These Ground Turkey Enchiladas are a satisfying, flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare. A hearty filling of seasoned ground turkey and refried beans is wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and melted cheese, and baked to perfection. Serve with your favorite toppings for a delicious Mexican-style meal the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy twist: Made with lean ground turkey for a lighter yet still satisfying dish.
Customizable: Use your favorite tortillas, cheeses, and toppings.
Easy to make: With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for weeknights.
Crowd-pleaser: Loaded with bold flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon chili powder (American spice blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 7-ounce can refried beans
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese
Optional toppings: cilantro, sour cream, avocado

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Add the ground turkey to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
Stir in 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for an additional minute.
Mix in the refried beans and cook for 1–2 minutes until combined. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to soften them.
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce over both sides of a tortilla. Add a portion of the meat and bean filling to the center and roll the tortilla tightly. Place it seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 (2 enchiladas per serving)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Replace the ground turkey with a mix of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers.
Spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
Cheese lovers: Use a blend of Mexican cheeses for extra flavor.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: Assemble the enchiladas without baking, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground beef is a great substitute and will provide a richer flavor.

2. Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade sauce adds a fresh, customizable touch to the dish.

3. What tortillas work best for enchiladas?

Both flour and corn tortillas work well. Corn tortillas are more traditional, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the enchiladas up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

5. How do I prevent tortillas from cracking?

Warm them slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable before rolling.

6. Can I add vegetables to the filling?

Yes, diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions to the filling.

7. What type of cheese is best?

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella works well, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend are also excellent choices.

8. Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add extra chili powder, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for more heat.

9. Are these enchiladas freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze assembled enchiladas before baking. They reheat beautifully.

10. Can I use low-fat cheese and beans?

Yes, low-fat versions work well if you want to reduce the calorie content.

Conclusion

These Ground Turkey Enchiladas are a flavorful, satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious Mexican-style flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a family meal or a dinner party, they’re sure to impress. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy a hearty dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!