Taco-seasoned turkey layered with creamy polenta, sour cream, corn, salsa and melted cheese—an easy, gluten free taco casserole you can have on the table in about 29 minutes.
Thanks to my friends at Jennie-O for sponsoring today’s post!
One of my go-to weeknight favorites is an Italian turkey polenta casserole—simple, comforting and full of flavor. That recipe inspired this Mexican-inspired variation: a Turkey Polenta Taco Casserole built on a base of pre-cooked polenta, topped with taco-seasoned turkey sausage, mexicorn mixed with sour cream, chunky salsa and plenty of pepper jack cheese. It’s naturally gluten free and pulls together quickly, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss.
How to make it
This casserole is built in layers to keep the texture contrast—creamy polenta, a tangy corn-and-sour-cream layer, savory taco-seasoned turkey, bright salsa and a gooey cheese topping. Using a pre-cooked tube of polenta (usually found near the pasta or refrigerated prepared foods) saves time because you won’t need to cook cornmeal on the stove first. If you prefer, you can also slice and lightly brown the polenta in a skillet before assembling for a bit of extra texture.
For the turkey, Jennie‑O’s Taco Seasoned Turkey Sausage is a convenient option; it comes fully seasoned and cooks quickly. Crumble and brown it in a skillet until cooked through, then layer it over the polenta. The mexicorn mixed with sour cream adds creaminess and a mild sweetness that balances the spice of the sausage and salsa.
What goes with it
Serve this casserole with crunchy tortilla chips, fresh guacamole, a warm queso dip or a simple, bright homemade salsa. A crisp green salad, sliced avocado and a squeeze of lime also make excellent accompaniments. For a lighter meal, pair individual portions with a side of roasted vegetables or a cabbage slaw to add freshness and crunch.
Can you freeze it?
Because this casserole contains sour cream in the middle layer, freezing is not recommended—the texture of dairy-based layers can separate and become grainy after thawing. For make-ahead convenience, you can prepare components in advance: cook the turkey and refrigerate, mix the mexicorn and sour cream and keep it chilled, and slice the polenta. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Gluten Free Taco Casserole
Video
A short video demonstration is available showing step-by-step assembly and baking tips.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Jennie‑O Taco Seasoned Turkey Sausage
- 18 ounces cooked polenta (pre-cooked tube)
- 11 ounce can mexicorn
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups chunky salsa
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Crumble and cook the taco-seasoned turkey sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the pre-cooked polenta in the bottom of a baking dish in an even layer. If the polenta is in a tube, slice to fit the dish and arrange slices snugly; you can lightly press or warm the polenta so it forms a cohesive base.
- Combine the mexicorn and sour cream in a bowl and spread the mixture evenly over the polenta layer.
- Top with the cooked taco turkey sausage, spread the salsa over the sausage, then sprinkle the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly across the top.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. Let rest a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts
Notes and Variations
For a milder version, swap pepper jack for Monterey Jack or a mild cheddar. Add a layer of black beans for extra fiber and protein, or stir chopped fresh cilantro into the salsa before topping. If you like a little crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for the last 5 minutes of baking. To make individual portions, assemble in small ramekins and reduce baking time slightly.
This casserole adapts well to what you have on hand—use a different seasoned turkey product or your favorite chunky salsa. The assembly method keeps cleanup easy and lets you customize toppings right before serving so everyone can add their favorite garnishes like sliced avocado, chopped green onions or a drizzle of crema.