Turkey Cream Cheese Enchiladas: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Are you looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, uses leftover turkey (or ground turkey!), and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser? Look no further than these Turkey Cream Cheese Enchiladas! This recipe combines the savory goodness of seasoned turkey with the creamy richness of cream cheese, all wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered in a tangy enchilada sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner option that’s both comforting and delicious.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and requires minimal prep time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
* **Uses Leftover Turkey (or Ground Turkey):** Got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or a holiday feast? This is a fantastic way to use it up! But don’t worry if you don’t have leftovers – ground turkey works just as well.
* **Creamy and Flavorful:** The combination of seasoned turkey, cream cheese, and enchilada sauce creates a wonderfully creamy and flavorful dish that everyone will love.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is very adaptable. You can easily adjust the spice level, add different vegetables, or use different types of cheese to suit your preferences.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat. This makes it a great option for meal prepping or entertaining.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Turkey Cream Cheese Enchiladas:
* **Turkey:** 2-3 cups cooked, shredded turkey (or 1 pound ground turkey, cooked and drained)
* **Cream Cheese:** 8 ounces, softened
* **Enchilada Sauce:** 28 ounces (one large can or two smaller cans) – choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot variety.
* **Tortillas:** 10-12 flour tortillas (6-8 inch size works best)
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
* **Olive Oil:** 1 tablespoon
* **Chili Powder:** 1 tablespoon
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon
* **Oregano:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Skillet:** For cooking the ground turkey (if using) and sauteing the onion and garlic.
* **Large Mixing Bowl:** For combining the turkey, cream cheese, and seasonings.
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the enchiladas.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Cutting Board and Knife**
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect Turkey Cream Cheese Enchiladas every time:
**1. Prepare the Turkey (if using ground turkey):**
* If using ground turkey, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set aside to cool slightly.
**2. Prepare the Turkey Filling (if using leftover turkey):**
* If using leftover turkey, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded turkey, softened cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
**3. Assemble the Enchiladas:**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Pour about 1 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
* Warm the tortillas slightly. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing. You can warm them in the microwave for a few seconds each, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds.
* Take one tortilla and spread about 1/4 cup of the turkey filling down the center.
* Sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the filling.
* Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
* Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, packing them snugly in the baking dish.
**4. Bake the Enchiladas:**
* Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas in the baking dish.
* Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced green onions.
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey filling or enchilada sauce for extra heat.
* **Add vegetables:** Include diced bell peppers, corn, black beans, or spinach in the turkey filling for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Use different cheese:** Try using Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar cheese.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Substitute the turkey with cooked black beans, pinto beans, or a mixture of vegetables.
* **Use corn tortillas:** If you prefer corn tortillas, you can use them instead of flour tortillas. However, corn tortillas tend to be more brittle, so be careful when rolling them.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free tortillas and make sure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
* **Add some heat:** Incorporate a diced jalapeño pepper into the turkey mixture for a spicy kick. Be sure to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
* **Layer the flavor:** Consider adding a layer of refried beans to the bottom of the tortillas before adding the turkey filling. This adds another layer of flavor and texture.
* **Use a rotisserie chicken:** If you don’t have leftover turkey, a rotisserie chicken is a great substitute. Simply shred the chicken and use it in place of the turkey.
* **Make it a casserole:** Instead of rolling individual enchiladas, you can layer the ingredients in a baking dish to create a casserole. Simply layer tortillas, turkey filling, cheese, and enchilada sauce, repeating the layers until all the ingredients are used.
* **Don’t overfill the tortillas:** Overfilling the tortillas can cause them to tear, making it difficult to roll them up neatly.
* **Use quality enchilada sauce:** The enchilada sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, so choose a high-quality sauce that you enjoy. You can also make your own enchilada sauce from scratch.
* **Add toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Some popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
## Serving Suggestions
These Turkey Cream Cheese Enchiladas are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that complements the flavors of the enchiladas.
* **Refried Beans:** Another classic Mexican side dish that adds extra protein and fiber to the meal.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** A refreshing and flavorful appetizer or side dish.
* **Salsa and Sour Cream:** Perfect for topping the enchiladas and adding extra flavor.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad:** A vibrant and flavorful salad that adds a touch of sweetness and spice to the meal.
* **Simple Salad:** A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the enchiladas.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
These enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Simply assemble the enchiladas as directed, cover them with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
## Recipe Notes
* **Softening Cream Cheese:** Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened for the best texture. Take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you start preparing the recipe.
* **Warming Tortillas:** Warming your tortillas prevents them from cracking during the rolling process. A quick zap in the microwave or a brief stint on a hot skillet will do the trick.
* **Don’t Overfill:** Be careful not to overfill your tortillas. Too much filling makes them difficult to roll and can cause them to break.
* **Sauce Coverage:** Ensure all enchiladas are covered in sauce to prevent them from drying out in the oven. A generous amount of sauce keeps them moist and flavorful.
## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*
## Conclusion
These Turkey Cream Cheese Enchiladas are a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey or enjoy a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. With their creamy filling, flavorful sauce, and customizable ingredients, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexican comfort food!