Description
Southwestern Ground Turkey Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and easy-to-make dish combining smoky crispy smoked turkey bacon, lean ground turkey, creamy plant-based cheese, fresh vegetables, and vibrant southwestern spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this flavorful casserole offers a delightful mix of textures and colors that will satisfy all palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1 cup diced yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder (natural)
- 1 tsp cumin (natural)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup cooked black beans, drained
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Plant-based sour cream (optional)
Optional Variations
- 1/2 cup corn, zucchini, or spinach for veggie boost
- 1 jalapeño or 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for heat lover’s edition
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice to serve as grain upgrade
- Shredded smoked turkey slices instead of plant-based cheese
- Cauliflower rice instead of black beans for low-carb option
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onions, red, green, and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the smoked turkey bacon fat. Cook until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften, stirring occasionally.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until meat is evenly coated with spices.
- Add Tomatoes, Black Beans, and Flavors: Mix in drained diced tomatoes, black beans, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes to enhance flavors and reduce excess moisture.
- Combine and Coat with Plant-Based Cheese: Transfer the cooked mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle evenly with plant-based cheese and natural gelling agent. Fold in crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces for extra flavor.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
Notes
- Use freshly ground chili powder and cumin for maximum aroma.
- Drain black beans thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Cooking smoked turkey bacon first infuses deeper flavor into veggies and meat.
- Stir natural gelling agent well to distribute evenly for perfect texture.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Southwestern casserole, ground turkey casserole, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, easy weeknight dinner, gluten free casserole
