Ground Turkey Enchilada Recipe: A Healthy and Delicious Weeknight Meal
If you’re searching for a flavorful, healthy, and quick dinner, then this Ground Turkey Enchilada Recipe is exactly what you need. Not only does it blend Mexican spices, lean ground turkey, and melted cheese, but it also wraps everything up in soft tortillas, creating a dish your family will love. Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and provides a balanced meal with minimal effort in the kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced meal prepper or just getting started, this recipe consistently delivers satisfaction and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can diced green chiles (optional for added heat)
- 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sour cream and avocado (optional for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by warming the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Next, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently until softened. After that, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until its aroma fills the air.
Now, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. At this point, season with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well and cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey turns golden and fully cooked.
Step 2: Add Enchilada Sauce and Green Chiles
Once the turkey is fully cooked, go ahead and pour in half of the enchilada sauce. Afterward, add the diced green chiles for an extra layer of flavor. Stir everything thoroughly to combine the ingredients, allowing them to blend together. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors can meld perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Meanwhile, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Now, fill each tortilla with about 2-3 tablespoons of the turkey mixture. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Be sure to repeat this process with all the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are rolled, generously pour the remaining enchilada sauce over them, making sure to coat them fully. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top, ensuring every enchilada gets covered in cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt and bubble, while the edges of the enchiladas crisp up nicely, giving you a delicious contrast in texture. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, take the enchiladas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish them with fresh cilantro for added flavor and, if you’d like, serve them with sour cream and avocado slices. Furthermore, pair them with a side of rice or a light salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Benefits of Ground Turkey Enchiladas
1. Lean Protein
Ground turkey provides an excellent lean alternative to beef, offering the same great taste and nutrition. Each serving contains around 20 grams of protein, which is perfect for muscle repair and keeping you fuller for longer. Additionally, it’s a fantastic option for those who want to cut back on red meat without sacrificing flavor.
2. Lower in Calories and Fat
Compared to beef enchiladas, ground turkey significantly reduces the overall calorie and fat content, making this dish a lighter yet equally satisfying meal. Thus, it’s ideal for anyone looking to maintain or lose weight without compromising on flavor or fullness.
3. Quick and Easy Meal Prep
This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy weeknights. Moreover, you can easily double the batch for meal prepping purposes. These enchiladas freeze well, giving you the convenience of having a homemade, flavorful meal ready to go at any time.
4. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients
The ingredients in this recipe, like onions, garlic, and green chiles, not only enhance the flavor but also pack a punch of essential nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. Additionally, these ingredients provide immune-boosting benefits. Feel free to add even more veggies, such as spinach or bell peppers, for an extra nutritional boost.
5. Versatility
This recipe also allows for easy customization. For example, you can add black beans, corn, or even swap the enchilada sauce for a verde version. Furthermore, it works well for gluten-free diets when using corn tortillas. You can even make the recipe dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using plant-based alternatives.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Enchilada Recipe offers a healthy twist on a beloved classic. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and packed with bold flavors that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish fits the bill. With lean protein, fewer calories, and versatile ingredients, you’ll definitely want to add this recipe to your regular dinner rotation!