This Weight Watchers Mexican Casserole Is The Perfect Weeknight Dinner Recipe enthusiasts

Mexican casserole holds a special place in our weeknight dinner lineup. It features all the best elements of Tex-Mex cuisine – flavorful, spiced ground turkey adorned with corn, bell peppers, and black beans. These ingredients are layered between hearty whole wheat, high-fiber tortillas, and decadently melty cheese. It”s a combination that’s hard to resist! This Weight Watchers-friendly version is loaded with healthy fibers from black beans and veggies, ensuring a meal that keeps you full and satisfied. By keeping the points low with fat-free shredded cheese and using deliciously light ground turkey, this guilt-free delight is bound to become a new household favorite.

Assembling this Mexican casserole is a breeze, requiring only 20 minutes of prep time! The use of prepacked veggies and salsas minimizes cleanup, providing more free time when you’re not in the kitchen. Grab your favorite jar of salsa, and let’s get cooking!

Why you should try this recipe: 

1. Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or incorporating other ingredients that fit your dietary preferences. It’s versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste.
2. Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced home cooks, providing a convenient option for a delicious homemade meal.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep. You can portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners during busy weekdays.
4. Family-Friendly: The flavors in this Mexican Casserole are likely to appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a family-friendly dish that everyone can enjoy. It’s a great way to introduce healthier options to your loved ones without sacrificing taste.
5. Satisfying and Filling: With a combination of protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates from the beans and corn, this casserole is designed to be filling and satisfying, helping you stay satisfied for longer periods.

Servings: Makes about 10 small servings (227g per serving)

Just 1 WW Point per small serving. (So feel free to eat more than 1 serving!)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean or higher)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
• 1 cup salsa (check for low or zero added sugar)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups reduced-fat shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 2 – 4 ole high fiber low carb xtreme wellness tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Fat-free Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the lean ground turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened.
4. Stir in the diced bell pepper, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
5. While the mixture is simmering, cut the corn tortillas into bite-sized pieces.
6. In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the tortilla pieces on the bottom. Top with half of the turkey and vegetable mixture, spreading it evenly.
7. Sprinkle half of the reduced-fat shredded cheese over the mixture.
8. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
9. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
11. Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with optional fat-free Greek yogurt on the side.

Variations/Substitutions:

6. Add a Layer of Greens: Boost the nutritional content by adding a layer of fresh spinach or kale between the tortilla and meat layers. The heat from the casserole will wilt the greens, and you’ll get an extra dose of vitamins.
7. Versatile Serving Options: Serve the casserole with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt for added creaminess and a boost of protein. This versatile dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes.
8. Vegetarian Friendly: Amp up the beans and veggies and add in some ground meat substitute for a delectable veggie friendly version. 

Tips n tricks: 

1. Adjust Spice Levels Gradually: If you’re unsure about spice preferences, add spices gradually and taste as you go. This way, you can control the heat level without making the casserole too spicy.
2. Use a Casserole Liner: To make cleanup easier, consider using a parchment paper liner in the casserole dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving and cleaning a breeze.
3. Allow for Resting Time: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the flavors meld together, and it makes it easier to cut and serve.

Related Recipes:

WW Points

Weight Watchers Friendly Mexican Casserole

The flavors in this Mexican Casserole are likely to appeal to a wide range of tastes, making it a family-friendly dish that everyone can enjoy.