Mexican Turkey Casserole

This was a delicious, slightly spicy casserole that we enjoyed recently! We chose to serve it over a bed of lettuce, topping the whole dish with a sprinkling of diced tomatoes, avocado and a drizzle of Ranch dressing which really lightened the dish up!

Casseroles like this are so flexible to mix and match the ingredients, based on what you prefer or have on hand. Change up the beans, add some corn, mix in mushrooms or olives, pick and choose your topping ingredients - lettuce or no lettuce! This would also be delicious served with a handful of tortilla chips crumbled on top, or for scooping.

Mexican Turkey Casserole

Ingredients
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium/large zucchini, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1 pound lean ground turkey
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 whole chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (from can), diced small
1 can (15-oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2-oz) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (14-oz) tomato sauce
3-4 cups cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For serving (suggestions):
Sour cream
Avocado, diced
Salsa
Tomato, diced

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Heat 1 TBS oil in a large nonstick skillet and saute the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion until it is tender and begins to brown (about 8-10 minutes).
3. Push veggies to outside edges of skillet, add additional oil, and add the ground turkey. Cook, stirring to break up meat until cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. Add in diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. Stir to combine. Mix in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and black beans. 
4. Allow to simmer on low for about 5 minutes. Taste, and adjust seasonings if desired. Mix in the cooked rice and cheese, stir until evenly combined.
5. Spread mixture in the prepared baking dish.
6. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
7. Serve with your desired toppings (optional).

Recipe adapted from Taste of Home