Thanksgiving Leftovers Transformed: Lazy Chili Rellano Casserole

Hope everyone is having a great holiday weekend filled with laughs and love. Here's a great use for those Thanksgiving Turkey leftovers. I call it Lazy Chili Relleno Casserole, it's super easy to prepare and is loaded with so much flavor your family will never realize they are eating leftovers.


Shelly's Lazy Chili Rellano Casserole

1 Yellow Onion, diced
1 cup Cooked Turkey, chopped
1 cup Black Beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup Picante Sauce or Salsa (heat level of your choice)
1 (7 oz. can) Whole Mild Green Chilies
1 1/2 teaspoons Cumin (divided use)
a few twists of Black Pepper
1 cup Cottage Cheese, 2%
1/3-1/2 cup Shredded Mexican Cheese

Saute onion till golden. Add chopped turkey and saute with the onion for about 5 minutes till turkey gets a little color. Add beans, picante sauce and 1 teaspoon of the cumin. Mix till combined. Spoon half into a Pyrex casserole dish (or pie plate.) 


Layer whole green chilies across top. Spoon remaining turkey mixture on top of those... so you are sort of creating lasagna-ish layers.


In a mini food processor (or blender) whiz cottage cheese till smooth with remaining 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin and a few twists of black pepper. Dollop on top of layered casserole. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.


Bake at 350 for 30 minutes and then broil for 3-4 minutes till cheese is bubbly and a little golden.


Seriously... this is a DELICIOUS way to transform those turkey leftovers. I hope you try it. If someone got up in the middle of the night and gobbled up all your turkey leftovers... or turkey is not your thing... it's great with cooked chicken or cooked ground beef too.

More Healthy Turkey Day Leftover Transformations:



Shelly's Thanksgiving Cranberry Protein Shake
Shelly's Sante Fe Turkey Bites (aka crustless quiches)
Shelly's 5 Minute Cranberry Protein Cake
Shelly's Cranberry Protein Souffle
Shelly's Turkey Squash Casserole
Shelly's Green Bean Casserole Stuffed Mushrooms

Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving to all my family & friends! I am thankful for all of you xo