Turkey Enchiladas are a delicious and wholesome twist on a classic Mexican favorite, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Tender shredded turkey is wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a savory enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese for a comforting, flavorful meal. This easy recipe combines wholesome ingredients and bold spices, delivering a satisfying dish that’s both hearty and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Enchiladas
Lean and flavorful: Ground or shredded turkey offers a lighter alternative to beef without sacrificing taste.
Rich enchilada sauce: A savory, mildly spiced sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Cheesy goodness: Melted cheese adds creaminess and indulgence to every bite.
Easy to prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make it accessible for any cook.
Perfect for leftovers: Reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or busy days.
Customizable: Add beans, veggies, or extra spices to suit your preferences.
Family-friendly: A comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy.
Try these Turkey Enchiladas for a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that brings Mexican flavors to your table with ease!
Ingredients for Turkey Enchiladas
Tender shredded turkey wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered with rich enchilada sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of richness.
Onion: Diced for a sweet and savory base that enhances the flavor.
Garlic: Minced to bring a fragrant kick to the turkey mixture.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in Mexican cuisine.
Chili powder: For a hint of spice that elevates the overall taste.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
Black beans: A hearty addition that boosts fiber and protein content.
Corn: Sweet kernels that add texture and a pop of color.
Salsa: A zesty sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
Flour tortillas: Soft wraps that cradle the delicious filling.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey finish.
Sour cream: A creamy topping that balances the flavors when served.
Fresh cilantro: Chopped for a burst of freshness and color as a garnish.
For those looking to spice things up, consider adding diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture or using a spicy salsa. If you’re in a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken can be a fantastic substitute for ground turkey. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Turkey Enchiladas
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making Turkey Enchiladas is a straightforward process that will have your kitchen smelling amazing in no time. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly and come out perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, you can prep the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. The aroma of the onion cooking will make your mouth water. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This step builds a flavorful base for your Turkey Enchiladas.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Mixture
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet along with the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through. The spices will create a warm, inviting scent that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
While the turkey mixture is cooking, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly on the bottom. This not only adds flavor but also prevents the enchiladas from sticking to the dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas
Now comes the fun part! Take a flour tortilla and place about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture in the center. Sprinkle a little cheese on top, then roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until the dish is full. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll still taste amazing!
Step 6: Bake the Enchiladas
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining salsa over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra touch. Enjoy your Turkey Enchiladas with family or friends, and watch them disappear!
Tips for Success
Prep your ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Don’t overfill the tortillas; a little goes a long way!
For extra flavor, let the turkey mixture cool slightly before assembling.
Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack for a twist.
Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick option works great for easy cleanup.
Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish is ideal, but any oven-safe dish will do.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring the turkey mixture.
Measuring cups: For accurate ingredient portions.
Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking.
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, meat-free version.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa to heat things up.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for a unique flavor.
Whole Wheat Tortillas: Use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier twist that adds fiber.
Low-Carb Version: Replace tortillas with zucchini slices or lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Side Salad: Pair your Turkey Enchiladas with a fresh garden salad for a light, crunchy contrast.
Rice: Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a filling side.
Drinks: Enjoy with a cold cerveza or a refreshing margarita.
Presentation: Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a vibrant touch.
FAQs about Turkey Enchiladas
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will still give you that delicious flavor. Feel free to experiment with different proteins!
How can I make Turkey Enchiladas spicier? If you’re looking for a kick, add diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture or opt for a spicy salsa. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Can I prepare Turkey Enchiladas ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil to keep them fresh.
What can I serve with Turkey Enchiladas? These enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side salad, Mexican rice, or even some refried beans. A refreshing drink like a margarita or iced tea complements the meal perfectly!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Turkey Enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
Cooking Turkey Enchiladas is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with those you love. The blend of flavors, the warmth of the oven, and the smiles around the table make this dish truly special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can focus on what really matters—enjoying good food and great company. So roll up those tortillas, and let the deliciousness unfold in your kitchen!
A delicious and easy recipe for Turkey Enchiladas that combines ground turkey, black beans, corn, and cheese wrapped in flour tortillas and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
1 cup salsa
8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream (for serving)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, ground turkey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the black beans, corn, and 1/2 cup of salsa. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
To assemble the enchiladas, place about 1/4 cup of the turkey mixture in the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with a little cheese, then roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Once all enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining salsa over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture or use a spicy salsa.
Substitute ground turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
