Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb extra-lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (use a low-sodium variety)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 1 cup salsa (choose a lower sugar option)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- Cooking spray
For Topping (Optional):
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced green onions
- Fat-free Greek yogurt or light sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook Ground Turkey or Chicken: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey or chicken over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Taco Seasoning and Salsa: Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Beans and Corn: Add the drained and rinsed black beans and drained corn kernels. Mix well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional Toppings: Once out of the oven, top the casserole with chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt or light sour cream if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve the taco casserole.
Notes:
- Vegetarian Option: You can make this casserole vegetarian by using plant-based ground meat alternatives or additional beans.
- Tortilla Chips: If you’d like a bit of crunch, you can crush a few baked tortilla chips on top before serving.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to stay within your desired point range.
