Name: Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 pound ground turkey; 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce (for cooking turkey); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups enchilada sauce (plus 2 tablespoons divided); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 1/4 cups shredded Jack cheese, divided; 8 large flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 59 reviews

I cannot wait to share this vibrant and delicious Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe with you! These enchiladas bring together juicy, spiced ground turkey enveloped in soft flour tortillas, all smothered in a creamy, tangy enchilada sauce topped with melty cheddar and Jack cheeses. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and zest that makes for an unforgettable weeknight dinner or a festive gathering meal. Whether you’re a seasoned enchilada lover or discovering this dish for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four steps of making a dish. The first step has cooked minced meat mixed with chopped red peppers in a black pan on a white marbled surface. The second step shows a woman’s hand holding a white tortilla with a line of the cooked meat and red peppers mixed with grated cheese in the center on a white marbled tabletop. The third step shows seven rolled tortillas filled with the meat mixture placed side by side in a white baking dish, all covered with a smooth orange sauce. The fourth step shows the same white baking dish from above, now topped with extra grated cheese over the sauce and tortillas. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each add a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color to the final dish. From the slight sweetness of sautéed peppers to the creamy tang of sour cream, every element plays an essential role in making these enchiladas truly irresistible.

1/2 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a smooth cooking base to sauté the vegetables and enhance flavor.
1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling when caramelized.
1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory aroma that perfectly complements the turkey.
1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a bright crunch and vibrant color to the mix.
1 pound ground turkey: The lean protein base that keeps the filling hearty yet light.
2 cups enchilada sauce plus 2 tablespoons, divided: Offers that signature tangy, slightly spicy coating that makes enchiladas so comforting.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the fresh garlic with an extra punch of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory profile of the filling without extra chopping.
1/2 teaspoon cumin: Adds a warm, earthy note that brings out the Mexican-inspired spices.
1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Provides subtle heat and complexity to the meat.
1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Balances the seasoning with its mild bite.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together and enhances natural tastes.
1/2 cup sour cream: Creates a creamy texture in the sauce and a slight tanginess.
1 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: Adds rich, bold flavor and melty goodness.
1 1/4 cup shredded Jack cheese, divided: Brings a mild, smooth melt that balances the sharp cheddar.
8 large flour tortillas: The perfect soft wraps to hold the flavorful filling and cheese.

How to Make Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Toss in diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté them together for about 3 to 5 minutes until the peppers soften and the onions turn translucent. This creates a flavorful base that adds a natural sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to your sautéed veggies along with 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce and all the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything well and cook the turkey until it’s no longer pink, about 7 to 10 minutes. This step ensures the meat is juicy, fully cooked, and infused with warm, comforting flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

While the turkey cooks, whisk together the remaining enchilada sauce with the sour cream in a medium bowl. This creamy mixture adds a luscious texture and a gentle tang that balances the richness of the cheese and meat perfectly, making every bite utterly satisfying.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Lightly ladle 1 cup of the sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor beneath the enchiladas. In a small bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar and Jack cheeses. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the turkey filling in the center of each flour tortilla and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheese blend. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish on top of the sauce.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Then, remove the foil to let the cheese bubble and brown slightly, baking for another 5 minutes. This melting and baking step melds all the flavors together beautifully and creates that irresistible golden top.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

Two rolled orange tortillas covered with a shiny sauce are placed side by side on a white speckled plate. Inside the tortillas, there are visible layers of light brown shredded filling mixed with bits of green herbs. On top of the rolls, there are two slices of light green avocado stacked, a dollop of white sour cream, and green cilantro leaves for garnish. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred avocado half in the foreground. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your enchiladas by topping them with sliced avocados, fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, or a vibrant pico de gallo. These garnishes add fresh, creamy, and zesty notes that brighten up the rich, cheesy turkey filling, making each forkful a flavorful delight.

Side Dishes

Serve the enchiladas alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or a simple Mexican-style rice. Black beans or refried beans also complement the meal perfectly by adding more protein and hearty textures, rounding out your plate with nutritious and delicious options.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests or just mix things up, try assembling individual enchilada portions in small ramekins or baking dishes for personalized servings. You can also layer the filling, tortillas, and cheese in a casserole dish to create a Ground Turkey Enchiladas casserole, then slice it like a pie for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your enchiladas, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better after resting, which means reheated enchiladas are just as delicious as fresh ones.

Freezing

Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the enchiladas as directed, then wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm them in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions but be mindful that the cheese might lose a bit of its melty texture.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Absolutely! Corn tortillas are traditional and add a delightful texture and flavor. Just make sure to lightly warm and soften them before assembling to avoid tearing.

Is ground turkey a healthy alternative for enchiladas?

Yes, ground turkey is leaner than beef or pork, making this recipe a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing any of the fantastic flavors and textures enchiladas are known for.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! You can substitute the ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative while keeping the seasonings and enchilada sauce intact for great flavor.

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

The combination of sharp cheddar and Jack cheese provides a perfect balance of sharpness and meltiness. However, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a Mexican cheese blend for different tastes.

How spicy is this Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe?

The spice level is moderate due to the chili powder and enchilada sauce, but you can easily adjust it by adding more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser with its perfect harmony of savory spices, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s easy enough for a quick family dinner but special enough to serve at gatherings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do. Trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe box you’ll want to return to time and again!