cheese, and hearty corn tortillas give you a delicious reason to jump out of bed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Take a quick scan of your kitchen and gather up these breakfast haul favorites:
- Lean Ground Turkey: The backbone of your bake—juicy and protein-rich but light enough for breakfast. Opt for extra-lean for a lighter bite.
- Taco Seasoning: A zesty homemade combo of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper. This is where that crave-worthy taco flavor comes in!
- Black Beans: For creamy texture, added fiber, and just a bit of that earthy flavor—the perfect complement to the turkey.
- Canned Corn: Pops of sweetness and little bursts of juiciness with every bite.
- Liquid Egg Whites: Keeps things light, fluffy, and packed with protein. Plus, using the carton is a major timesaver.
- White Corn Tortillas: These hold everything together and give that authentic taco flavor.
- Reduced Fat Mexican Cheese Blend: Just the right amount of gooey, melty goodness to top it off without being overly heavy.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this bake your own—here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and add sautéed peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Different Protein: Try ground chicken, beef, or plant-based crumbles.
- Add Heat: Mix in diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Extra Veggies: Dice up some onions, bell peppers, or tomatoes and mix them in for even more color and nutrition.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Pepper jack, cheddar, or cotija all taste amazing here.
How to Make the Turkey Taco Breakfast Bake
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it up as it cooks. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning mixture and stir until the turkey is just cooked through and flavorful. This step smells incredible and locks in all that taco flavor!
Step 2: Assemble the Bake
Lightly spray your baking dish. Tear the corn tortillas into bite-size pieces and lay a layer on the bottom. Top with half the cooked turkey, scatter on some black beans and corn, then repeat the layering. Sprinkle with half the cheese.
Step 3: Pour and Top
Gently pour the liquid egg whites evenly over the entire bake—make sure everything is soaked and nestled together. Finish off with the rest of your cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
Slide the casserole into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the egg whites are set and the cheese is bubbling and golden. The aroma at this point is 100% irresistible!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let your bake sit for about 5 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and helps the flavors settle in.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Homemade Taco Seasoning: Control your spice levels and skip preservatives by making your own!
- Layer Well: Spread the tortillas so every bite gets a taste; no need for precise stacking.
- Let It Rest: Always give the bake time to rest before cutting—that way each slice keeps its shape and nothing falls apart.
- Double Up: Don’t hesitate to make two pans—this reheats beautifully and you’ll thank yourself for the leftovers.
How to Serve
There are so many ways to enjoy this breakfast bake:
- Taco-Style: Top with your favorite salsa, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- With Sides: Pair with a simple fruit salad or crispy hashbrowns for extra satisfaction.
- On the Go: Slice and wrap in a tortilla for a portable breakfast burrito, or serve cold as a meal-prep snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture and flavor only get better as they sit!
Freezing
Cut the bake into individual portions and wrap each slice in plastic wrap or foil. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
From the fridge, microwave slices for 1-2 minutes until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above or in the oven at 350°F until hot.
FAQs
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Can I use whole eggs instead of liquid egg whites?
Absolutely! Whole eggs will give the bake a richer flavor and a more custardy texture. Just whisk them well before pouring over the other ingredients—about 12 large eggs will sub nicely for a full carton of egg whites.
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Are flour tortillas okay instead of corn?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, slightly sweeter bite. Just note they may be a little more tender and might not hold up quite as much texture, but the flavor is still delicious.
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Can I make this ahead and bake later?
Yes! Assemble everything the night before (cover and refrigerate), then bake fresh in the morning. Just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time since it will start cold.
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Is this breakfast bake spicy?
With the homemade seasoning, it’s more flavorful than spicy. If you like heat, toss in some chili flakes or chopped jalapeños, or serve hot sauce on the side. The beauty is in how easy it is to dial things up or down!
Final Thoughts
Give this Turkey Taco Breakfast Bake a try—you’ll love the bold flavors, hearty bites, and how simple it makes your mornings. Tasty, wholesome, and totally foolproof, it’s the breakfast dish that keeps everyone coming back, and it welcomes all your favorite tweaks. Get creative, enjoy the process, and make breakfast a meal to look forward to all week long!
PrintTurkey Taco Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Turkey Taco Breakfast Bake is a high-protein, low-fat breakfast casserole made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, egg whites, white corn tortillas, and a homemade taco seasoning blend. Topped with melted reduced-fat Mexican cheese, it’s a hearty and nutritious way to start your day, blending classic taco flavors in a convenient, bake-ahead dish.
Ingredients
For the Breakfast Bake
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (99/1)
- 1/2 can black beans (150g)
- 3/4 cup canned corn (100g)
- 32 oz liquid egg whites (1 full carton)
- 6 white corn tortillas (about 100 calories for 2)
- 1/2 cup reduced fat Mexican cheese blend (56g)
For the Taco Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1.5 tbsp cumin
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and fresh cracked pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning over the turkey and stir well to evenly coat. Continue cooking until fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Add Beans and Corn: Drain and rinse the black beans. Add the black beans and canned corn to the seasoned turkey in the skillet and stir to combine. Heat for an additional 2–3 minutes, then set aside.
- Layer the Tortillas: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Tear or cut the white corn tortillas into pieces, then layer evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Assemble the Casserole: Evenly spread the turkey, black bean, and corn mixture over the tortilla layer in the baking dish. Pour the liquid egg whites evenly over the entire mixture, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the reduced fat Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs or serve with your favorite salsa, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can prepare the seasoning ahead and store in an airtight container.
- If you prefer whole eggs, you can substitute the egg whites with a mix of whole eggs and egg whites (adjust nutrition accordingly).
- Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans for variety.
- Add chopped green chilies, jalapeños, or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 10mg