Southwest Turkey Pie(Using Basic Marinara Sauce)
A flavorful, hearty turkey pie featuring southwestern spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 c. marinara sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced black olives ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen corn, thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (12 oz.) package corn muffin mix ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook chopped onion and green pepper in a heavy skillet until softened.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and crumble it.
- Cook until the turkey is no longer pink.
- Add marinara sauce, chopped green chilies, sliced black olives, cumin, chili powder, and salt to the skillet.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Pour the turkey mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Prepare the corn muffin mix according to package instructions and spread evenly over the turkey mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more chopped green chilies or jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if desired. If you don't have marinara sauce, try using a homemade tomato sauce or salsa for a different flavor. Consider adding black beans for extra protein and fiber, which pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Southwest Turkey Pie with a side of fresh guacamole or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. You can also pair it with sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess. This dish is perfect for leftovers, and you can use it as filling for Anytime Burritos or enjoy it with a side of Microwave Mexican Bean Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southwest Turkey Pie(Using Basic Marinara Sauce) contains roughly 685 calories, with 24g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and protein (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1743mg per serving (76% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake the corn muffin topping right before serving for the best texture. This makes it a great option for meal prepping and entertaining.
What can I use instead of corn muffin mix?
If you prefer a different base, you can substitute the corn muffin mix with a homemade cornbread batter or even a gluten-free muffin mix. Just ensure the consistency is similar to allow for even baking on top of the turkey mixture.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, simply modify the amount of chili powder and green chilies according to your taste. For a milder flavor, reduce the chili powder and use sweet corn instead of spicy varieties. Adding more cheese can also help mellow out the heat.
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).