Turkey Quinoa Taco Bake

Turkey Quinoa Taco Bake

This hearty bake is a delicious and healthy twist on classic taco casserole. It’s packed with protein from the turkey and quinoa, and the veggies add a nice crunch and freshness.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean or ground chicken can be substituted)
• 2 ½ cups chopped vegetables (combination of onion, bell pepper, tomato) – You can also use 2 cans (10 oz each) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
• ½ cup tomato sauce (look for low-sodium or no-sugar-added options for a healthier choice)
• 1 cup shredded zucchini (optional, but adds moisture and nutrients)
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: chopped avocado, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce

Cooking Guide:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the garlic and chopped vegetables (or diced tomatoes) to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, and cooked quinoa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• Cook the quinoa ahead of time: This will save you time when assembling the bake. You can cook quinoa in a pot on the stovetop or use the pre-cooked pouches available in most grocery stores.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other chopped vegetables like corn, black beans, or mushrooms to the bake for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: If you like your food with a kick, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the skillet with the other vegetables, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top before baking.
• Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, so it’s a great option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure your other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a celiac-friendly dish.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy twist on taco night!