I know that it’s a bit early to be planning on how to use your leftovers, but, I figured if you could pick up a few cans of ingredients on a pre-Tday shopping trip and be ready to throw it together in the aftermath without having to get out or really put forth much effort, well, that’d be a good thing.

Also, you’d have more time for football if you don’t have to run to the store.

This is a good recipe for anytime, of course, and not just to use up your leftover turkey.  We have it with chicken, frequently.  I always add pickled jalapenos on top of the cheese for our family members who like zippy food.  As far as zippy food goes — I count myself a fan.  Also, if you are like me and enjoy zippy food, I suggest that you never, ever start eating Cholula Hot Sauce on your eggs.  That stuff is so addictive — it is nearly impossible to stop.  But I’m digressing from the recipe.

Here it is….great football fare and a way to mix things up for your palate after the usual Thanksgiving foods.

Turkey (or Chicken)  Taco Casserole

• 2 cups cooked rice — brown (I usually use more…and of course, white rice works fine, too.)
• 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
• 1 (14 1/2 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 recipe homemade taco seasoning
• 2 15 oz. cans refried beans (I like the FullCircle organic vegetarian — but not fat free — brand.)
• 1 cup cheese, grated
• guacamole, sour cream, green onions, pico de gallo, chopped tomatoes, chopped avocado

Mix taco seasoning and tomato sauce in a bowl.
Add the shredded turkey and toss to coat it well with tomato mixture.
Place cooked rice in the bottom of a 13 X 9 X 2.
Top with turkey mixture.
Top with  refried beans so you have a nice even coating. (This step is easier if you warm the refried beans for a bit in the microwave.)
Top with cheese. (You can freeze the casserole at this point.)
Bake uncovered for 30 to 45 minutes at 350F or until hot all the way through and the cheese is nice and bubbly. You’ll have to bake it longer if you heat it from frozen.
Top with your favorite toppings and eat it rolled up in a tortilla or with tortilla chips.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. ground oregano
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
Mix in small bowl. (This is equal to 1 1/4 ounce package of commercial taco seasoning.)

Happy Tueday, y’all!!