Air Fryer Mexican Casserole

Air Fryer Mexican Casserole is one of those meals that saves the day when time’s short but dinner still needs to feel complete. It’s easy to throw together, fits just about any occasion, and doesn’t ask for anything fancy. I like knowing I can prep it early, refrigerate it, or even freeze it for later. Whether it’s a weeknight or a weekend hangout, it just works.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 387kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

2 cups cooked brown rice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup yellow onion chopped
½ cup green bell pepper chopped
½ cup red bell pepper chopped
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Mexican seasoning
2 cloves garlic minced
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 ½ cup refried black beans
1 ½ cup Mexican cheese
1 ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chiles
Fresh cilantro
Chopped green onions

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and both bell peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 cup yellow onion, ½ cup green bell pepper, ½ cup red bell pepper
Add the ground turkey, cumin, salt, pepper, and Mexican seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the turkey is browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
1 pound lean ground turkey, 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin, Salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons Mexican seasoning, 2 cloves garlic
Mix in the cooked rice and Greek yogurt, stirring until well combined.
1 cup Greek yogurt, 2 cups cooked brown rice
Spread the refried black beans in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, followed by the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
1 ½ cup refried black beans, 1 ½ cup diced tomatoes with green chiles
Evenly distribute the turkey and rice mixture over the top, then sprinkle with shredded Mexican cheese.
1 ½ cup Mexican cheese
Bake in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions before serving. Enjoy!
Fresh cilantro, Chopped green onions

Notes

Prep the vegetables well: Chop the onions and peppers evenly so they soften at the same rate when sautéed.
Season the turkey properly: Add cumin, Mexican seasoning, salt, and pepper early so the flavors cook into the meat.
Don’t skip the garlic: Stirring it in after the turkey has browned makes sure it doesn’t burn but still adds depth.
Mix the rice gently: Combine the cooked rice and Greek yogurt until well blended, but avoid overmixing, as this can cause the mixture to become gummy.
Layer with care: Spread the beans and tomatoes smoothly before adding the turkey mixture to keep each layer distinct.
Use an oven-safe dish that fits: Make sure your 9×13 dish fits into your air fryer basket for even cooking.
Watch the cheese closely: Check at the 8-minute mark, as air fryers can brown faster depending on the model.

Nutrition