Ground Turkey, Black Beans, Long Grain Rice, and Fiesta Cheese with Veggies

This is easy, inexpensive, and quick - plus healthy! Lean ground turkey can taste like your cheating on your low-fat diet but with the right creole seasonings and complex carbs, it can be fabulously good for you too! Basically, you layer everything and it is perfect if you’re doing a mini buffet for friends. Sautéed and raw onions are a big plus if those you dine with enjoy them along with cheese as well as basic veggies. The ultimate factor is the creole seasonings. I first started doing this recipe when I had a friend over and only had white rice, beans, and hamburger in the fridge. I soon molded it into a healthy meal with even better flavor! It keeps nicely so if you don’t cook for a lot of people, this is something you can eat off of all week!

• One package lean ground turkey meat - found in the meat grocery section
• One white onion
• Two cans of black beans
• One Box long-grain brown rice
• One package low-fat, four-cheese fiesta blend
• Optional: corn, green peppers, and tomatoes warmed with black beans

Seasonings:

• 1.5 tablespoon St. Tony Creole Seasoning, original
• 1 tablespoon crushed rosemary
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon of sugar-free maple syrup
• .5 tablespoon Himalayan salt
• .5 tablespoon basil
• .5 tablespoon ground cloves
  
  

All amounts of ingredients vary depending on the number of guests or family and should be seasoned to taste.

*The use of raw onions as well as those sautéed in the ground meat tend to compliment each other with different textures to both.

*The small number of sweet seasonings tend to balance out the creole seasoning so as not to be too spicy.

1. In a large skillet, brown the turkey meat with half of diced onion and all seasonings on stove top - BUT go easy on basil as it can be a bit overbearing if not used sparingly, as well as the creole seasoning can be a bit salty so season to taste along with other spices.
2. Cook the brown rice according to directions with a pinch of salt while boiling.
3. Warm the black beans (and optional vegetables) in small pan.
4. Chop up half raw onion in small pieces and set aside.
5. Once the rice and meat have been thoroughly cooked, as well as the beans warmed, begin setting each topping in a bowl for guests to layer on themselves including raw onions and cheese.
6. Time to eat! Begin layering the rice, then the beans (with optional other vegetables), next raw onions, then the meat with sautéed onions, and finally the cheese which should melt naturally with the warmth of the rest of the meal.

I generally serve this dish with a green vegetable of choice or sautéed squash and zucchini done in olive oil to maintain the dish's low-fat status.

Great for serving large groups!