Deep Dish Taco Casserole
Try this Deep Dish Taco Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Deep Dish Taco Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 3/4 cup frozen corn kernels
- 3/4 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 4 oz 50% reduced fat sharp cheddar shredded (i used cabot)
- 1 lb 99% lean ground turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons canned diced green chilies
- 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 tablespoons taco sauce (i used ortega medium heat but feel free to use mild or hot)
- 1 (11 oz) can refrigerated pizza crust dough (i used
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes (i used cherry tomatoes)
- Carbohydrate 4.2335 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.1662 g
- Fiber 0.644999995231628 g
- Protein 0.7294 g
- Saturated Fat 0.02455 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (135g)
- Sodium 2.91 mg
- Sugar 3.58850000476837 g
- Trans Fat 0.02164 g
- Calories 18 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Mist a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Mist a large skillet or saute pan with cooking spray and bring to medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking up into small bite-sized chunks with a spoon or spatula, until turkey is cooked through.
- Add the corn, black beans, diced chilies and taco seasoning and stir together.
- Add the tomato sauce and taco sauce and stir until combined.
- Continue to cook over med-high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken.
- While the sauce is thickening, unroll the pizza dough and lay it in the prepared baking dish.
- Push the dough down across the dish and up the sides so that it covers the bottom and sides of the dish.
- Pour the meat mixture from the pan into the center of the pizza dough and spread evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the contents are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 8-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle the shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes evenly across the top of the casserole and slice into 6 even pieces before serving.
My Deep Dish Taco Casserole Adventure: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are filled with meetings, school runs, and the endless to-do list that comes with juggling career and family. But even in the midst of the chaos, I refuse to compromise on dinner. It's a time for family connection, a chance to unwind and enjoy a meal together after a long day. That's why I’m always on the lookout for quick, easy, and satisfying recipes that the whole family will enjoy, and this Deep Dish Taco Casserole is a recent standout.
What initially drew me to this recipe was its simplicity. The ingredient list is short and easily adaptable to what I have on hand. I love that it uses ground turkey for a leaner protein option, but you can easily substitute ground beef or chicken if you prefer. The combination of corn, black beans, and diced chilies adds a vibrant pop of flavor and texture, and the creamy cheddar cheese melts perfectly into the warm, savory filling. The pizza dough base elevates this casserole beyond the typical taco night fare, providing a crispy and satisfying crust that complements the hearty filling beautifully.
This casserole is more than just a convenient weeknight meal; it's a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For example, if you're looking to make it vegetarian, you can easily omit the ground turkey and use a vegetarian crumbles substitute, or even just increase the amount of beans and vegetables. For those watching their sodium intake, opting for low-sodium canned goods is a simple way to reduce the overall salt content. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
But the real magic of this Deep Dish Taco Casserole isn't just its flavor; it’s the ease of preparation. The assembly takes less than 15 minutes, which is a huge plus on busy weeknights. And the best part? Leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a perfect meal prep option for those lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. I often double the recipe to have enough for the week. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, making it a perfect choice for a quick lunch at the office or a comforting dinner after a long day. I often assemble the casserole in the morning and pop it in the oven when I get home from work, allowing the aroma of delicious food to fill my home and signal the end of a long day.
Beyond its practicality, the Deep Dish Taco Casserole also offers a sense of satisfaction that transcends mere sustenance. It’s a reminder that even in the face of a busy schedule, it is possible to create a delicious and nutritious meal that brings family together. The simple act of sharing a meal, savoring the flavors together, and sharing laughter and conversation amidst the comforting warmth of a home-cooked dinner is invaluable. It reminds me of simpler times when cooking was more about connecting with those I love, than it was about efficiency. This dish has rekindled that joy in my kitchen, and the positive feedback from my family only reinforces this delight. It truly is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, and for me, that’s priceless.
So, if you're a busy woman searching for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the entire family will adore, I wholeheartedly recommend trying this Deep Dish Taco Casserole. It's a recipe that has become a staple in my home, and I know it'll quickly become a cherished one in yours as well.
