Description
This Chicken Taco Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, melty plant-based cheese, and a vibrant blend of spices, it combines ease of preparation with bold, comforting flavors. Layered with corn tortillas and enriched with black beans, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic onion and garlic, this casserole is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Base
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 2 cups plant-based cheese (melting)
- 12 corn tortillas
Vegetables and Beans
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Other
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Olive oil or cooking oil for sautéing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the smoky turkey bacon and aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove and place on paper towels to drain. In the same skillet, add a little oil if needed, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, forming the savory base of the casserole.
- Mix the chicken filling: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet along with black beans, crushed tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Stir everything well and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a baking dish. Start layering with corn tortillas at the bottom, then spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture over them. Sprinkle a layer of plant-based cheese and crumble some of the crispy smoked turkey bacon on top. Repeat the layers until all filling is used, finishing with a final layer of plant-based cheese for a golden, melty top.
- Bake until golden and bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and the flavors to combine fully.
Notes
- Choose shredded rotisserie chicken to save prep time and boost flavor.
- Allow the casserole to stand for 10 minutes after baking for perfect slicing.
- Use fresh corn tortillas to keep them tender and better absorb flavors.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon separately to maintain crunch and avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- Adjust chili powder and paprika to customize the spice level to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, taco casserole, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Mexican casserole, gluten free casserole
