Mexican Turkey Casserole (Microwave)(Freda Adams, Bethel, Ohio)
A flavorful microwaveable casserole combining tender turkey, cheesy layers, green chilies, and crunchy corn chips, perfect for quick, satisfying meals with a southwestern twist.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. chopped cooked turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) jar chicken gravy ⓘ
- 1 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chili peppers, drained ⓘ
- 2 green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sliced ripe olives ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. coarsely crushed corn chips ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped ⓘ
- shredded lettuce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cooked turkey or chicken, chicken gravy, sour cream, diced green chili peppers, sliced green onions, and sliced ripe olives.
- Grease the sides of a microwave-safe 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Sprinkle one-third of the crushed corn chips over the bottom of the casserole.
- Pour half of the turkey mixture over the corn chips.
- Top with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat layers: add remaining turkey mixture, then remaining cheese.
- Finish with the last portion of crushed corn chips on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting the chicken gravy with homemade turkey or chicken stock. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the mixture. This casserole is versatile; feel free to swap in leftover chicken from recipes like Chicken Taquitos or Fried Chicken Tacos.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Turkey Casserole with a side of shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes for freshness. It pairs wonderfully with Southwestern Corn Soup or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, complement it with warm tortillas or chips for scooping, making it a delightful addition to any gathering or family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. For a crispy topping, consider placing the casserole under the broiler for a couple of minutes after microwaving, watching closely to prevent burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Turkey Casserole (Microwave)(Freda Adams, Bethel, Ohio) contains roughly 689 calories, with 14g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (267% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1263mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, microwave until hot throughout, which may take a bit longer than usual due to the cold ingredients.
What can I use instead of turkey?
You can easily substitute turkey with shredded chicken or even use a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Canned beans or lentils can also work well, making it a great choice for those looking for meatless Mexican recipes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture. You can also choose spicier varieties of green chili peppers or top the casserole with hot salsa before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).