Description
Hearty Skillet Turkey Cornbread Casserole combines savory turkey and tender cornbread in one pan for an irresistible comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 12 ounces salsa
- 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 ounces cornbread mix (plus ingredients required by the package to prepare the batter)
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven according to the baking temperature listed on your cornbread mix package (usually 375°F to 400°F). Prepare all vegetables and measure out ingredients before cooking. - Cook the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining. - Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder. Stir to evenly coat the turkey and onions with the spices. - Add Corn, Beans, and Salsa
Add the frozen corn, black beans, and salsa to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. - Add Cheese
Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt into the mixture. - Prepare the Cornbread Batter
In a separate bowl, prepare the cornbread mix according to the package instructions. - Top the Skillet
Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the turkey filling. Gently spread it to the edges without mixing the layers. - Bake
Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for the time indicated on the cornbread package or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. - Finish with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and return the skillet to the oven for 3–5 minutes until melted.
Notes
A cast-iron skillet provides the best browning and heat retention.
If your skillet is small, transfer the filling to a larger baking dish.
Spice lovers can add jalapeños or hot salsa for extra heat.
Try mixing Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese into the topping.