Transforming that extra turkey from your holiday feast into a vibrant new meal is easier than you think with these delicious and simple Leftover Turkey Enchiladas. This dish blends tender turkey with zesty sauces, melty cheese, and warm tortillas to create a quick, satisfying dinner that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding family or need a speedy weeknight solution, Leftover Turkey Enchiladas deliver big flavor with very little fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices, enchilada sauce, and turkey creates a savory, comforting dish bursting with bold tastes.
- Quick and Easy: Using leftover turkey means minimal prep time, turning dinner into a stress-free experience.
- Family Friendly: Kid-approved flavors and a customizable filling make it great for picky eaters and food lovers alike.
- Leftover-Friendly: A fantastic way to breathe new life into leftover turkey without letting it go to waste.
- Freezer Ready: These enchiladas can be prepared ahead and frozen for busy nights when you need a quick reheat meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component of this recipe is simple but plays an essential role, from the tender turkey providing protein, to the enchilada sauce adding punch, and cheese bringing creamy richness. Here’s what you’ll need to make flavors pop and textures balance perfectly.
- Leftover turkey: Shredded or chopped, this is the star protein, tender and ready to soak up the sauce.
- Enchilada sauce: Choose your favorite red or green sauce to give the dish its signature tang and spice.
- Tortillas: Corn or flour work well, adding a soft, flexible wrap for the filling.
- Cheese blend: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully for gooey texture.
- Onion and garlic: Sauteed to add aromatic depth to the filling.
- Spices: Ground cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt bring warmth and enhance flavors.
- Optional extras: Black beans, corn, or diced green chilies add color, texture, and nutritional boost.
Variations for Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
This is a wonderfully adaptable recipe that welcomes your creativity. The basic formula can be tweaked to suit dietary restrictions, ingredient availability, or simply your flavor preferences.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap turkey for black beans and roasted veggies for a plant-based option that’s just as tasty.
- Spice it up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce into the filling or on top to bring heat for spice lovers.
- Cheese alternatives: Use queso fresco or pepper jack for different cheese textures and flavors.
- Green sauce version: Replace the classic enchilada sauce with salsa verde for a fresher, tangier taste.
- Low-carb option: Use lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas to keep it light but satisfying.
How to Make Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the filling
Start by sautéing diced onions and garlic in a little oil until soft and fragrant. Stir in the shredded turkey, spices, and any optional extras like black beans or corn. Mix well and let the flavors meld for a few minutes on medium heat.
Step 2: Warm the tortillas
Softening the tortillas before assembly prevents cracking during rolling. Wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave for 30 seconds or warm in a dry skillet until pliable.
Step 3: Assemble the enchiladas
Spoon a generous amount of the turkey filling onto each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat until all filling is used.
Step 4: Add sauce and cheese
Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure each is covered. Sprinkle your cheese blend liberally on top to create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 5: Bake until bubbly
Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbling, with slightly crisp edges. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
- Warm your sauce: Slightly warming enchilada sauce before pouring helps it spread easily and infuses better flavor.
- Don’t overstuff: Filling too much can cause tortillas to tear, so keep a moderate amount for easy rolling and neat presentation.
- Add moisture: If turkey seems dry, stir in a little broth or extra sauce to keep filling tender and juicy.
- Use fresh cheese: Grate your cheese yourself for better melting compared to pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
- Rest before serving: Letting the enchiladas sit 5 minutes post-baking allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Leftover Turkey Enchiladas
Garnishes
Top these enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions to add bright colors and fresh flavors that complement the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve with simple sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad with lime vinaigrette to round out the meal and add textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, layer enchiladas in individual ramekins for personalized servings or arrange with colorful vegetable slices on top before baking to impress your dinner guests visually.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Turkey Enchiladas keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Freezing
These enchiladas freeze beautifully either before or after baking. Wrap securely in foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. To keep them moist, cover loosely with foil. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make Leftover Turkey Enchiladas gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use corn tortillas labeled gluten-free and verify your enchilada sauce contains no gluten ingredients.
What can I substitute if I don’t have enchilada sauce?
You can use salsa, tomato sauce mixed with chili powder, or even a homemade sauce with chili spices blended into tomato puree for delicious alternatives.
How spicy are Leftover Turkey Enchiladas?
The spice level depends on the sauce and added peppers; you can easily adjust heat by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauces and omitting or adding jalapeños.
Can I use fresh turkey instead of leftovers?
Yes, cook and shred fresh turkey before assembling the enchiladas. This recipe is perfect for any cooked turkey, making it versatile year-round.
What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts smoothly and balances flavor well, but you can also try queso fresco or pepper jack for variation.
Final Thoughts
If you ever find yourself staring at a mountain of leftover turkey, these Leftover Turkey Enchiladas are your new best friend. Richly flavored, easy to make, and utterly comforting, this recipe transforms saved turkey into a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. Give it a try, and watch your leftovers become the highlight of dinner time.