Slow Cooker Turkey Bacon, Black Bean & Corn Casserole

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 3–4 hours on LOW or 1½–2 hours on HIGH

• Total time: Approximately 3½–4 hours

• Servings: 6

• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Main ingredients

• 1½ lbs (680 g) lean ground turkey

• 8 slices turkey bacon

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) sweet corn, drained

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

Sauce ingredients

• ½ cup tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• ¼ cup chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional toppings

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 sliced green onions

• Sour cream

• Fresh jalapeños

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook turkey bacon until browned and crispy.

3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Allow it to cool slightly.

5. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

6. Reserve some bacon for topping.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet.

2. Add ground turkey.

3. Break it apart using a wooden spoon.

4. Cook until browned and completely cooked through.

5. Add chopped onion and garlic.

6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.

7. Drain excess liquid if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker.

2. Add the cooked ground turkey.

3. Add drained black beans.

4. Add sweet corn.

5. Add most of the chopped turkey bacon.

6. Stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Add the following:

• Smoked paprika

• Chili powder

• Ground cumin

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Black pepper

• Salt

Mix everything evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, combine tomato sauce and tomato paste.

2. Add chicken broth.

3. Add Worcestershire sauce.

4. Whisk until smooth.

5. Pour the sauce over the turkey, beans, and corn.

6. Stir until everything is coated.

Step 6: Slow Cook

1. Cover with the lid.

2. Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1½–2 hours.

3. Make sure the mixture reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Stir gently before serving.

Since the turkey is already cooked, avoid unnecessarily long cooking to prevent it from drying out.

Step 7: Add Cheese and Bacon

1. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture.

2. Add the remaining crispy turkey bacon.

3. Cover for 5 minutes until the cheese melts.

4. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.

Step 8: Serve

Spoon into bowls while warm. Add sour cream, jalapeños, or extra cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

Allergy information: This recipe contains no intentionally added tree nuts or peanuts. Check packaged turkey bacon, broth, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce labels for possible allergen cross-contact.

Helpful Cooking Tips

1. Extra smoky flavor: Use smoked paprika and crispy turkey bacon.

2. Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.

3. Creamier texture: Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese before serving.

4. More vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or zucchini.

5. Cheesy version: Mix in Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.

6. Meal preparation: Divide into individual airtight containers for easy lunches.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2–3 months.

• Reheating: Heat in a saucepan or microwave until steaming hot.

• Add a splash of broth if the mixture becomes too thick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Steamed white rice

• Mexican rice

• Warm cornbread

• Garlic bread

• Fresh avocado salad

• Tortilla chips

• Baked potatoes

Final Result: A delicious, hearty combination of juicy ground turkey, smoky crispy bacon, sweet corn, tender black beans, and bold seasonings. Every bite is flavorful, satisfying, and packed with protein