#1,236: Turkey & Quinoa Taco Bake

Photo coming soon....I can't find where I took it.  :) 

I made this to eat for lunch last week and I ate it every single day!  I really, really enjoyed eating this easy, healthy meal!  I will be keeping this for my lunch meal rotations for sure! 

1 cup uncooked Quinoa

20oz package 93% Lean Ground Turkey (that it way too lean for my liking. I used 85/15)

1 can Tomato Sauce

1 ½ cups chopped Red or yellow or green pepper

½ cup chopped onion 

diced Jalapeno (to taste)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Juice of 1 lime

Garlic 3 cloves minced

2 tbsp chili powder

2 tsp cumin

1 tsp onion powder

1/3 cup chopped cilantro

Hot Sauce to taste (optional)

Preheat Oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9X13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Add Quinoa to 2 cups water in a Medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Cover quinoa and set aside.

Spray frying pan with non-stick cooking spray. Add onion, garlic and jalapeno and sauté over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it browns. Cook for about 5 minutes and add the peppers. Cook for 3-4 minutes more, or until meat if no longer pink.

Add the juice of 1 lime, cumin, chili powder and cilantro. Stir to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste.  Remove from heat and add the quinoa to the meat and veggie mixture. Pour in the tomato sauce and hot sauce if using and stir. Add ¼ c of shredded Cheddar Cheese.

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are bubbling. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.