Savory Turkey Tex-Mex Bake
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with this Savory Turkey Tex-Mex Bake. This one-dish wonder is packed with colorful frozen vegetables, hearty turkey, and zesty spices, all bound together with a creamy sauce. Ideal for utilizing leftover turkey, this casserole boasts a nutritious profile while keeping fat and sodium in check. It's an effortless dish that requires minimal prep time and is perfect for potluck gatherings or family dinners. Whether you choose to add a melty layer of cheese on top or simply serve it with sour cream and fresh herbs, this casserole promises satisfaction in every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot water
1 cup (boiling)
white rice
1 cup (uncooked)
frozen mixed vegetables
20 ounces (frozen)
cream of chicken soup with herbs
10 ounces (canned)
chopped fire-roasted green chilies
4 ounces (canned)
diced cooked turkey
4 cups (cooked)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (canned)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
onion flakes
1 teaspoon (dried)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (dried)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
chipotle chile in adobo
1 (diced)
chili pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 cup (optional, for topping)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
fresh cilantro
to taste (for garnish)
fresh parsley
to taste (for garnish)
salsa
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a microwave-safe dish, combine 1 cup of white rice with 1 cup of hot water. Microwave on medium-high for 3 minutes, then set aside.
3
In a large 9x13 casserole dish, combine the frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup with herbs, chopped fire-roasted green chilies, diced cooked turkey, and half of the crushed tomatoes. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4
Gently fold in the cooked rice into the turkey mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
5
In a separate bowl, mix the remaining crushed tomatoes with ground cumin, garlic powder, onion flakes, dried parsley, dried oregano, diced chipotle chile, and chili pepper flakes (if using). Pour this seasoned tomato mixture over the casserole, spreading it evenly over the top.
6
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes.
7
Optional: For added richness, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded Monterey jack cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Serve hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and parsley. Accompany with salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Turkey Tex-Mex Bake?
It is a vibrant, one-dish casserole featuring cooked turkey, frozen vegetables, and Southwest spices bound with a creamy sauce.
What type of turkey is best for this recipe?
This recipe is designed for diced cooked turkey, making it an excellent way to use up leftovers.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should bake for 60 minutes while covered, plus an additional 5 minutes if you add cheese at the end.
What size baking dish is required?
A large 9x13 inch casserole dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do I prepare the rice for this bake?
Combine 1 cup of white rice with 1 cup of hot water and microwave on medium-high for 3 minutes before adding it to the mixture.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of frozen mixed vegetables.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty profile due to green chilies, chipotle chile in adobo, and optional chili pepper flakes.
Can I add cheese to the top of the casserole?
Yes, you can sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Monterey jack cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
What kind of canned soup is used?
The recipe uses one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup with herbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 total ingredients including the main components and garnishes.
What type of tomatoes should be used?
The recipe requires 28 ounces of canned crushed tomatoes, divided into two parts.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during the 60-minute baking period.
What garnishes are suggested for serving?
It is best served with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, fresh parsley, and salsa.
Is this a good meal for a potluck?
Yes, its one-dish format and hearty portions make it perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
What spices provide the Tex-Mex flavor?
The flavor comes from ground cumin, garlic powder, onion flakes, and chipotle chile.
Do I need to cook the turkey first?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of diced cooked turkey.
Can I use different types of rice?
The instructions specify white rice, but other varieties may require different pre-cooking times.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as having a nutritious profile with controlled fat and sodium levels.
How are the green chilies prepared?
Use 4 ounces of canned fire-roasted green chilies that have been chopped.
What dried herbs are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried parsley and dried oregano.
How is the tomato topping prepared?
Mix half of the crushed tomatoes with cumin, garlic, onion flakes, herbs, and chipotle before spreading it over the casserole.
Can I make this dish less spicy?
To reduce the heat, you can omit the chipotle chile and the optional chili pepper flakes.
What provides the creaminess in the sauce?
The cream of chicken soup mixed with the vegetables and turkey creates a creamy base.
Are the frozen vegetables thawed before mixing?
The instructions indicate mixing the frozen vegetables directly into the casserole dish.
How much cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried inside the bake?
The recipe uses dried parsley for the seasoning mix and fresh parsley for the final garnish.
What is the purpose of the hot water?
Hot water is used to partially cook the white rice in the microwave before it is added to the bake.
Is Monterey Jack the only cheese I can use?
While Monterey Jack is recommended for its melting properties, you could substitute it with mild cheddar or a Mexican blend.
How should leftovers of this bake be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated.