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- 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 cup frozen corn - 1 packet taco seasoning (low-sodium) For this dish, I always start with lean ground turkey or chicken. This keeps it light but hearty. Black beans add great protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a nice kick and moisture. Frozen corn adds sweetness and color. Finally, taco seasoning ties all the flavors together. - 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Toppings make this dish special. I love using reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese for that gooey texture. Fat-free Greek yogurt gives a creamy touch without the extra calories. Green onions add a fresh crunch, and cilantro brings a burst of flavor. - Salt and pepper - Non-stick cooking spray Seasoning is key in cooking. I always use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. A little non-stick cooking spray helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. This simple mix of ingredients makes for a delicious and healthy meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This prepares it for cooking. 2. In a large skillet, heat a bit of non-stick cooking spray over medium heat. 3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns soft and clear. 1. Add 1 lb of lean ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. 2. Cook until it is brown and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. 3. Drain any extra fat from the meat. 4. Now stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, and the taco seasoning. 5. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. 6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Take a 9x13 inch baking dish and layer the meat and bean mix evenly on the bottom. 2. Sprinkle 1 cup of reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese on top. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese melted and bubbly. 4. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes. 5. Top each serving with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro before serving. Each serving of Weight Watchers Taco Casserole has about 300 calories. This makes it a great choice for those watching their intake. The Weight Watchers points value is around 6 points per serving. This means it fits well within many meal plans. This casserole is packed with protein. It offers about 25 grams of protein per serving. The dish also contains around 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of fat. This balance helps keep you full and satisfied. This recipe uses low-calorie options. The lean turkey or chicken keeps it light, while the beans add fiber. Nutrient-rich ingredients like tomatoes and corn boost vitamins and minerals. Enjoying this meal can support a healthy lifestyle while still tasting delicious. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients can elevate the flavors in your casserole, making it taste even better. Opt for fresh cilantro and green onions for garnish to add a burst of flavor. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the lean ground turkey or chicken with lean ground beef or plant-based protein for a different twist on this dish that fits your dietary preferences. Layer It Up: For added texture and flavor, consider layering in some sautéed bell peppers or zucchini before baking for a veggie boost. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking for a convenient meal option. {{image_2}} To make your Weight Watchers Taco Casserole even better, consider these tips: - Adjusting spice levels: If you like heat, add more taco seasoning or fresh jalapeños. For a milder taste, reduce the seasoning or use a mild salsa. - Adding extra vegetables: You can sneak in more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. This adds flavor and boosts the nutrition. Here are some helpful cooking tips: - Tips for browning meat: Use medium heat to avoid burning. Break the meat into small pieces. This helps it cook evenly and brown nicely. - Best practices for layering: When layering, spread the meat mixture evenly. Then, sprinkle cheese on top. This ensures every bite is cheesy and delicious. Make this casserole fit your diet: - Substitutions for different diets: If you want to use ground beef, choose lean cuts. For gluten-free options, make sure your taco seasoning is gluten-free. - Making it vegetarian: Swap the meat for more beans or lentils. You can also add extra veggies to keep it hearty and satisfying. You can change the protein in this recipe. Instead of lean ground turkey or chicken, try lean ground beef or plant-based meat. These swaps add different tastes and textures. You can also use shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken. For beans, black beans work well, but you can also use pinto beans or kidney beans. If you want more veggies, add chopped bell peppers or zucchini. These options boost nutrition and flavor. Want to spice it up? Add more taco seasoning or use spicy diced tomatoes. You can make it even more Mexican by adding jalapeños or fresh lime juice. These small changes can make a big taste difference. If you’re feeling adventurous, try an Italian twist. Use Italian sausage instead of turkey and add marinara sauce. Top it with mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar. This creates a fun new dish. Pair this casserole with a crisp salad or some guacamole. Fresh greens balance the rich flavors. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for extra crunch. For meal prep, this casserole is perfect. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. Just reheat and enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Just follow the steps, then cover and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Is it freezer-friendly? Absolutely! You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven. How can I make it spicier? To add some heat, mix in jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also use spicy taco seasoning or add crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice to fit your taste! Is this casserole gluten-free? Yes, this casserole can be gluten-free. Just ensure you use gluten-free taco seasoning. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Can I use low-carb ingredients? Yes, you can swap out the black beans for cauliflower rice or zucchini. This keeps the dish lower in carbs. Always check the labels of your ingredients to be sure. What if I don’t have taco seasoning? If you lack taco seasoning, make your own! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the amounts to match your flavor preference. Alternatives for cheese or yogurt? If you want cheese alternatives, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For yogurt, use sour cream or a plant-based option. These swaps keep the taste tasty and fresh! This casserole combines lean turkey, black beans, and tasty spices for a delicious meal. You can also adjust toppings for a healthy finish. I shared tips for spicing it up, customizing it, and even making it ahead. Remember, make it yours through ingredient swaps or flavor tweaks. Cooking can be fun and easy. Enjoy experimenting and enjoying this hearty dish!

Flavorful Weight Watchers Taco Casserole

A delicious and healthy taco casserole perfect for Weight Watchers.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (15 oz)
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (low-sodium)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup fat-free Greek yogurt
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat a small amount of non-stick cooking spray over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
  • Add the lean ground turkey or chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat.
  • Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, frozen corn, and taco seasoning. Mix thoroughly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread the meat and bean mixture evenly on the bottom.
  • Sprinkle the reduced-fat cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Top each serving with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Top with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs for added flavor.
Keyword casserole, dinner, healthy, taco, Weight Watchers