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Leftover Turkey Enchiladas

Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
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Leftover Turkey Enchiladas transform your cooked turkey into a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal. Tender shredded turkey is combined with southwestern spices, sautéed aromatics, optional veggies, and melty cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and baked with enchilada sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is easy to customize and a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a hearty dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling Ingredients

  • 2 cups leftover cooked turkey, shredded or chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

Assembly Ingredients

  • 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free option)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green chile sauce as variation)

For Serving

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Turkey Filling: In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the shredded leftover turkey, ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine and heat through. If using, add diced bell peppers and corn kernels, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until veggies soften slightly. Stir in chopped cilantro and remove from heat.
  2. Assemble the Enchiladas: Warm the tortillas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel until pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the turkey filling onto each tortilla and sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish to prevent unrolling.
  3. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring some sauce seeps between them. Then sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top to create a bubbly, golden crust when baked.
  4. Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes to keep the enchiladas moist. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the sauce is hot throughout. Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas properly by heating in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to avoid cracking.
  • Don’t overstuff the tortillas to prevent tearing or unrolling during baking.
  • Use homemade enchilada sauce for deeper flavor if possible.
  • Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking to maintain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
  • Serve with fresh garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and green onions for added flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: leftover turkey, enchiladas, turkey enchiladas, easy dinner, comfort food, Mexican recipe, quick meal, turkey leftovers

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/leftover-turkey-enchiladas/