18 Shares

This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure).

Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare? These turkey enchiladas are the perfect solution! Filled with seasoned ground turkey, fresh herbs, and veggies, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas and baked under a blanket of melted cheese and zesty tomato sauce. This satisfying dish is great for feeding a crowd or spicing up your weeknight dinner routine with minimal effort.

Turkey enchiladas is a great one-dish dinner recipe. Ground turkey meat is sauteed with onions, spices and green peas, then wrapped in corn tortillas, topped with tomato sauce and shredded cheese and baked. These enchiladas have authentic taste. If you like enchiladas, make these turkey enchiladas – you will love them!

Why You’ll Love Turkey Enchiladas

Full of Flavor: These turkey enchiladas are packed with savory spices, making each bite a delicious blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic. The tomato sauce adds a rich, tangy finish that perfectly complements the cheesy topping.
Healthier Option: Using ground turkey instead of beef makes these enchiladas a leaner, healthier choice without sacrificing any of the hearty flavor you love in traditional enchiladas.
Easy to Make: This recipe keeps things simple by using basic ingredients like canned tomato sauce and corn tortillas. No complicated steps or fancy equipment required, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Great for Meal Prep: These enchiladas can easily be made ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for meal prepping or freezing for later. They also taste just as good the next day, making leftovers a treat!
Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences—use flour tortillas instead of corn, add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach, or adjust the spice level to your liking.

Recipe: Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey – Lean and flavorful, this is the base of your enchilada filling.
1 onion chopped – Adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the turkey mixture.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh minced garlic enhances the savory flavors with a punch of aroma and taste.
1/2 tsp cumin – This warm spice gives the dish an earthy, slightly nutty flavor.
1 tbsp chili powder – Adds just the right amount of heat and classic Mexican flavor.
1 can (15 oz) green peas, drained – A unique addition that adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
1/2 cup chopped cilantro – Fresh and herbaceous, cilantro brightens up the dish with its vibrant flavor.
12 corn tortillas – The classic wrap for enchiladas, providing that authentic Mexican touch.
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – Creates a rich, tangy sauce to cover the enchiladas and keep them moist.
2 cups shredded cheese – Melts beautifully on top, making the enchiladas irresistibly cheesy.
1/2 tbsp oil – Used to cook the turkey and onion, ensuring nothing sticks to the pan.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Turkey Enchiladas

Non-Stick Frying Pan: For cooking the ground turkey and onion mixture without sticking.
Spatula: Handy for stirring and mixing the turkey and veggies.
Baking Dish: The perfect size for holding the enchiladas while baking.
Microwave: To warm the corn tortillas, making them pliable for rolling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of spices, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Mixing Bowl: For mixing the tomato sauce with water.

Instructions How To Make Turkey Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 375F.
Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and ground turkey. Cook, stirring periodically, for 7 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked (no longer pink).
Add green peas, cumin, chili powder and minced garlic. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
Add chopped cilantro and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and stir.
Put tomato sauce in a bowl. Pour water into the can from the tomato sauce, then add water to the tomato sauce in a bowl. Mix, so the tomato sauce is mixed with water.
Pour 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a non-stick 8×12 baking dish.
Assemble the enchiladas: heat the corn tortillas in the microwave 3 at a time for 20 seconds. Divide the turkey mixture into 12 parts, put one part of turkey mixture in the center of tortilla and roll into a roll. Put the rolled enchiladas side by side in a baking dish.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the enchiladas with remaining shredded cheese.
Put the baking dish with turkey enchiladas in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes.

Number of servings: 4

Enjoy these turkey enchiladas with a side of guacamole!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these turkey enchiladas with a side of guacamole or sour cream for a creamy, cool contrast to the spicy flavors.
Pair with a simple Mexican rice or refried beans to make it a complete meal.
Add a fresh, zesty touch by serving with a side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette.
For an extra treat, top the enchiladas with sliced jalapeños, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro just before serving.

Tips For Success

Warm the Tortillas: Heating the corn tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds helps them become soft and pliable, making it easier to roll them without breaking. Don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overfill: When filling the tortillas, make sure to use just the right amount of the turkey mixture. Overfilling can cause the tortillas to break or not roll properly. Divide the filling evenly to ensure every enchilada has the perfect balance.
Add Water to the Tomato Sauce: Mixing the tomato sauce with water ensures it’s not too thick. This keeps the enchiladas moist while baking and prevents them from drying out.
Cover the Enchiladas Completely: Make sure the tomato sauce covers every inch of the rolled enchiladas to avoid dry edges. The sauce also helps the cheese melt perfectly, creating a gooey and delicious topping.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, garlic, and onions will elevate the flavor of your enchiladas. Don’t be afraid to add extra fresh herbs like oregano for a more intense, aromatic taste.
Customize the Spices: If you like your enchiladas on the spicier side, feel free to add more chili powder or even throw in some cayenne pepper. Alternatively, for a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or replace it with a mild paprika.
Let Them Rest: Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.

Variations And Substitutions

Swap the Protein: If you prefer a different meat or want to switch it up, you can easily substitute the ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even pork. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or a mix of beans and vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers instead.
Cheese Choices: While shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese works great, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or even a sprinkle of cotija can give the enchiladas a different flavor and texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use reduced-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative.
Change the Tortillas: If you prefer flour tortillas over corn, go ahead and swap them out. Keep in mind that flour tortillas will give you a softer texture compared to the more traditional corn tortillas. For gluten-free diets, make sure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
Spice it Up: For those who love extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the turkey filling. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking for an extra kick.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate more vegetables into the filling. Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would work wonderfully alongside the turkey and peas. This not only increases the nutritional value but also adds more flavor and texture to the dish.
Sauce Variations: If you prefer a different sauce, you can try using a green enchilada sauce (made with tomatillos) for a tangier twist or a homemade red enchilada sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Low Carb Option: To make this dish lower in carbs, you can skip the tortillas and turn this into a turkey enchilada casserole. Simply layer the turkey mixture with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower and bake with cheese and sauce on top.
Make It Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese alternatives and make sure your tortillas are also dairy-free. You can also use a dairy-free sour cream for serving.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerating: If you have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Turkey enchiladas freeze beautifully! Place the fully assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If already baked, wrap individual enchiladas in foil or plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, you can pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Be sure to cover the enchiladas with foil when reheating in the oven to prevent them from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make turkey enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, these enchiladas are perfect for making ahead! You can assemble the enchiladas up to the point of baking and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it super convenient for meal prep or entertaining guests.

What’s the best way to prevent the tortillas from breaking when rolling?

To prevent the corn tortillas from breaking, make sure to warm them up in the microwave for about 20 seconds. This softens them and makes them more pliable for rolling. If you notice they’re still breaking, you can lightly steam them or heat them on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Absolutely! If you prefer flour tortillas, feel free to use them. Keep in mind that flour tortillas will give you a softer texture, while corn tortillas provide a more authentic, slightly chewy texture. Both work well in this recipe.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

To kick up the heat, you can add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or even a splash of hot sauce to the turkey filling. You can also use a spicier chili powder or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the mixture. For those who love spice, feel free to serve the enchiladas with extra hot sauce on the side!

Can I freeze the enchiladas?

Yes! You can freeze both unbaked and baked enchiladas. To freeze unbaked enchiladas, assemble them as usual, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge and bake. For baked enchiladas, allow them to cool, then wrap individually and freeze. They reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

What side dishes go well with turkey enchiladas?

Turkey enchiladas pair wonderfully with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. You can also serve them with classic toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor and texture.

Other Easy Turkey Recipes

Healthy Ground Turkey and Cabbage Skillet Recipe – Easy One-Pan Meal: This quick and healthy one-pan meal combines lean ground turkey with tender cabbage for a nutritious and flavorful dinner.

Air Fryer Turkey Breast Tenderloin – Quick and Juicy Recipe: Enjoy tender and juicy turkey breast tenderloin cooked to perfection in the air fryer in just minutes.

Crispy Air Fryer Turkey Bacon Strips Recipe: Make perfectly crispy and delicious turkey bacon strips in the air fryer with minimal oil and effort.

Easy Healthy Turkey Meatballs Recipe – Low Carb and High Protein: These low-carb turkey meatballs are packed with protein and flavor, perfect for a healthy dinner or meal prep.

Grilled Turkey Sandwich with Cheese and Roasted Red Peppers Recipe: This grilled turkey and cheese sandwich is elevated with roasted red peppers for a savory and satisfying meal.

Turkey and Cheese Panini – Simple and Delicious Sandwich: A quick and easy panini loaded with turkey, melted cheese, and toasted to perfection.

Brioche Bun Turkey Cheeseburger Recipe – Juicy and Flavorful: This juicy turkey cheeseburger served on a soft brioche bun is a flavorful twist on the classic burger.

Click Here To Pin This Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

No ratings yet