Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Turkey Enchilada Casserole, an easy and incredibly cheesy dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknights. Believe it or not it’s made with a few simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry or fridge. This recipe starts with flavorful ground turkey browned and seasoned to perfection. From there layers of corn tortilla, enchilada sauce, ground turkey and mozzarella cheese are built to make this the ultimate enchilada casserole.

This dish is perfect for a family of any size and is perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s hassle-free and clean-up is a breeze. Dishes like this make weeknight dinners stress-free and more enjoyable for everyone. I’ve been happy to incorporate this turkey enchilada casserole into our weekly dinner rotations. It’s not only delicious, but I can have dinner on the table in 45 minutes or less and it makes for great left-overs or lunch the next day.

*Any size casserole dish or oven-safe skillet will work you will just need to adjust the number of corn tortillas and meat mixture accordingly (see illustration below):

• Have 18 corn tortillas
• Reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of enchilada sauce to cover the bottom of the casserole dish to prevent the first layer of tortillas from stinking to the dish. Then you’ll need to divide the remaining into thirds
• Divide the cooked ground turkey in half
• Divide the cheese into thirds
• Toppings (Optional)

HOW TO MAKE TURKEY ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

• First, have all your ingredients out on your countertop and prepped in order to work in a more organized and efficient way and brown your ground meat of choice (turkey, chicken, or beef)

• Grease the inside of your casserole or baking dish with butter and begin layering (see layering order below):

• • Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce to the bottom of the dish to prevent the first layer of corn tortillas from sticking
  • Add a layer of corn tortillas (overlapping is totally fine and is recommended)
  • Spoon a generous amount of enchilada sauce
  • Add generous amount of browned meat
  • Spread shredded cheese over entire surface (feel free to use as little or as much as you like)

      REPEAT LAYERING PROCESS

• • Add another layer of corn tortillas (preferably the same amount as you did in the first layer)
  • Spoon a generous amount of enchilada sauce
  • Add a generous amount of browned meat
  • Spread shredded cheese over entire surface again (feel free to use as little or as much as you like)

               LAST LAYERING PROCESS

• • Add another layer of corn tortillas (preferably the same amount as you did in the first layer)
  • Spoon over a generous amount of enchilada sauce
  • Spread shredded cheese over entire surface of casserole
  • Loosely place foil paper over the top making sure it doesn’t come in contact with the cheese and bake in oven until cheese is bubbly
  • Remove foil and place casserole back in oven for an additional 5 minutes or so

There you have it… a perfect weeknight dinner.

Here’s a step by step illustration of the layering process:

WHAT GOES WITH TURKEY ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

Have fun and be creative with the ingredients you choose for your turkey enchilada casserole.  You can keep it simple as I did or add other ingredients to cater to you and your family’s taste. Here are some ideas:

• Add a layer of black or pinto beans
• Add a layer of pico de gallo
• Instead of mozzarella cheese choose your favorite cheese or a combination
• Instead of turkey use chicken or beef
• Top with guacamole or chopped avocado with a dollop of sour cream
• Accompany with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette for freshness

As you can see, this casserole is very simple and quite versatile and is perfect for weeknight dinners.  I highly recommend you give it a try. We can all attest that weeknight dinner should be easy, simple, delicious and hassle-free.

WHAT TEMPERATURE TO BAKE ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

Whether you’re baking traditional enchiladas or enchilada casserole, bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese melts and is nice and bubbling throughout.

However, prior to baking, cover the casserole with foil to prevent the cheese on top from baking faster than the inside of the casserole.

HOW LONG SHOULD I REHEAT A CASSEROLE

This enchilada casserole make for great leftovers and is really easy to reheat.  I’m not a fan of warming food in the microwave but if this is the only option available then go for it.

If I’m reheating a single serving I always:

• Cut a nice size piece from the casserole dish and wrap in a large piece of foil that’s been lightly sprayed with cooking oil
• Place in a preheated oven at 375 degrees until hot
• Spraying the foil lightly with cooking spray prevents any sticking

If I’m I’m reheating enough for the entire family, I’ll reheat the entire casserole in its original dish:

• I will take the casserole from the fridge and place on the counter until it reaches room temperature
• Cover the foil
• Place in a preheated at 375 degree oven until hot throughout

I really hope you enjoy this quick and easy delicious weeknight dinner.   If you struggle with weeknight dinners or not, here are a couple more easy recipes you’ll enjoy (CLICK THE LINKS BELOW):

Soft Taco Recipe

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

Easy Teriyaki Meatballs

Healthy Chicken Stir Fry

Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry

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Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

 

Turkey Enchilada Casserole starts with flavorful ground turkey browned and seasoned to perfection with layers of corn tortilla, enchilada sauce, ground turkey and mozzarella cheese are built to make this the ultimate enchilada casserole.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: baked casserole, comfort food, easy recipe, mexican food

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 757 kcal

Author: CookingwithBliss

Ingredients

• 3 lbs ground turkey beef or chicken
• 1-1/2 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp granulated garlic powder
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1-3/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 28 oz enchilada sauce one 28 ounce can store bought enchilada sauce
• 18 white corn tortillas or yellow corn
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese cheddar, a combination, or a melting cheese of your choice
• 1 can sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium high heat, brown turkey meat until no longer pink

2. Add all seasoning, mix, pour in chicken broth and stir until combined. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. Prep casserole or baking dish by greasing the inside with butter

4. Pour 1/2 to 3/4 cups of enchilada sauce to bottom of baking dish. Start layering beginning and ending top layer with corn tortillas. Add layer of corn tortillas, add enchilada sauce, add meat mixture, add cheese, and REPEAT the layering process whereby the very final layer is top with with cheese.

5. Place a loosely piece of foil paper over the top that has been lightly sprayed with cooking oil

6. Place in preheated oven at 400 degrees until cheese has melted and is bubbling. After 30 minutes, check to make sure casserole is heated through. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 3 or so minutes.

Recipe Notes

 

**Please note: Nutritional values serve as a guide only as values may vary.

Nutrition Facts

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Amount Per Serving

Calories 757 Calories from Fat 270

% Daily Value*

Fat 30g46%

Saturated Fat 10g63%

Cholesterol 169mg56%

Sodium 3290mg143%

Potassium 971mg28%

Carbohydrates 53g18%

Fiber 11g46%

Sugar 11g12%

Protein 74g148%

Vitamin A 2364IU47%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 402mg40%

Iron 5mg28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.