Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake

Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake Recipe - A Flavorful Twist on Traditional Potatoes

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the flavors of ground turkey, salsa, corn, and cheese with creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional shepherd's pie, which typically consists of ground meat topped with mashed potatoes. The addition of salsa and corn gives this dish a southwestern flair, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

10 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1 cup sour cream
0.33 cup milk
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) butter
2 lb (907 g) ground turkey
0.75 cup chopped onion
0.5 cup water
1 pkg (1.25 oz (35 g)) Ortega taco seasoning mix - regular
1 jar (16 oz (454 g)) Ortega salsa - Homestyle recipe (mild)
1 can (15.5 oz (439 g)) corn, drained
2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
In a large saucepan, cover the potatoes with water and cook over medium-high heat until tender.
Drain the potatoes and add sour cream, milk, and butter.
Mash the potatoes and season with salt and ground black pepper.
In a large skillet, cook the turkey and onion until the turkey is no longer pink.
Add water and seasoning to the skillet and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
Add salsa and corn to the skillet and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Place the turkey mixture in the prepared baking pan and top with a cup of cheese.
Spread the mashed potato mixture over the turkey and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the turkey is heated through and the cheese is melted.

Variations

Substitute ground beef or chicken for the ground turkey.
Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for an extra kick of heat.
Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender before mashing them to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Be sure to season the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.

- Cooking the turkey mixture low and slow allows the flavors to meld together for a delicious filling.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the turkey mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until tender for easy mashing.

- Cook the turkey mixture low and slow to develop flavor.

- Bake the dish until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.

- Swap out cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different protein option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, milk, butter, cheese) and corn. Please be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Summary

Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake is a balanced meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best of comfort food with a southwestern twist. With creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned ground turkey, salsa, corn, and melted cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a beautiful sunny day, and I was visiting my friend Maria who lived on a farm just outside of town. Maria was an amazing cook, and she had invited me over for a special lunch. As we sat at her kitchen table, she brought out a steaming dish of Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake. The colors and smells were absolutely mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

Maria noticed my excitement and smiled. "I learned this recipe from my grandmother," she said. "It's a family favorite, and I think you'll love it too."

As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the flavors. The tender turkey, creamy potatoes, and spicy salsa all blended together perfectly. I couldn't stop raving about how delicious it was, and Maria was pleased to see me enjoying her dish so much.

After lunch, I asked Maria if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. She happily agreed and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her sunny kitchen, chopping, stirring, and baking together. As we worked, Maria shared stories of her grandmother and the special moments they had shared in the kitchen.

"I remember watching her cook when I was just a little girl," Maria said, her eyes misty with nostalgia. "She had a way of making even the simplest ingredients taste like magic. This Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake was one of her specialties, and it always brings back fond memories of her."

I listened intently as Maria shared her memories, and I felt a deep sense of connection to her and her family. As we finished baking the dish, the smell of cumin and chili powder filled the kitchen, and I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake countless times for my family and friends. Each time, it brings back memories of that sunny day at Maria's farm and the special bond we shared in her kitchen. I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own personal touches and variations, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

I have also shared the recipe with many others, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to new generations. I love seeing the joy on their faces as they take their first bite and realize just how special this recipe truly is.

As I sit here now, surrounded by my collection of recipes and memories, I am reminded of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting connections. I am grateful for the day I first saw the recipe for Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake, and for the friendship and love that it has brought into my life.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a new recipe to try, I urge you to give Fiesta Turkey Potato Bake a chance. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe it will bring a little bit of magic into your life too.