Taco Casserole

By Stephanie Keeth, MSN, ACNP-BC, CNS, CCRN, CBN | Loma Linda University Health Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery | Loma Linda, CA

This is an easy, quick, kid and weight loss surgery friendly meal. Use this recipe or make it the way you like it. The choice is yours!

Servings: 9 | Prep Time: 30 | Cook Time: 35

Calories: 277 | Total Fat: 13g | Total Carbs: 11g | Protein: 23g

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground turkey

1 small zucchini, diced

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 garlic cloves, minced

1 pkg. taco seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.

1 10oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 8oz. can fat-free refried beans

1 8oz. can tomatoes & chilies

2 c. Mexican blend cheese

2. Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray, set it over medium heat and allow it to get hot. Sauté zucchini, onion with garlic until they are soft. Drain any excess liquid and transfer to a bowl.

3. Brown ground turkey meat, drain and then transfer to the same bowl and mix with black beans and tomatoes and chilies.

4. Mix in taco seasoning thoroughly and then transfer mixture to a 13 x 9 casserole dish.

5. Evenly spread out fat free refried beans on top (this may be easier if you heat them in a microwave safe bowl for a minute or so).

6. Top with cheese and then bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, and slightly browned.

7. Cool 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.