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Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake Recipe

Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

This Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake is a flavorful and nutritious casserole combining lean ground turkey, cooked quinoa, fresh vegetables, and Mexican-inspired spices. It’s a wholesome one-dish meal that is easy to prepare, packed with protein, and perfect for a healthy family dinner or meal prep. The dish is topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, offering a deliciously satisfying taco flavor in a baked casserole format.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat & Protein

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 1/2 cups chopped onion, tomatoes, and peppers (or alternatively, premade fresh salsa or 2 cans of rotel)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 1/3 cup diced or sliced avocado (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Grains & Dairy

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Extras & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or no-sugar-added variety)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients and prepare them for cooking: mince the garlic, chop vegetables, cook quinoa, shred the zucchini, and have your spices and tomato sauce ready.
  2. Cook the Turkey and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic briefly until fragrant but not burnt. Add the lean ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Add Spices and Vegetables: Stir in the chili powder and cumin into the cooked turkey, then add in the chopped onion, tomatoes, and peppers (or fresh salsa/rotel). Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. Next, add the grated zucchini and continue simmering for an additional two minutes.
  4. Combine with Quinoa and Sauce: Add the cooked quinoa and tomato sauce to the skillet, stirring thoroughly to evenly distribute the quinoa and blend all ingredients well.
  5. Assemble and Bake the Casserole: Lightly spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer the turkey and quinoa mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top, and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro.
  6. Bake and Serve: Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden. Remove from the oven and divide into 4 servings. Optionally, top each serving with 2 tablespoons of diced avocado for added creaminess and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your nutritious taco bake!

Notes

  • Using lean ground turkey keeps the dish lower in fat while providing ample protein.
  • Grated zucchini is a great way to add extra vegetables and moisture without overpowering flavors.
  • You can substitute fresh salsa or canned rotel for the chopped vegetables if you’re short on time.
  • For a spicier dish, add extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • This bake reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
  • To make it vegetarian, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa taco bake, turkey taco casserole, healthy taco bake, baked quinoa recipe, Mexican casserole

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/tasty-quinoa-taco-bake-recipe/