Chipotle Cheese Turkey Rigatoni Bake

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Steps

1. 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. 2 Cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
3. 3 In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
4. 4 Stir in cumin, chili powder, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5 In a small bowl, mix sour cream, milk, and chipotle peppers. Add to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. 6 Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet mixture and stir to coat.
7. 7 Transfer to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with both cheeses.
8. 8 Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden.
9. 9 Let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with cilantro and serving.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Oven

Variations

• Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and heat.
• Incorporate diced green chilies for an added layer of flavor.

Substitutions

• If chipotle peppers are too spicy, substitute with smoked paprika for a milder smoky flavor.
• Use a blend of your favorite cheeses in place of cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Pairings

• Pairs well with a crisp lager or a glass of zinfandel.
• A fresh cilantro-lime rice on the side complements the dish nicely.

Nutrition

Tips

• For extra spice, add more chipotle peppers to taste.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the turkey with additional beans or a plant-based ground meat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of avocado slices or a simple green salad.
• Pair with a warm crusty bread for a complete meal.

FAQ