Tex-Mex Fiesta Bake
A flavorful Tex-Mex casserole featuring shredded turkey, cheese, corn, and spicy picante sauce, perfect for a hearty, cheesy bake that appeals to family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) package Stove Top chicken flavor or cornbread stuffing mix
- 1 2/3 cups water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parkay margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded, cooked turkey or chicken ⓘ
- 1 small tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (7 oz.) can whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 3/4 cup picante sauce (medium) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Prepare stuffing according to package directions, using water and margarine.
- Spoon the prepared stuffing into the bottom of a greased 11 x 7-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil and sauté chopped onion and green pepper until tender.
- Mix cooked turkey or chicken with sautéed vegetables, chopped tomato, drained corn, and picante sauce.
- Spread the turkey mixture evenly over the stuffing in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapenos to the turkey mixture. You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with pepper jack if you prefer more heat. If you're short on time, leftover rotisserie chicken works great instead of cooked turkey or chicken. Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand, like adding zucchini or bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This Tex-Mex Fiesta Bake pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, serve with tortilla chips and guacamole on the side. You might also enjoy this dish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal; just cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tex-Mex Fiesta Bake contains roughly 397 calories, with 6g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 690mg per serving (30% 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 use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers adds a great flavor, you can substitute it with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend of your favorite cheeses to suit your taste.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the assembly ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled Tex-Mex Fiesta Bake before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. Note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
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).