Mexican Inspired Turkey Pasta Casserole (Gluten Free) Recipe

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Toss in the rice pasta noodles and cook until just done but slightly a la dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to get rid of the cloudy film and drain again. Drizzle with a bit of oil, toss to coat and set aside.

Step 2

Meanwhile, drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper and hot peppers and cook until onion is translucent; add tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3

Pour into a large bowl and set aside.

Step 4

Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet and add the ground turkey and brown the turkey. Add the seasoning package and 1/2 cup of water; mix well and pour into the bowl with the cooked vegetables.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta and 5 ounces of the shredded cheese and mix well. Pour into a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish that has been sprayed with a light coat of olive oil mist.

Step 6

Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle with the hot pepper flakes.

Step 7

Place into a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven and cook for 30 minutes.

Step 8

Allow to cool about 5 minutes and serve.

Tips

2 1/2 quart casserole dish

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute ground chicken for ground turkey - This substitution is great for those who prefer chicken over turkey, or those who are looking for a leaner protein option.
Substitute quinoa noodles for rice pasta noodles - Quinoa noodles are a great gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta noodles, and they provide a good source of protein and fiber.

Variations

Vegetarian Version Replace the ground turkey with a 12-ounce package of vegetarian crumbles and omit the taco or burrito spice mix; instead, add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to the vegetables before adding to the casserole dish.

Mexican-Style Version Replace the ground turkey with 12 ounces of chorizo sausage and omit the taco or burrito spice mix; instead, add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika to the vegetables before adding to the casserole dish. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend before baking.

Serve with

Mexican Street Corn Salad: This light and flavorful salad is the perfect accompaniment to the Mexican-inspired turkey casserole. The creamy, tangy dressing complements the casserole's spicy flavors, and the corn and bell peppers add a crunchy texture.

Black Bean and Rice Burritos: These burritos are a great way to round out the Mexican-inspired meal. The combination of black beans, rice, and a variety of spices creates a flavorful and filling dish. The burritos are easy to make and can be customized to each person's tastes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use regular pasta for this dish?

A: Yes, you can use regular pasta for this dish if you don't need it to be gluten free. Just replace the rice pasta noodles with regular ones.

Q: How long should I cook the pasta?

A: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Depending on the type of pasta, it can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes. Be sure to check the pasta for doneness before draining.

1 Reviews

Write Review

Fun facts:

The taco or burrito spice mix used in this recipe was first introduced to the public in 1938 by the Old El Paso company, making it one of the oldest Mexican-inspired seasonings.

In 2018, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay shared a version of this casserole on his show, The F Word, proving that Mexican-inspired dishes can be enjoyed by everyone, even those with a gluten-free diet.