Healthy Turkey Taco Casserole

This casserole is the perfect blend of lean protein, fresh veggies, and flavorful toppings, making it a delicious, guilt-free meal that’s full of vibrant textures and tastes.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole Base:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

For the Toppings:

• 2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges for garnish

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Salsa or pico de gallo

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.

1. Cook the Ground Turkey:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the lean ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

1. Add Aromatics and Seasoning:

• Once the turkey is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
• Stir in the taco seasoning, ensuring the turkey is well-coated for maximum flavor.

1. Incorporate Beans and Veggies:

• Mix in the black beans, corn, diced bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together to create a colorful, nutritious base.

1. Layer in the Casserole Dish:

• Spread the turkey and vegetable mixture evenly in your prepared casserole dish.

1. Cheese Layer:

• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the turkey mixture.

1. Bake:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

1. Prepare the Fresh Toppings:

• While the casserole bakes, chop the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and slice the avocado.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it cool slightly before layering the fresh toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado slices.

1. Add a Creamy Finish:
   • Dollop the non-fat Greek yogurt or light sour cream over the fresh toppings for a creamy, tangy touch.
2. Garnish and Serve:
   • Add optional garnishes like sliced jalapeños, salsa, or pico de gallo for extra heat and flavor.
   • Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of freshness!

Enjoy the perfect balance of bold taco flavors with a healthy twist! This taco casserole is satisfying, nutritious, and a hit for the whole family.

This version flows smoothly and emphasizes the freshness, flavor, and nutritional benefits of the dish.