Mexican Casserole Recipe

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: canned lentils

Ground turkey reduces fat while lentils are a budget-friendly protein.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese cuts calories, while processed cheese is often less expensive.

salsa

🥗Healthier: fresh pico de gallo

💰Cheaper: canned tomato sauce

Pico de gallo is fresher and healthier, while canned sauce is budget-friendly.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Greek yogurt offers creaminess with fewer calories, while cream cheese is often cheaper.

Open the refried beans and add them to a microwave-safe bowl with a couple tablespoons of water and a dash of taco seasoning.

Microwave the refried beans until smooth.

Prepare a mixture of cream cheese, 8 ounces of sour cream, and half a jar of jalapeños in a blender; puree until smooth.

Brown ground turkey in a skillet, season with taco seasoning, and drain the fat.

Spray the casserole dish with cooking spray.

Layer the ground turkey at the bottom of the casserole dish.

Spread the warmed refried beans over the ground turkey, smoothing it out like frosting.

Add the sour cream, cream cheese, and jalapeño mixture on top of the beans, creating an even layer.

Generously layer with cheese, using a mix of taco-style and pepper jack cheese.

Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Optionally serve with avocado, lime wedge, sliced green onion, or cilantro, and cut into squares before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens