Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole

Give those turkey leftovers flavorful new life with this Leftover Turkey Enchilada Casserole! If you’re tired of turkey sandwiches, this simple recipe is a quick and delicious way to take Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving leftovers from boring to crave-worthy. The combination of seasoned turkey, melted cheese, and enchilada sauce wrapped in corn tortillas makes for a warm and satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for Leftovers
   Transform your turkey leftovers into a new, exciting meal that’s far from ordinary.

2. Quick and Easy
   This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

3. Customizable
   Add vegetables, beans, or even switch up the protein to suit your preferences.

4. Gluten-Free
   Made with corn tortillas, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked turkey or chicken
4 ounce mild green chiles
2 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 cups Monterey jack cheese shredded, divided
8 corn tortillas (10 inch)
15 ounce enchilada sauce, divided

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Spread half of the enchilada sauce in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded turkey, green chiles, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.

4. Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for 30 seconds per side.

5. Divide half of the shredded cheese over the tortillas, then add the turkey mixture on top of each tortilla.

6. Roll the tortillas up and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, followed by the remaining shredded cheese.

8. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

9. Serve topped with sliced black olives, chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley), and a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 8

Variations

• Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, try adding chopped bell peppers, corn, kale, or zucchini to the turkey filling.

• Add Beans: Black beans are a great addition to the turkey filling. You can also spread refried beans on each tortilla before adding the filling for added texture and flavor.

• Switch Up the Protein: This recipe works perfectly with shredded chicken (like rotisserie chicken), ground turkey, or even ground beef. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using extra beans and cheese.

• Make It Spicier: If you like more heat, use hot chiles or sliced jalapenos. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the turkey mixture for an extra kick.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftover turkey enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

• Freeze: To freeze, assemble the casserole, wrap tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking according to the recipe directions.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, shredded chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. You can also use other proteins like ground turkey or beef.

How do I keep the tortillas from tearing when rolling?

To prevent tearing, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side to make them more pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds to soften them.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, skip the turkey and use beans (black, pinto, or refried beans) and cheese as the main filling.

What kind of cheese can I use instead of Monterey Jack?

Cheddar cheese, Oaxaca, or a Mexican cheese blend are all good alternatives.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas will work if you’re not gluten-free, but corn tortillas give the dish a more authentic Mexican flavor.

How do I make the enchiladas spicier?

To increase the heat, try using spicy chiles, sliced jalapenos, or add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the turkey mixture.

How long should I bake the enchiladas?

Bake the enchiladas for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover enchiladas for up to three months. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing, and reheat after thawing.

What should I serve with these enchiladas?

Serve your enchiladas with side dishes like Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple salad to balance out the meal.

Conclusion

Leftover turkey enchiladas are a delicious way to give your holiday leftovers a new, flavorful twist. With minimal prep time and plenty of opportunities to customize, this dish is the perfect way to transform turkey leftovers into something everyone will love. Whether you make it spicier, add extra veggies, or go with a vegetarian version, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite way to repurpose those holiday meals.