Turkey Enchilada Casserole Recipe (2024)

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This delicious ground turkey enchilada casserole makes a perfect, filling dinner meal for a family. It’s tasty with a bit of Mexican flair!

Turkey Enchilada Casserole Recipe (1)

Welcome to my kitchen chronicles, where the quest for quick, delicious meals meets the ‘Ground Turkey Fan Club‘ (yes, I’m a proud member).

Let’s face it, finding a meal that ticks all the boxes – fast, flavorful, and a tad bit healthy – is like finding a unicorn in your backyard.

But guess what? I’ve found it, and it’s called the turkey enchilada casserole. It’s the culinary equivalent of hitting the jackpot, minus the winning money part.

Now, let’s talk turkey – ground turkey, to be exact. It’s one of my favorite dinner ingredients, always there, ready to be transformed into something mouth-wateringly good.

And believe me, in this recipe, it’s doing a salsa dance with some delightful partners: egg noodles, enchilada sauce, cheese, and a sprinkle of spice magic. It’s like a fiesta in a dish, and everyone’s invited.

Turkey Enchilada Casserole Recipe (2)

This also satisfies both camps of eaters: those who want something tasty and don’t care about calories, and then those who want something tasty . . . and do care.

It’s low enough in calories to keep my diet-conscious mind at ease and hearty enough to fill up my better half, who believes every meal should be a feast. It’s a win-win, served up in a casserole dish.

It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen or wake up with eater’s remorse.

So, gear up for a cooking adventure that will end with empty plates and happy hearts. This turkey enchilada casserole is not just a meal; it’s a partnership of health and flavor.

And the best part? It’s so easy, you’ll have time to do that thing you love after dinner – like, you know, relaxing.

Ready to be the hero of your dinner table? Just grab these simple ingredients and follow the recipe below. Trust me, your taste buds (and your family) will thank you! Here’s what you’re going to need:

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 12 oz No Yolks egg noodles
  • 1 can 10 oz. red enchilada sauce
  • 1 small onion
  • 5 ounces light cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups reduced fat Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 1 can 4 oz. diced green chiles
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 sprays light cooking spray

Tips and Thoughts for This Recipe

If you can’t find egg noodles, I also like rotini for this casserole. It’s equally as tasty. Gluten free pasta also works well for a 1:1 substitution.

You can easily sneak chopped up spinach or other veggies into this recipe. I do it all the time.

Instead of buying all those separate spices, you can just by a package of taco seasoning and use 1 1/4 teaspoon(s) or more depending on how much spice you like.

I find that the noodles are still warm enough to melt the cream cheese and sour cream when you add them. However, if the noodles cooled off too much, put a burner on the lowest heat setting and stir until melted and combined.

Get the printable recipe for this tasty casserole below:

Yield: 8 servings

Turkey Enchilada Casserole Recipe (3)

This delicious enchilada casserole makes a perfect meal for a family. It's tasty with a bit of Mexican flair - and the calorie count is just right!

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time25 minutes

Cool Time10 minutes

Total Time1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey breast
  • 12 oz No Yolks egg noodles
  • 10 oz red enchilada sauce (1 can)
  • 1 small onion
  • 5 ounces light cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups reduced fat Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 4 oz. diced green chiles (1 can)
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 sprays light cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a casserole dish with non stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and place back into the large pot. Set aside.
  3. Dice the onion into small pieces and cook in a small saucepan for about 5 minutes, or until the onions start getting a clear, glassy look.
  4. Add your ground turkey and cook until it is no longer pink and completely cooked through. Turn off heat.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, and enchilada sauce to the large pot with the noodles. Stir until they are combined and melted.
  7. Add the turkey mixture to the large pot and stir. At this time you'll also add the green chiles and stir everything to combine.
  8. Pour the turkey mixture into the casserole dish and top with the cheese.
  9. Bake for 25 minutes or until the cheese has completely melted. Remove and cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 piece

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 383Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 533mgSodium: 638mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 34g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a rating or share a photo onPinterest!

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other related recipes:

  • My Favorite Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes
  • The Best Instant Pot Enchilada Casserole
  • Ground Turkey Casserole Recipe with Biscuits
  • Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole (So Easy!)
  • Chicken and Stuffing Casserole Topped with Tomatoes
Turkey Enchilada Casserole Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to good enchiladas? ›

The most important tip for avoiding soggy enchiladas is to briefly fry your tortillas in hot oil before you fill and roll. This creates a little bit of a barrier so that the tortillas don't soak up too much of the sauce and therefore start to break down.

How to make enchiladas that aren't soggy? ›

To prevent your tortillas from tearing or becoming soggy, quickly fry each corn tortilla in any oil you like for about 10 seconds on each side, until it starts to get crispy but is still pliable. This will add a barrier that will keep the tortilla from absorbing too much sauce, and also adds a little extra flavor.

Should enchiladas be covered when baking? ›

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until the enchiladas are cooked through and the tortillas are slightly crispy on the outside. Transfer the baking dish to a wire baking rack. Serve. Serve the enchiladas immediately while they're nice and hot and melty, garnished with lots of fresh toppings.

What can I add to canned enchilada sauce to make it taste better? ›

To make your canned enchilada sauce taste homemade, grab some butter, a little flour, and some chicken stock. This trifecta of ingredients infuses a canned enchilada sauce with a satisfyingly thick texture and a rich, savory flavor.

Are enchiladas better with corn or flour? ›

Corn tortillas go well with Mexican dishes like tacos, enchiladas, and tamales. They are also perfect for use in tostadas, sopes, and quesadillas. Flour tortillas are often used in burritos, fajitas, and chimichangas. They are also great for making quesadillas, sweet dishes like dessert tacos, and breakfast burritos.

How to keep enchiladas from getting hard on the bottom? ›

Some recipes suggest spreading a little sauce (½ cup for a 3-quart baking dish) on the bottom of the pan before adding enchiladas. This keeps the tortillas from sticking to the pan or getting tough on the bottom.

Can I prepare my enchiladas ahead of time? ›

If you're planning on preparing these the night before you plan on serving them, simply assemble everything, cover and place in the refrigerator. If you are preparing the enchiladas more than a day in advance, simply cover and place in the freezer until you're ready to heat and serve.

How to cook real good enchiladas in the oven? ›

Place tray on center rack in oven on an oven-proof sheet pan. Bake for 30 - 33 min. Let rest 1 minute. Enjoy!

How long to put enchiladas in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas and top with any remaining meat or cheese. Bake in the preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 30 minutes.

How do you know when enchiladas are done in the oven? ›

Wrap tortillas tightly around filling, placing seam side down in baking dish. Top enchiladas with enchilada sauce and remaining cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Do you put enchilada sauce on before or after? ›

After you fry the tortillas, dip both sides in your delicious sauce and cover the entire surface. Then stuff and roll.

How to keep enchiladas from getting mushy? ›

Tips for keeping your flour tortillas from getting soggy in enchiladas
  1. Preheat your pan. Try preheating your enchilada pan in the oven before you start cooking. ...
  2. Pre-fry your tortillas. ...
  3. Put the sauce on top, not on the bottom. ...
  4. Bake the enchiladas before adding sauce. ...
  5. Put your enchiladas under the broiler.
Jun 25, 2021

Why do you dip tortillas in oil for enchiladas? ›

First, it creates a barrier on the surface of the tortilla that allows the tortilla to absorb some sauce—but avoid completely disintegrating. Second, it adds flavor; the sugar in the tortilla starts to caramelize and the proteins brown. Finally, it adds richness from the oil.

Should I use corn or flour for enchiladas? ›

Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas also work. Choose 7- or 8-inch flour tortillas or 6-inch corn tortillas—they fit best in most pans. Recipes vary, but for a 3-quart rectangular casserole dish, you will need about eight flour or corn tortillas.

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