So good you will gooble up this low cal dinner!

I went to Dara’s website and read about her weight loss journey. Boy does it resonate with me. I think so many times we are focused on what we can’t have while dieting, that we don’t really stop to think about what we can have!

This recipe is packed with flavor. No doubt about it. And being able to change our eating patterns for a healthier one is a big step in not allowing our food to control us.

SOUTHWESTERN TURKEY RICE CASSEROLE:

Serves 8

Ingredients

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 lb. lean ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ¾ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground pepper
• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 3 oz. canned diced green chiles
• 1 (14 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 ½ cup salsa (your favorite kind)
• 1 cup black beans, reduced sodium, drained and rinsed
• ¾ cup corn kernels
• ¼ cup minced cilantro
• ½ cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

 

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Lightly coat an 11- by 7-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium high heat.
4. Add the ground turkey and onions. Cook, breaking up the turkey, until the turkey is just cooked through.
5. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and cook for 1 minute.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in the rice, diced green chiles, diced tomatoes, salsa, black beans, corn and cilantro.
7. Stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
9. Cook until heated through, about 20 minutes.
10. Serve.

Quick Tip: Serve with a side salad and Dinner is ready!

Hopefully there will be enough for left overs, but you might want to put you name on the container. Someone might “accidentally” pick up your lunch instead!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Dara and The Cookin’ Canuck.