Description
Baked Chicken Quesadilla Casserole is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines classic Mexican flavors with the comfort of a warm casserole. Featuring tender shredded chicken, melted plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, and smoky spices, this recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for family meals or meal prep. Layers of soft flour tortillas and hearty fillings are baked to golden perfection, creating a wholesome and flavorful twist on traditional quesadillas.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 6 flour tortillas
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 1/2 cup plant-based sour cream (plant-based)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 slices smoked turkey slices, chopped
Vegetables
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauces and Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tomato salsa (natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Veggies: Shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced bell peppers, onions, and smoked turkey bacon until soft and fragrant. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed veggies and bacon with shredded chicken, black beans, smoked turkey slices, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
- Layer the Tortillas and Filling: Lightly grease a baking dish. Place a layer of flour tortillas on the bottom. Spread a generous portion of the chicken mixture evenly over the tortillas and sprinkle with shredded plant-based cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of tortillas and cheese.
- Mix the Binding Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based sour cream, tomato salsa, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and the natural gelling agent until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring every layer stays moist and flavorful.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are golden and the plant-based cheese is melted and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve warm with your favorite garnishes.
Notes
- Warm tortillas slightly before layering to improve texture and blending of flavors.
- Do not skip the natural gelling agent to maintain moisture without sogginess.
- Double the spices to enhance smoky and bold flavors if preferred.
- Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes before slicing to ensure neater servings.
- Customize plant-based cheese by blending types for varied melting and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked quesadilla casserole, chicken quesadilla casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, Mexican casserole, easy baked casserole, family dinner recipe
