Mediterranean Taco Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 1 lb ground turkey or lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (Mediterranean touch!)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Veggies & Legumes:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

Grain Layer:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta (or both!)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or mint, chopped
• Optional: dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add red onion and garlic; sauté 2–3 minutes.
3. Add ground turkey or beef, break apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, ~6–7 minutes.
4. Stir in cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Add zucchini, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and chickpeas. Cook 3–4 minutes.
6. Stir in olives and remove from heat.
7. In a 9×13 baking dish, layer cooked quinoa or rice evenly on the bottom.
8. Add meat and veggie mixture on top of grains.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella or feta on top.
10. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with chopped herbs and serve with Greek yogurt if desired.

Servings:

• Serves 6
• Great for leftovers and meal prep!

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Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):

Note: Will vary depending on exact ingredients used

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 27g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 520mg

Enjoy!