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Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake Recipe

Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

This Tasty Quinoa Taco Bake is a wholesome, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that combines lean ground turkey, nutrient-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and a blend of Mexican spices. It’s perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep, offering a nourishing twist on classic taco flavors with a healthy, gluten-free base.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa

Vegetables and Sauce

  • 2 1/2 cups chopped onion, tomatoes, and peppers (or substitute with premade fresh salsa or 2 cans of Rotel)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (homemade or no-sugar-added preferred)
  • 1 cup grated zucchini
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup diced or sliced avocado (optional)

Cheese and Spices

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the quinoa: Cook 2 cups of quinoa according to package instructions and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cook the turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of lean ground turkey until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
  3. Sauté vegetables and spices: Add 2 1/2 cups of chopped onion, tomatoes, and peppers (or salsa/Rotel), along with 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chili powder, and 2 teaspoons cumin to the turkey. Cook until the vegetables are softened and combined well.
  4. Add zucchini and tomato sauce: Stir in 1 cup grated zucchini and 1/2 cup tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  5. Combine with quinoa: Mix the cooked quinoa into the turkey and vegetable mixture until thoroughly combined.
  6. Assemble the bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
  7. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled dish for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Serve and garnish: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional diced avocado before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef for variation.
  • Use premade salsa or canned Rotel to save time and add flavor.
  • Ensure quinoa is thoroughly cooked and fluffy for the best texture.
  • Optionally add black beans or corn for extra fiber and flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat covered in the microwave or oven to retain moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: quinoa taco bake, healthy taco bake, ground turkey recipe, gluten-free Mexican, easy dinner recipes, baked quinoa tacos

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/tasty-quinoa-taco-bake-recipe/