Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a quick and delicious weeknight meal packed with tender chicken, smoky smoked turkey bacon, vibrant vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese. Ready in under 45 minutes, it combines bold taco flavors and comforting textures to satisfy the whole family with simple pantry staples and fresh produce.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 6 whole wheat tortillas, torn into pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup tomato salsa (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the smoked turkey bacon and chicken: Cook smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp to add texture. In the same pan, lightly warm the shredded chicken to blend with the smoky flavor of the bacon. Set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: In a splash of olive oil, sauté finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers until softened and fragrant. This builds the flavorful base for the casserole.
- Mix together the filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped smoked turkey bacon, the sautéed vegetables, black beans, tomato salsa (natural), apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently ensuring even distribution of all ingredients.
- Assemble the casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer torn whole wheat tortillas at the bottom. Add half of the filling mixture. Sprinkle generously with plant-based cheese mixed with natural gelling agent for creamy consistency. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, and finish with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake and serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden around the edges. Allow to cool slightly before slicing to help it hold together. Garnish with fresh cilantro and finely diced tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken to save time and reduce waste.
- Slightly crisp tortillas before layering to prevent sogginess.
- Adjust spices early and taste the filling before assembling for desired heat and flavor.
- Let the casserole rest after baking for easier slicing.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions added at the end brighten the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken taco casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, quick dinner, family meal, weeknight casserole
