Low Fat Chilaquiles Recipe: A Delicious Mexican-Inspired Dish for the Whole Family
Chilaquiles is a beloved Mexican dish traditionally made with crispy tortillas, a rich sauce, and a variety of toppings. This lighter version, made with lean ground turkey and reduced-fat cheese, offers all the flavors of the original without the extra calories. Perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without compromising on taste, this recipe also provides a simple method to adapt it for a low-carb diet by using low-carb tortillas.
Overview
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Recipe Category: Poultry
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 380.6
- Aggregated Rating: 3 stars (based on 2 reviews)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canola oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lean ground turkey | 1 lb (16 oz) |
| Red onions | 1 large, diced |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced |
| Chili powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Cumin powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Diced green chilies | 1 can (4 oz) |
| Tomatoes and green chilies | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh ground black pepper | To taste |
| Low-fat cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Light cream cheese | 1/2 cup, softened |
| Corn tortillas | 8, cut into strips |
| Green onions | 1 bunch, sliced |
| Low-fat mozzarella cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 93.8 mg |
| Sodium | 852.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 20.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.8 g |
| Sugars | 2.4 g |
| Protein | 25 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Meat Mixture
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the chilaquiles are assembled. -
Cook the Ground Turkey
Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the lean ground turkey to the skillet. Brown the turkey, breaking it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly. Once browned, remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside to drain. This helps to reduce excess fat. -
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced red onions and sauté over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant and soft. -
Add the Spices
Stir in the chili powder and cumin powder. These spices will bring a warming, flavorful base to the dish. Let them cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom. -
Combine with Tomatoes and Green Chilies
Add the diced green chilies (with their juices) and the tomatoes (along with their juices) to the skillet. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a simmer. The tomatoes will help create a saucy base for your chilaquiles. -
Return the Meat to the Pan
Add the browned ground turkey back to the skillet. Stir to combine the meat with the tomato and chili mixture. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. -
Season to Taste
Taste the sauce and season with salt and fresh ground pepper as needed. Be sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 2: Assembling the Chilaquiles
-
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese with the softened light cream cheese. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. This creamy mixture will melt beautifully over the chilaquiles, adding a delightful richness to each bite. -
Layer the Tortillas and Meat Mixture
In a large casserole dish, begin by layering half of the corn tortilla strips. These will soften in the sauce and form the base of the dish. Next, ladle half of the turkey and tomato mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly. -
Add the Cheese
Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the meat and tortillas. Spread it out like a lasagna layer to ensure that each bite has some creamy cheese. -
Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese mixture. Top the final layer of cheese with the sliced green onions for added flavor and crunch.
Step 3: Baking and Serving
-
Bake the Chilaquiles
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese has melted into a golden, cheesy crust. The tortilla edges will crisp up slightly, adding texture to the dish. -
Let the Dish Stand
Once baked, remove the chilaquiles from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to slice and serve. -
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chilaquiles warm. They make a fantastic family meal or a flavorful dish for guests. Pair with a side of fresh avocado, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Low-Carb Version: For a low-carb alternative, simply swap out the regular corn tortillas for low-carb tortillas. We recommend Mission’s new low-carb tortillas, which are a great option for reducing the carbohydrate content while maintaining the traditional flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and cumin according to your preference for spice. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat in your dish.
- Cheese Options: While this recipe calls for low-fat cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, you can also use full-fat versions if you prefer a richer, more indulgent dish.
Why You’ll Love This Low Fat Chilaquiles Recipe
This dish strikes the perfect balance between health and flavor. The lean turkey provides a hearty protein base, while the combination of tomatoes, chilies, and spices creates a rich, savory sauce. The low-fat cheeses add creaminess without overwhelming the dish, and the corn tortillas soak up all the wonderful flavors. Whether you’re looking for a filling family meal or a crowd-pleasing dinner, this low-fat chilaquiles recipe delivers the satisfying comfort of Mexican cuisine with a health-conscious twist.
Enjoy this dish on its own or pair it with a light salad for a complete, balanced meal!
