Easy Leftover Turkey Enchiladas in 30 Minutes

Thanksgiving may be over, but you don’t have to say goodbye to tasty turkey leftovers. This quick recipe turns your leftover turkey into a tasty Mexican dish in just 30 minutes. It’s filled with shredded Thanksgiving leftovers and melted cheeses, making it a hit with everyone.

This recipe makes 14 portions, great for big families or for having leftovers all week. It’s ready in 30 minutes, with only 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Key Takeaways

Transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious Mexican-inspired dish in 30 minutes
Serves 14 portions, perfect for feeding a crowd or providing leftovers
Combines shredded turkey, melted cheeses, and flavorful enchilada sauce
Quick and easy to prepare, with just 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking
Garnish with cilantro and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor boost

Why Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers into Mexican Cuisine

Turning your leftover Thanksgiving turkey into Mexican dishes is a fun twist. It’s a great way to avoid the usual leftovers and add excitement to your meals. This method also helps reduce food waste and brings new flavors to your table.

Benefits of Repurposing Turkey Leftovers

Reduces food waste and maximizes the use of Thanksgiving leftovers
Provides a fresh, unexpected take on Thanksgiving meals
Introduces a variety of new flavors and textures to your dining routine
Satisfies cravings for Mexican-inspired cuisine while utilizing holiday staples
Offers a creative way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers in a unique and exciting manner

Breaking Away from Traditional Leftover Recipes

While turkey sandwiches and noodle soup are tasty, making Mexican dishes like enchiladas or tacos is even better. It’s a fun way to mix up your leftovers and try something new. This approach adds variety and brings out the turkey’s full flavor.

“Repurposing Thanksgiving leftovers into Mexican-inspired meals is a delicious way to reduce food waste and bring new life to familiar holiday flavors.”

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	6
Calories	370 kcal
Protein	30g
Fat	17g
Sodium	1423mg
Vitamin A	1067 IU
Calcium	318mg
Iron	2mg

Essential Ingredients for Turkey Enchiladas

Turning Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty Mexican dish is easy. You’ll need cooked turkey, sour cream, green chiles, and cheeses. Let’s explore the must-haves for this crowd-pleasing dish.

The recipe asks for 3 cups of cooked turkey, dark or white, or both. This is the main protein. You’ll also need 1 cup of sour cream for creaminess. Diced green chiles, about 1 cup, add a mild spice and earthy taste.

For the cheese, you’ll use 2.5 cups each of mozzarella and Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt well, making the dish irresistible. You’ll also need 12 corn tortillas, which will be filled, rolled, and baked.

Seasoning is key, with a mix of Mexican spices. You’ll need chile powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. This blend will give the turkey and sauce bold flavors.

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious turkey enchilada dish. Your family and friends will love it. Let’s start cooking!

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Making delicious Turkey Enchiladas is easy without a fancy kitchen. Just a few essential tools and some basic cooking gear are needed. Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty leftover turkey recipe.

Baking Dishes and Utensils

A 9×13 baking dish is key for your Turkey Enchiladas. It’s the right size for the tortillas and filling. You’ll also need a microwave-safe bowl to warm the sauce. For mixing, use spatulas, spoons, and a whisk.

Time-Saving Equipment Options

Using a food processor makes shredding cheese quick. An electric skillet helps warm tortillas fast, making assembly easier.

Essential Tools	Time-Saving Options
9×13 baking dish Microwave-safe bowl Spatulas, spoons, whisk	Food processor Electric skillet

With these tools and enchilada baking tools, making Turkey Enchiladas is a snap.

Preparing the Perfect Enchilada Sauce

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a delicious Mexican feast with our easy green enchilada sauce. The sauce’s consistency is crucial for your turkey enchiladas. Follow these steps to make a rich, velvety sauce that will take your dish to the next level.

Begin by opening a 28-ounce can of your favorite green enchilada sauce. To boost the flavor, warm the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1 minute. This step releases the spices and gets the sauce to the right consistency.

To add more depth, mix the warmed enchilada sauce with salsa verde, Crema (Mexican sour cream), and leftover turkey marinade. This blend of flavors will make your dish unforgettable.

Ingredient	Quantity
Green Enchilada Sauce	28 oz can
Salsa Verde	2-3 tablespoons
Crema (Mexican Sour Cream)	2-3 tablespoons
Leftover Turkey Marinade	1-2 tablespoons

By following these steps, you’ll have a homemade enchilada sauce that’s perfectly seasoned. It’s ready to turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a Mexican-inspired dish. Enjoy the rich flavors and smooth texture of this versatile sauce as you make your enchiladas.

How to Season Your Leftover Turkey

Elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers by seasoning the turkey with a flavorful spice blend. This simple step can transform your humble turkey into a Mexican-inspired delight. Let’s explore the key components of the perfect spice blend and discover effective marinating techniques to infuse your leftover turkey with vibrant flavors.

Spice Blend Components

Start by creating a versatile spice blend that will complement the turkey’s natural flavors. Mix 1 teaspoon each of chile powder, paprika, cumin, onion powder, and oregano. Add 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and 1 teaspoon of salt to balance the blend. This aromatic medley of turkey seasoning and spice blend will infuse your leftover turkey with a delightful Southwest flair.

Marinating Tips and Timing

For maximum flavor, marinate your turkey in a mix of honey, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder. This marinade will tenderize the turkey and add sweet, sour, and savory notes. Aim to marinate the turkey for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for the best marinating techniques and depth of flavor.

By infusing your leftover turkey with a vibrant spice blend and a flavorful marinade, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and unexpected Mexican-inspired dish. Get ready to wow your guests with the bold and irresistible flavors of your repurposed Thanksgiving leftovers.

Leftover Turkey Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn your Thanksgiving leftovers into a tasty Mexican dish with these simple steps. Learn how to assemble, roll, and layer your enchiladas for a delicious meal.

Mix seasoned leftover turkey with sour cream, diced green chiles, and a mix of cheddar, pepper jack, and gouda cheeses.
Warm the green enchilada sauce in a shallow dish or pan. Dip each tortilla into the warm sauce, making sure it’s coated evenly.
Put a big portion of the creamy turkey mix in the center of the tortilla. Roll it tightly and place it seam-side down in a 2-quart baking dish.
Keep rolling and filling the dish until it’s full. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.

Bake the enchiladas in a 375°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes. They’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Follow these steps to make a delicious leftover turkey enchilada dish. It’s sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the perfect mix of flavors and textures in this easy weeknight meal.

Cheese Selection and Layering Techniques

Choosing the right cheese is key for perfect turkey enchiladas. You need a mix of cheeses that melt well and match the turkey and sauce flavors. Shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack are great, as they melt smoothly. A Cheddar-Monterey Jack mix also offers a nice balance of taste.

Best Cheese Combinations

Shredded mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheeses
Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
Avoid using low-fat cheeses, as they may not melt as smoothly

Proper Melting Methods

To get the cheese to melt right, layer it carefully. Start with a cheese layer at the bottom of the dish. Then, add the turkey and sauce mix. Top each enchilada with more cheese, spreading it evenly.

This way, the cheese melts into the enchiladas. It creates a perfect mix of flavors and textures.

Cheese Type	Melting Qualities	Recommended for Enchiladas
Mozzarella	Smooth and creamy when melted	Yes
Monterey Jack	Melts beautifully, creating a gooey texture	Yes
Cheddar	Melts well and adds a sharp, distinct flavor	Yes, in combination with other cheeses
Low-fat Cheeses	May not melt as smoothly or evenly	Not recommended

By picking and layering the right cheeses, you can make your leftover turkey enchiladas even better. They’ll be a delicious and satisfying dish.

Tips for Perfect Tortilla Rolling

Learning to roll soft, crack-free tortillas is crucial for making tasty leftover turkey enchiladas. Here are some expert tips to help you roll tortillas perfectly. These tips will prevent any splitting or tearing.

Warm the tortillas in a lightly oiled skillet for 15-30 seconds per side before rolling. This simple step helps to soften and make the tortillas more pliable, reducing the risk of cracking during the rolling process.
Dip the warmed tortillas in the warm enchilada sauce before filling. This adds extra moisture and flavor, further enhancing the soft and supple texture of the tortillas.
If a tortilla does split while rolling, don’t worry – the enchiladas will be smothered in cheese and sauce, hiding any imperfections. Focus on assembling the enchiladas neatly, and the final dish will look and taste amazing.

By following these tortilla rolling techniques, you’ll be able to create soft, crack-free enchiladas. These enchiladas will showcase your leftover turkey in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredient	Amount
Avocado or Olive Oil	2 tbsp
Ground Turkey	1 lb
Black Beans	15 oz (1 can)
Red Enchilada Sauce	1 1/2 cups
Corn, Grain-Free, or Flour Tortillas	8-10
Shredded Mexican Cheese or Vegan Cashew Queso	2 cups
Servings	4

Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines

To bake your homemade turkey enchiladas right, temperature and timing are crucial. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. This ensures the cheese melts and bubbles beautifully.

Signs of Perfect Doneness

Wondering when your enchiladas are done? Look for these signs:

Golden brown and crispy edges on the tortillas
Bubbling, melted cheese on top
A slightly puffed appearance as the filling heats through

Resting Time Importance

After baking, let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. This step is key. It lets the filling set and flavors blend, making the dish more delicious. The wait is worth it!

Statistic	Value
Oven Temperature	350°F (175°C)
Baking Time	20-25 minutes
Resting Time	5 minutes
Internal Temperature	165°F (74°C)

“Perfectly baked enchiladas are the key to a mouthwatering leftover turkey dish.”

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Make your leftover turkey enchiladas look and taste great with the right touches. Start by sprinkling fresh cilantro and a bit of red pepper flakes on top. This adds color and a bit of spice.

For more texture and taste, try adding sliced black olives or diced onions. A dollop of sour cream can also help balance the flavors. Serve with Mexican rice or a green salad for a complete meal.

To make your enchiladas look impressive, arrange them neatly in the dish. Once they’re done, move them to a platter and add your favorite toppings. The dish will look and smell amazing, impressing everyone.

Enchilada Toppings	Mexican Garnishes	Presentation Ideas
Sliced black olives Diced onions Sour cream	Fresh cilantro Red pepper flakes	Neatly arrange enchiladas in baking dish Transfer to serving platter Garnish with toppings

With these simple tips, your leftover turkey enchiladas will become a stunning, flavorful dish. Your family and guests will love it.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

After enjoying the tasty leftover turkey enchiladas, it’s important to store and reheat them right. Keeping the flavors and textures fresh is crucial for enjoying them later.

For storing, put the enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and prevents the tortillas from drying out. To reheat, you can use the microwave or oven.

Microwave reheating: Place the enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking often, until they’re hot.
Oven reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the enchiladas in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until they’re hot and bubbly.

You can also freeze the enchiladas for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in foil or use an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Storage Method	Maximum Duration
Refrigerator	5 days
Freezer	3 months

Proper storage and reheating are key for keeping your leftover turkey enchiladas fresh and safe. By following these tips, you can enjoy your delicious dish for longer.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options

Turning Thanksgiving leftovers into freezer-friendly enchiladas is a smart move. It helps with meal prep and reduces food waste. You can enjoy a tasty, homemade meal with little effort later.

To make-ahead, just prepare the enchiladas until before baking. Put them in an oven-safe, freezer-safe dish, cover it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Then, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.

Batch cooking and freezing enchiladas is a lifesaver for busy nights. They can be reheated from the freezer, making them ideal for meal prep. Bake the frozen enchiladas at 350°F for 30 minutes, until hot and the cheese is melted.

Preparation	Freezing	Reheating
Assemble enchiladas in an oven-safe, freezer-safe dish	Freeze for up to 3 months	Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes

Using these make-ahead and freezing methods, you can enjoy freezer-friendly enchiladas easily. Meal prep has never been simpler!

Conclusion

This 30-minute leftover turkey enchiladas recipe is a tasty way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. It combines Mexican flavors with creamy textures, making it a hit with everyone. You can choose from many turkey enchilada recipes, from spicy to unique, to find your favorite.

Turning leftover turkey into a Mexican meal is easy and delicious. You can make your own enchilada sauce and layer cheeses perfectly. This guide helps you make your leftovers into a tasty dish. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special use of holiday leftovers.

Don’t let leftover turkey go to waste. Try this 30-minute recipe to make a Mexican meal that everyone will enjoy. It’s a great way to use up your Thanksgiving leftovers and explore new flavors.

FAQ

How long does it take to make the leftover turkey enchiladas?

You can make these enchiladas in just 30 minutes.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves 14 people, using 3 cups of cooked, shredded turkey.

What are the key ingredients in this enchilada dish?

The main ingredients are cooked turkey, corn tortillas, and a mix of mozzarella and jack cheese. You’ll also need green enchilada sauce, sour cream, and diced green chiles.

What equipment is needed to make these enchiladas?

You need a 9×13 baking dish and a microwave-safe bowl for warming the sauce. Basic utensils for mixing and spreading are also required.

Can I make the enchilada sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can make the sauce from scratch. Mix canned green sauce with salsa verde, Crema, and leftover turkey marinade.

How do I season the leftover turkey for the enchiladas?

Season the turkey with a mix of spices like chile powder, paprika, and cumin. Add onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. You can also marinate it in honey, lime juice, chili powder, and garlic powder.

How do I assemble the enchiladas?

Dip tortillas in warm sauce, fill with seasoned turkey, roll, and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until full, then cover with sauce and cheese.

What’s the best way to melt the cheese on top of the enchiladas?

Use a mix of mozzarella and jack cheese for the best melt. Ensure even cheese distribution to avoid greasiness.

How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling them?

Warm tortillas in a lightly oiled skillet for 15-30 seconds per side. This softens them and prevents cracking.

How long should I bake the enchiladas, and what are the signs of perfect doneness?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. The cheese should bubble and the edges golden. Perfect doneness is a melted cheese topping and set filling.

What are some serving suggestions and garnishes for the enchiladas?

Top with fresh cilantro and red pepper flakes. Add black olives, diced onions, or sour cream. Serve with Mexican rice or a green salad for a full meal.