11 Ground Turkey Enchiladas (Healthier Swap)
Ground turkey is a fantastic lean protein that absorbs the vibrant spices of Mexican cuisine perfectly. By swapping traditional beef for turkey, you reduce the fat content without sacrificing any of the bold, savory flavors that make enchiladas a household favorite. This collection explores eleven unique ways to prepare turkey enchiladas, ranging from classic red sauce versions to innovative low-carb zucchini boats, ensuring there is a healthier option for every palate.
Classic Red Sauce Ground Turkey Enchiladas
A quintessential Mexican-style dish featuring lean ground turkey simmered in a robust red enchilada sauce. This recipe offers a lighter take on the beef version while keeping the cheesy, comforting texture intact.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •12 corn tortillas
- •2 cups red enchilada sauce
- •2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- •1 medium onion, diced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tsp chili powder
- •1 tsp ground cumin
- •1/2 tsp salt
- •1 tbsp olive oil
Method
- 1
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a large baking dish with non-stick spray.
- 2
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground turkey.
- 3
3. Cook the turkey until it is browned and crumbled, then add the diced onion and garlic.
- 4
4. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the onions are soft, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, and salt.
- 5
5. Add half a cup of the enchilada sauce to the turkey mixture to moisten the meat and stir well.
- 6
6. Warm the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them flexible.
- 7
7. Spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 8
8. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the turkey filling into each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
- 9
9. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolls and sprinkle evenly with the cheese.
- 10
10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on the edges.
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Salsa Verde Ground Turkey Enchiladas
These enchiladas use a tangy green salsa made from tomatillos, providing a bright and slightly spicy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the mildness of ground turkey.
Ingredients
- •1 lb lean ground turkey
- •10 flour tortillas
- •2 cups salsa verde
- •1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese
- •1 can diced green chiles
- •1/2 cup sour cream
- •1/2 tsp garlic powder
- •1/4 tsp black pepper
Method
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked.
- 3
3. Stir in the diced green chiles, garlic powder, and black pepper, cooking for 2 minutes.
- 4
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream to create a creamy filling.
- 5
5. Pour a thin layer of salsa verde onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- 6
6. Fill each flour tortilla with the creamy turkey mixture and a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese.
- 7
7. Roll the tortillas and place them into the baking pan.
- 8
8. Pour the rest of the salsa verde over the enchiladas and top with the remaining cheese.
- 9
9. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
- 10
10. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving with a garnish of sliced jalapenos.
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Black Bean and Turkey Enchiladas
Boost the fiber and protein content of your meal with this hearty version that incorporates black beans into the turkey filling, creating a filling and nutrient-dense dinner.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- •12 corn tortillas
- •2 cups red enchilada sauce
- •1 cup frozen corn
- •2 cups Colby Jack cheese
- •1 tsp smoked paprika
- •1/2 tsp onion powder
Method
- 1
1. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Cook the ground turkey in a large pan until no longer pink.
- 3
3. Add the black beans and frozen corn to the pan, stirring to combine with the meat.
- 4
4. Season the mixture with smoked paprika and onion powder, cooking for 3 minutes.
- 5
5. Pour 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce into the turkey and bean mixture and stir.
- 6
6. Soften the tortillas by heating them briefly on a dry skillet.
- 7
7. Place filling and a little cheese into each tortilla, roll them up, and arrange in a greased baking dish.
- 8
8. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls and cover with the rest of the cheese.
- 9
9. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
- 10
10. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
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Zucchini Boat Turkey Enchiladas
For a low-carb alternative, this recipe swaps the tortillas for hollowed-out zucchini halves. It is a fresh, vegetable-forward way to enjoy all the classic enchilada flavors.
Ingredients
- •4 large zucchinis
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •1 cup red enchilada sauce
- •1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- •1/2 cup diced red onion
- •1 tsp cumin
- •1/2 tsp chili powder
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and center to create a 'boat' shape.
- 3
3. Place the zucchini boats in a large baking dish.
- 4
4. In a skillet, brown the ground turkey with the red onion until the turkey is cooked through.
- 5
5. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, and half of the enchilada sauce.
- 6
6. Spoon the turkey mixture into the hollowed-out centers of the zucchinis.
- 7
7. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the stuffed zucchinis.
- 8
8. Sprinkle the cheese over the top of each boat.
- 9
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese is melted.
- 10
10. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
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Creamy White Sauce Turkey Enchiladas
This decadent-feeling dish uses a homemade white sauce based on chicken broth and sour cream, providing a silky texture that complements the lean ground turkey perfectly.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •8 large flour tortillas
- •2 tbsp butter
- •2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- •2 cups chicken broth
- •1 cup sour cream
- •1 can chopped green chiles
- •2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground turkey in a pan and set aside.
- 3
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- 4
4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- 5
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and cook until the sauce thickens.
- 6
6. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream and diced green chiles.
- 7
7. Mix 1/2 cup of this white sauce and 1/2 cup of cheese with the cooked turkey.
- 8
8. Fill tortillas with the turkey mixture, roll, and place in a baking dish.
- 9
9. Pour the remaining white sauce over the enchiladas and top with the rest of the pepper jack cheese.
- 10
10. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly.
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Roasted Sweet Potato and Turkey Enchiladas
The sweetness of roasted potatoes balances the savory spices of the turkey and red sauce in this colorful and nutritious variation.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- •10 corn tortillas
- •2 cups red enchilada sauce
- •1.5 cups goat cheese crumbles
- •1 tsp cinnamon
- •1 tsp chili powder
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Toss sweet potato cubes with a bit of oil and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
- 3
3. While potatoes roast, brown the ground turkey in a skillet and season with chili powder and cinnamon.
- 4
4. Combine the roasted sweet potatoes with the cooked turkey in a large bowl.
- 5
5. Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 6
6. Dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce to coat.
- 7
7. Fill tortillas with the turkey and potato mixture and some goat cheese.
- 8
8. Roll and place in a baking dish, then top with remaining sauce and cheese.
- 9
9. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through.
- 10
10. Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
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Skillet Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, offering all the flavor of traditional enchiladas without the time-consuming process of rolling individual tortillas.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •2 cups tortilla chips, crushed
- •1 can black beans
- •1 cup corn
- •1.5 cups enchilada sauce
- •2 cups shredded cheese
- •1 tsp garlic salt
Method
- 1
1. Brown the ground turkey in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2
2. Stir in the black beans, corn, and garlic salt.
- 3
3. Pour the enchilada sauce over the turkey mixture and stir to combine.
- 4
4. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce is hot.
- 5
5. Stir in half of the crushed tortilla chips to help thicken the base.
- 6
6. Sprinkle the remaining crushed chips over the top.
- 7
7. Cover the entire surface with the shredded cheese.
- 8
8. Place the skillet under the oven broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 9
9. Remove carefully and let stand for 5 minutes.
- 10
10. Top with diced avocado and sour cream before serving directly from the skillet.
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Spinach and Garlic Turkey Enchiladas
Add a punch of greens to your dinner with this spinach-heavy turkey enchilada recipe. The garlic and spinach combination provides a fresh and earthy flavor.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •4 cups fresh baby spinach
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •10 corn tortillas
- •2 cups green enchilada sauce
- •1.5 cups mozzarella cheese
- •1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground turkey in a pan. Once cooked, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes.
- 3
3. Add the fresh spinach to the pan and cook until it is completely wilted and mixed with the turkey.
- 4
4. Pour a small amount of green sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- 5
5. Fill the tortillas with the spinach and turkey mixture and a little mozzarella.
- 6
6. Roll the tortillas and place them in the dish.
- 7
7. Pour the remaining green enchilada sauce over the top.
- 8
8. Sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- 9
9. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
- 10
10. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
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Mole Style Ground Turkey Enchiladas
Experience the rich, complex flavors of Mexican mole sauce paired with lean ground turkey. This recipe uses a pre-made or simplified mole sauce for a deep, smoky taste.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •10 corn tortillas
- •2 cups mole sauce
- •1 cup queso fresco, crumbled
- •1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
- •1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and stir in 1/4 cup of the mole sauce.
- 3
3. Lightly fry the corn tortillas in a little oil for a few seconds per side to soften.
- 4
4. Dip each tortilla into the mole sauce until fully coated.
- 5
5. Place the turkey filling inside the coated tortillas and roll them up.
- 6
6. Arrange the rolls in a baking dish and pour the remaining mole sauce over them.
- 7
7. Bake for 15 minutes to ensure everything is hot.
- 8
8. Remove from the oven and top with crumbled queso fresco.
- 9
9. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and raw red onion slices.
- 10
10. Serve immediately while warm.
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Buffalo Ground Turkey Enchiladas
A fusion dish that brings the spicy, tangy flavor of buffalo wings to the enchilada format. It is a bold, spicy alternative for those who love a bit of heat.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- •1/2 cup ranch dressing
- •8 flour tortillas
- •2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
- •2 stalks celery, finely diced
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground turkey in a skillet and drain any excess fat.
- 3
3. Stir in the buffalo sauce and the diced celery, cooking for 3 minutes.
- 4
4. Spread the ranch dressing on the inside of each flour tortilla.
- 5
5. Add the buffalo turkey mixture and a sprinkle of cheese to each tortilla and roll up.
- 6
6. Place the rolls in a baking dish and top with any remaining buffalo sauce and the rest of the cheese.
- 7
7. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
- 8
8. Drizzle with a little extra ranch dressing after removing from the oven.
- 9
9. Garnish with blue cheese crumbles if desired.
- 10
10. Serve with celery sticks on the side.
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Butternut Squash Turkey Enchiladas
Perfect for the fall season, these enchiladas combine the nuttiness of roasted butternut squash with seasoned ground turkey for a comforting, sweet and savory meal.
Ingredients
- •1 lb ground turkey
- •2 cups butternut squash, roasted and mashed
- •12 corn tortillas
- •2 cups red enchilada sauce
- •1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- •1/2 tsp nutmeg
- •1 tsp chili powder
Method
- 1
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
2. Brown the ground turkey in a pan and season with chili powder and nutmeg.
- 3
3. Mix the mashed butternut squash with the cooked turkey until well combined.
- 4
4. Pour a layer of red sauce into a 9x13 baking dish.
- 5
5. Fill each tortilla with the squash and turkey mixture, roll them, and place in the dish.
- 6
6. Cover the enchiladas with the remaining sauce.
- 7
7. Sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- 8
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
- 9
9. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- 10
10. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
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Wrapping Up
Switching to ground turkey for your enchilada nights is a simple yet effective way to maintain a balanced diet while still enjoying comfort food. These eleven recipes prove that healthy eating can be incredibly diverse and flavorful. Whether you prefer the spice of green chiles or the richness of a mole sauce, ground turkey provides the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Enjoy sharing these wholesome meals with your family and friends!