Name: Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey; ½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon chili powder; 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided; 2 cups mild red enchilada sauce; 10 (8-inch) small flour tortillas, warmed; Fresh tomato salsa; Guacamole; Cilantro; Queso fresco

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 187 reviews

If you are looking for a meal that delivers bold flavors, hearty satisfaction, and a healthier twist on a Mexican classic, this Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender ground turkey, creamy black beans, and melty Mexican cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and coated with rich enchilada sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping ahead for the week, these enchiladas offer a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both simple to make and packed with irresistible flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of nine ingredients on a white marbled surface. There are five white round layers of soft tortillas at the bottom left. Above it, a white bowl holds pink raw ground meat with a smooth texture. To the right of the meat is a clear glass bowl filled with dark red sauce that looks thick and smooth. Next to the sauce, a small white bowl contains a mix of three spices in different colors: light beige, dark brown, and red. Above it, another clear bowl holds shredded yellow and white cheese with a coarse texture. To the left top, a clear bowl has shiny black beans. Above the sauce and next to the beans, there is a small clear bowl of yellow oil. On the right side, a clear bowl contains finely chopped white onions, and next to it, a small dark brown bowl holds white salt crystals. All items are evenly spaced. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building a dish that’s perfectly balanced in taste, texture, and color, making your enchiladas simply unforgettable.

Olive oil: Helps sauté the onion and turkey, adding subtle richness and preventing sticking.
Small onion: Provides a natural sweetness and fragrant base for the filling.
93% lean ground turkey: A lean protein that’s tender and mild, allowing the spices to shine through.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, warm note that is signature to Mexican-inspired dishes.
Granulated garlic powder: Adds a deep savory taste that complements the turkey perfectly.
Chili powder: A gentle kick of heat that rounds out the spice profile.
Black beans (canned, drained, rinsed): Boost texture and protein while adding creaminess.
Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully to bind the filling and sauce with gooey richness.
Mild red enchilada sauce: The star ingredient that gives the dish its signature tangy, savory flavor and vibrant color.
Flour tortillas (8-inch): Soft and pliable, perfect for rolling up the flavorful filling.

How to Make Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté

Start by heating your oven to 350°F so it’s ready when your dish is assembled. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the olive oil before adding finely chopped onion. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help soften the onion, cooking gently until it becomes translucent and fragrant—this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is essential because the softened onions form a flavorful foundation that infuses the ground turkey as it cooks.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey and Seasonings

Next, add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon for even cooking. Season with the remaining kosher salt, cumin, granulated garlic powder, and chili powder. This blend of spices ensures your enchiladas are bursting with flavor from the first bite. Cook until the turkey is browned and completely cooked through, about 5 minutes. This quick step guarantees a juicy, well-seasoned filling.

Step 3: Mix in the Beans and Sauce

Once the turkey is cooked, gently fold in black beans and 1 cup of mild red enchilada sauce, mixing thoroughly to combine. Turn off the heat and allow this mixture to cool slightly—this cooling prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when added. Stir in ¾ cup of shredded cheese, which will add creamy richness and help bind the filling together.

Step 4: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread ¼ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the dish. This layer ensures the tortillas don’t dry out during baking, keeping each enchilada tender and full of flavor from beneath.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

Warm your tortillas until they are soft and easy to roll without cracking. Spoon a generous heaping ⅓ cup of the turkey-bean mixture onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process for all 10 tortillas, creating a neatly packed pan of enchiladas just waiting to be drenched in sauce.

Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake

Pour the remaining ¾ cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, spreading it out gently with a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup of shredded cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly cheese layer once baked. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and flavors to meld. For a lovely browned finish, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is golden and deliciously melted.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds two stacked enchiladas covered in melted orange-red cheese and sauce, topped with four thin slices of bright green avocado and a sprig of fresh cilantro. A silver fork rests under the enchiladas with its handle pointing outward. To the left, part of a white dish of enchiladas topped with cheese, avocado slices, and green jalapeño slices is visible. There is also a small white bowl filled with sliced green jalapeños above the plate, fresh cilantro leaves scattered around, and a clear glass of water with a light blue tint on the right. A white and black striped cloth is draped near the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To truly elevate your Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe, fresh garnishes are the way to go. Bright, zesty fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. Creamy guacamole brings a cooling, smooth contrast, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness that awakens every bite. If you want to add a little tang, crumble on some queso fresco for a salty, crumbly texture difference.

Side Dishes

Enchiladas pair beautifully with classic sides that add texture and balance. A crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette keeps the meal light and fresh. Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice brings extra heartiness on the plate, while refried or charro beans blend seamlessly with the Mexican flavors. For an even more indulgent touch, serve with warm corn tortillas or some crunchy tortilla chips.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to surprise your guests or family? Try serving individual enchilada portions on colorful plates with a drizzle of crema or sour cream swirls on top. Layer the filling into small tortilla cups for fun, bite-sized appetizers. You could also sprinkle with pickled jalapeños or chopped olives for extra zing. Presenting enchiladas with a vibrant side of mango salsa can create a memorable flavor twist that’s both sweet and spicy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover enchiladas taste just as incredible the next day. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the cheese moist. Simply cover tightly to avoid drying out before reheating.

Freezing

This Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed for a quick and comforting dinner without hassle.

Reheating

To reheat, place enchiladas in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the cheese bubbles back to life. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method helps keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! Whole wheat or corn tortillas add a different texture and nutritional profile. Corn tortillas work great but be gentle when rolling as they tend to be less flexible than flour tortillas. If you use corn, warming them before assembling is key to prevent tearing.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the ground turkey and add extra beans, sautéed vegetables, or even cooked lentils for a delicious vegetarian take. Use vegetable broth or enchilada sauce that’s certified vegetarian, ensuring the dish still packs plenty of flavor.

What kind of cheese is best for enchiladas?

A shredded Mexican cheese blend that includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso quesadilla is perfect because it melts evenly and offers balanced flavor. You can also substitute or mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco for a tangy contrast.

Can I make this recipe spicier?

Definitely! Increase the chili powder, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or incorporate chopped jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the filling for more heat. Just adjust to your preference to keep things balanced and enjoyable.

How long does it take to prepare and cook this recipe?

This recipe is wonderfully efficient, taking about 10 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook. That means in just around 45 minutes total, you have a flavorful, hearty meal on the table, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting and satisfying about diving into a plate of these enchiladas, bursting with flavor and wrapped in cheesy goodness. This Ground Turkey Enchiladas Recipe is not only an easy, healthy option but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try, and I promise your family and friends will be asking for seconds!