Cheesy Mexican Turkey Rice Bake
This Cheesy Mexican Turkey Rice Bake is a scrumptious one-dish meal that combines the lean protein of ground turkey with creamy textures and bold flavors. It’s loaded with vibrant ingredients like salsa and green chilies, ensuring every bite is packed with taste. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this casserole offers a comforting blend of cheesy goodness and Southwestern flair. You can easily customize it by adding beans or additional vegetables to enhance its heartiness. A family-approved recipe that’s sure to become a staple on your dinner table!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground turkey
1 lb (none)
Yellow onion, chopped
1 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves, chopped
2 (chopped)
Reduced-fat cream cheese
8 ounces (room temperature)
Reduced-fat sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
Salsa
1/3 cup (none)
Diced green chilies
4 ounces (none)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
Cooked white rice
2 cups (cooked)
Additional shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey mixture with the cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, diced green chilies, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended.
5
Fold in the cooked white rice until evenly incorporated.
6
Transfer the mixture into a 13x9 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
8
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
11.7
Fat
20
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Mexican Turkey Rice Bake?
It is a scrumptious one-dish meal that combines lean ground turkey with creamy textures, salsa, and bold Southwestern flavors.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include ground turkey, cooked white rice, salsa, green chilies, cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish contains 15 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content?
There are 11.7 grams of fat in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates does it contain?
The recipe has 20 grams of carbohydrates.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long should I cook the ground turkey?
Cook the ground turkey in a large skillet for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned.
What type of oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses extra virgin olive oil for browning the meat and sautéing.
How much olive oil do I need?
You will need 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil.
What size dish should I use for baking?
Use a 13x9 inch casserole dish to bake the mixture.
Is the rice added raw or cooked?
You should add 2 cups of white rice that has already been cooked.
Does the recipe call for reduced-fat dairy?
Yes, it specifically suggests using reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat sour cream.
How much salsa is required?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of salsa.
How many green chilies are needed?
You will need a 4-ounce container of diced green chilies.
How much cheese goes into the turkey mixture?
One cup of shredded cheddar cheese is stirred directly into the turkey mixture.
When is the remaining cheese added?
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese on top after the dish has baked for the initial 25 minutes.
How long is the final bake time for the cheese topping?
Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
There are 2 chopped garlic cloves included in the dish.
What kind of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped yellow onion.
Can I add extra vegetables or beans?
Yes, you can easily customize the heartiness by adding beans or additional vegetables to the bake.
Is this recipe good for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is designed as a quick dinner and an easy recipe ideal for busy weeknights.
What should be the preparation of the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly.
How long do I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
What is the step after browning the turkey?
After browning, add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How much sour cream is in the recipe?
It requires 1/4 cup of reduced-fat sour cream.
What type of flavor profile does this dish have?
It features bold Southwestern flair with vibrant ingredients like salsa and green chilies.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-approved recipe and is considered family-friendly.
Why should I let the dish cool before serving?
Letting it cool slightly allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.