This is my meal prepping hack #1. I recently shared, that I have come to appreciate the benefit of meal prepping. But given that I am super busy, I needed a lazy way of doing so. Missed that post? Check it out here. I am not a professional cook by any means. Firstly, I am busy with my Corporate career. Secondly I like spending time with my family. I also am not a food photographer either as I am a rather “messy” cook. But I do like to eat and I am a WW (aka Weight Watchers), so I am allocating some time to make simple but tasty meals. And I am honestly using shortcuts, whenever it makes sense to me to have more time for this little one and the hub.
And since I promised to share some of my hacks and recipes. So, here we go with my meal prepping hack #1: Barbecue Ground Turkey.
I am using 99% fat free ground turkey, because I am following the WW plan and it is the lowest in points on the green plan. However you can definitely substitute with higher fat versions, ground chicken or beef. All of those will work in this base recipe and the dishes I am making with it.
Base recipe:
- 3 lb 99% fat free ground turkey
- 9 tbsp G Hughes sugar free barbecue sauce (or any sugary variety if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup hunts no salt added tomato sauce (or more, depending on the consistency of your dish)
- Chili powder, salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (or Canola oil) cooking spray (you can use a full tbsp of oil, if you prefer)
This makes 9 portions (please note and I will use 3 portions per meal as my husband gets 2). I am sharing three variations so that this will last for all 3 of them.
You can definitely add onions (I do not eat onions, but I am sure they would fit) and garlic (I like garlic but not too much so what’s in the chili powder is enough for me).
- Spray a large deep dish skillet with the cooking spray and add the ground turkey (by the pound), season right away with salt, pepper and chili powder. Ground turkey does not have a lot of flavor so it needs help right away. Now let the turkey brown slightly.
- Add the barbecue sauce and tomato sauce to create a creamy but not too saucy consistency. Taste and add seasoning as you please. It’s not a very hot dish. But if you like it to be a little bit more spicy, you can add some Cayenne pepper. But be careful, it will add a good spice kick to it.
- Let it cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat so that your turkey is fully cooked through and the sauce has taken on the flavor of the spices.
Now we are ready to use the Barbecue Ground Turkey from our Meal prepping hack #1 for our various dishes. I am going to share 4 different variations today. But of course the sky is the limit when it comes to combinations as it all depends on your taste. However, my variations today will be:
- Loaded nachos
- Turkey Tacos
- Turkey Quesadilla
Let’s start with the Loaded nachos. Here is what I am adding to create these:
- Tortilla chips or in my case Tostitos baked scoops (there is a shortage right now, but I usually get them at Target, Publix or Walmart are supposed to carry them as well)
- 3/4 to 1 cup of cheese (I am using Kraft fat free shredded cheddar but any cheddar or variety will be good)
- Sour cream (I am using Publix fat free sour cream)
- Diced or sliced mild (or hot) Jalapeño
Prepare a small baking sheet or a small casserole dish with parchment paper and some cooking spray. Then spread the first layer of tortilla chips or scoops on the bottom, sprinkle with your barbecue turkey and some cheese and repeat with a second layer. Bake in the oven at 400 degree for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with a side of sour cream and topped with Jalapeño. This is my rather plain version, but you can of course add other fixings like corn, roasted red pepper, fresh onions and fresh cilantro etc.
Turkey Tacos for our Taco Tuesday are next:
But of course you do not have to eat them on a Tuesday. However, that’s what we are going to do this week. I am adding:
- Ortega Corn Taco Shells (you can get them in-store at Target, Publix, Walmart etc. or order them at Target online here ) or your favorite Taco shells. I am using these as I can get 2 for 3 SP on the WW green plan.
- Our favorite taco fixings such as pico de gallo, cilantro, cheese (I am using Kraft fat free cheddar again), hot sauce, green chili sauce etc.
- Sour cream and some lime juice to taste
Microwave your portions of barbecue turkey, fill the shells with all your fixings and enjoy. Super quick for those busy Tuesdays when there is not much time to cook. But make sure you are taking enough time to enjoy!
Next up is the Turkey Quesadilla for the win:
I love making quesadilla when I do not have any food prepared. And I admittedly am preparing them with a lot of short cuts. It’s a time saving meal that I made with pantry fixings and whatever leftovers I am having. So my leftover is our barbecue turkey this time and I will make my quesadilla with:
- 2 tortilla wraps. I am using Ole Xtreme Wellness Tortillas, they are 1 SP per tortilla on the WW green plan. Check-out the variety they are having here (you can buy them at Publix, Target, Walmart Super-center – check your local store in the bread aisle)
- 1 cup of cheese (Kraft fat free shredded cheddar or your choice of cheese
- Sauce or base (I like to use 1tbps tostidos salsa con queso medium or mashed avocado)
- Chopped medium hot Jalapeño
- Cooking spray (or olive oil)
- Sour cream (using fat free sour cream from Publix)
In a large skillet heat the cooking spray (medium heat). On a plate prepare the bottom tortilla with your base sauce, add your barbecue turkey and any other fixings you like to add and top with the cheese. Put bottom tortilla with fixings in the skillet spread some extra barbecue sauce over top tortilla. Then put the top tortilla sauce down on the bottom tortilla.
Next let bottom tortilla brown (not burn, watch closely!), move to a plate and flip (or flip directly if you are versed). Then brown other side and remove from skillet. On a large cutting board cut into quarters and serve with your sour cream and some fresh cilantro if you have.
Taste is subjective and should not be judged. You do not like sugar replacement or processed food? That’s perfectly fine. Most all of these ingredients can somehow be prepared fresh or substituted with a full sugar / regular fat version.
My intention is, to give ideas on WHAT you can do, to make your cooking life easier. How you are doing this, is completely up to you.
Can you think of any other variations? Please do share them in the comment so that others (including myself) can include in their rotation as well.
Enjoy!
Nannette