Ever find yourself staring into your fridge at 7 PM, wondering how dinner snuck up on you again? We’ve all been there. Between work, errands, and after-school activities, weeknights can feel like a whirlwind. That’s where healthy Mexican Trader Joe’s recipes come to the rescue — especially this super simple Taco Bake. It’s quick, delicious, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Imagine layers of fluffy rice, perfectly seasoned ground turkey, sweet and spicy Mexican street corn, and gooey melted cheese. Sounds like a dinner dream, right? Even better — it only takes 15 minutes to prep!
Mexican Trader Joe’s Taco Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey – A healthy quick-cooking protein.
- 1/2 packet Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning – Adds the perfect kick of flavor.
- 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce – For that saucy savory goodness.
- 2 packets Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice or Frozen Cauliflower Rice – Your choice of grain or grain-free base.
- 1 bag Frozen Mexican Street Corn – Sweet zesty corn (cheese packet optional).
- 3/4 cup shredded Pepperjack Cheese – For a melty spicy topping.
- Fresh Cilantro – For garnish.
- Optional Toppings – Salsa avocado, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, or any favorite taco toppings.
Instructions
- Prep and Brown the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground turkey until fully cooked. Add half a packet of Trader Joe’s Taco Seasoning and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Heat the Rice and Corn: Microwave 2 packets of Trader Joe’s Jasmine Rice or Mexican Cauliflower Rice according to the package instructions. Microwave the Frozen Mexican Street Corn and discard the cheese packet (unless you want extra cheesy goodness).
- Combine and Layer: In a greased 9×13 casserole dish, mix the rice, ground turkey, and Mexican street corn.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of shredded Pepperjack Cheese on top.
- Bake It to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Top with fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite taco toppings!
Notes
- Rice Substitution: You can substitute boil-in-bag brown rice or pre-cooked rice if Trader Joe’s jasmine rice is unavailable.
- Corn Alternative: If you don’t have Trader Joe’s Mexican street corn, use regular frozen corn and add chili powder for extra flavor.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: Prepare it on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months — perfect for those nights you just can’t.
- Serving Ideas: Spoon it into a warm tortilla for taco wraps, or serve it as-is with extra toppings!
Tips & Variations
- Add More Veggies: Include bell peppers, black beans, or diced tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Options: Swap pepper jack for cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Make it Spicy: Add extra taco seasoning or sliced jalapeños for more heat.
- Wrap It Up: Use the filling as a burrito or taco filling for variety.
Why This Taco Bake is a Weeknight Hero
We all want to serve our families meals that are healthy and delicious. But let’s be real — who has time for complicated recipes during the week? This Taco Bake checks all the boxes: quick, easy, healthy, and made with Trader Joe’s staples. It’s one of those healthy Mexican Trader Joe’s recipes that’ll quickly become a go-to.
Next time your week feels like a chaotic circus, let this Taco Bake be your dinner-time ringmaster. Because simple, wholesome, and delicious meals shouldn’t be reserved for weekends!
Looking for More Easy Mexican-inspired recipes?
If you loved this Healthy Mexican Trader Joe’s Taco Bake Recipe, I’ve got even more delicious and comforting recipes that will bring bold, authentic Mexican flavors to your kitchen. Check these out!
- Mexican Hot Chocolate (Chocolate Caliente)
- Mexican Pizza Recipe
- Authentic Mexican Chicken Soup
- Jiffy Mexican Cornbread Recipe
These recipes are sure to spice up your meals—give them a try and bring the taste of Mexico straight to your table!
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and hashtag it #foodiecreator.
