High Protein Turkey Taco Pie: A Delicious & Healthy Mexican-Inspired Comfort Food

Table of Contents: High Protein Turkey Taco Pie

High Protein Turkey Taco Pie

Remember those cozy family dinners growing up? The aroma filling the kitchen, everyone gathered around the table… This High Protein Turkey Taco Pie aims to recapture that feeling, but with a modern, health-conscious twist.

It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight, a casual holiday gathering, or simply when you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for an easy and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition, look no further!

This isn’t your average taco night. We’re taking all the delicious components of tacos – seasoned turkey, corn, black beans, and a zesty sauce – and layering them into a hearty, satisfying pie. Using lean ground turkey significantly boosts the protein content, making it a more filling and nutritious option than traditional beef-based taco pies.

This turkey taco pie is a fantastic high protein casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, and it’s a great way to introduce a little Mexican inspired flair into your meal rotation.

Forget about spending hours in the kitchen! This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, without sacrificing taste. It’s a one-dish wonder that minimizes cleanup, and the flavors meld beautifully as it bakes. We’ll show you how to create a truly memorable meal that everyone will enjoy, and that you can feel good about serving.

Alternate Names & Variations

This recipe goes by many names! You might also find similar dishes referred to as a Taco Bake, Mexican Layered Casserole, or even a Seven-Layer Taco Pie. The core concept remains the same: a layered dish featuring taco-inspired ingredients.

For a spicier kick, consider using hot enchilada sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning. You can also experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack would add a lovely heat! If you’re looking for a high protein casserole with a different base, try using a layer of quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas for a lower-carb option.

Ingredients: High Protein Turkey Taco Pie

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious High Protein Turkey Taco Pie:

• * 2 lb. lean ground turkey 99/1%
• * 2 can (4 oz. each) green chiles, undrained
• * 4 oz. Taco Seasoning (recipe below)
• * 2 cup canned corn, drained (approximately 170g)
• * 2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (approximately 160g)
• * 2 can (10 oz. each) mild red enchilada sauce
• * 8 Mission Balance flour tortillas (or similar, medium size)
• * 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (approximately 56g)
• * 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (approximately 56g)

Taco Seasoning:

• * 2 tsp. salt
• * 2 tsp. onion powder
• * 2 tsp. garlic powder
• * 4 tsp. smoked paprika
• * 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• * 3 Tbsp. ground cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this incredible High Protein Turkey Taco Pie:

• 1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• 2. Brown the Turkey: In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
• 3. Season the Turkey: Add the taco seasoning and 0.5 cup of water to the browned turkey. Stir well to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the turkey is fully seasoned.
• 4. Layer 1: Tortillas: Place 4 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping as needed to cover the surface. Chef Tip: If your tortillas are a bit dry, lightly brush them with olive oil or a little of the enchilada sauce to make them more pliable.
• 5. Layer 2: Turkey Mixture: Spread half of the seasoned turkey mixture evenly over the tortillas.
• 6. Layer 3: Corn & Beans: Sprinkle 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans over the turkey.
• 7. Layer 4: Enchilada Sauce & Chiles: Pour one can of enchilada sauce over the corn and beans. Distribute the green chiles evenly over the sauce.
• 8. Layer 5: Tortillas (Repeat): Place the remaining 4 tortillas over the enchilada sauce layer, again overlapping as needed.
• 9. Layer 6: Turkey Mixture (Repeat): Spread the remaining turkey mixture evenly over the tortillas.
• 10. Layer 7: Corn & Beans (Repeat): Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of corn and 1 cup of black beans over the turkey.
• 11. Layer 8: Enchilada Sauce: Pour the remaining can of enchilada sauce over the top.
• 12. Layer 9: Cheese: Sprinkle both the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses evenly over the enchilada sauce.
• 13. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pie is heated through. Chef Tip: For a golden-brown cheese topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• 14. Rest & Serve: Let the High Protein Turkey Taco Pie rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This High Protein Turkey Taco Pie is a breeze to make!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories per Serving: 450-500 (depending on cheese and tortilla choices)

7. Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This High Protein Turkey Taco Pie works because it combines the familiar flavors of tacos in a comforting, easy-to-serve format. The layers create a delightful texture contrast, and the use of lean ground turkey ensures a healthy and satisfying meal. It’s truly easy comfort food for family dinners!

The key to a great taco pie is ensuring each layer is well-seasoned and balanced. Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning – it’s what gives the turkey its signature flavor. Using a good quality enchilada sauce is also crucial.

And remember, you can customize this recipe to your liking! Add diced tomatoes, jalapenos, or your favorite vegetables to the turkey mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover turkey taco pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: This is a great dish to freeze for future meals! Assemble the pie, but do not bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You can also freeze individual slices for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Reheating: Reheat leftover pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes, but the texture may not be as crispy. This high protein casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping.

People Also Ask: High Protein Turkey Taco Pie

Here are some frequently asked questions about this High Protein Turkey Taco Pie:

How do you make high protein turkey taco pie?

This High Protein Turkey Taco Pie is made by layering seasoned lean ground turkey, corn, black beans, enchilada sauce, and cheese between tortillas in a baking dish. The turkey is browned and seasoned with a homemade taco seasoning blend, then combined with the other ingredients and baked until bubbly and golden brown.

It’s a simple process that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor. The use of lean turkey is the key to boosting the protein content, making it a more satisfying and nutritious meal than traditional versions.

What crust is used for taco pie?

Instead of a traditional pie crust, this turkey taco pie uses flour tortillas as the base and layers. Mission Balance tortillas are recommended for their flavor and texture, but any medium-sized flour tortillas will work. The tortillas provide a soft and slightly chewy texture that complements the savory filling.

They also make the pie easy to slice and serve. You can experiment with different types of tortillas, such as whole wheat or corn tortillas, to suit your dietary preferences.

What are the layers in turkey taco pie?

The layers in this High Protein Turkey Taco Pie are: a base of tortillas, a layer of seasoned ground turkey, a sprinkle of corn and black beans, a generous pour of enchilada sauce, another layer of tortillas, more turkey, corn, and beans, a final layer of enchilada sauce, and a topping of melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. These layers create a delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite.

Is this a healthy alternative to traditional taco pie?

Yes! This High Protein Turkey Taco Pie is a significantly healthier alternative to traditional recipes that often use ground beef and higher-fat cheeses. By using lean ground turkey, you reduce the overall fat content and increase the protein. The addition of corn and black beans provides fiber and essential nutrients.

Choosing a mild enchilada sauce and controlling the amount of cheese also contributes to a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Conclusion: High Protein Turkey Taco Pie

So there you have it – a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy High Protein Turkey Taco Pie that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try! I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your photos and comments below – let me know how it turned out and what variations you tried. Happy cooking!

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