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Dishin’ With Debbie-Crustless Taco Pie

The daily struggle to eat better in the new year continues.  I do, however, enjoy searching for new ways to improve on otherwise unhealthy dishes, losing some of the bad…

The daily struggle to eat better in the new year continues.  I do, however, enjoy searching for new ways to improve on otherwise unhealthy dishes, losing some of the bad stuff while keeping the yummy taste.  After all, we can't live in total deprivation, right?  We love mexican inspired flavors, but we're trying to forego the taco shells and chips.  So, this recipe combines similar flavors in a brunch type casserole that goes crustless.  It would be good any time of day! 

Ingredients:

1 pound of ground turkey breast (could use lean ground beef if preferred)

1 packet of your favorite taco seasoning, we use low sodium (could make your own if you like)

6 large eggs

1 cup heavy cream

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350, and spray a 9 inch pie dish with non stick spray.  Brown the turkey until cooked through.  Add taco seasoning and a splash of water...I  just fill the empty seasoning pouch about 1/2 way.  Just need a little simmer sauce to soak into the meat.  Spread the meat into the prepared dish.  In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, garlic and cream.  Whisk to combine.  Pour over the meat.  Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.  Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is set.  Cheese will start to brown.  Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before slicing.  You can top it as you would any other taco pie if you like...salsa, sour cream, sprinkle of green onion or cilantro.  It's up to you.  If using turkey, you may find it needs a smidge extra flavor...a sprinkle of salt added into the egg mixture before assembling would be fine.  The original measurements were fine for us, however.

Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.