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Hey friends!
Are you in the mood for a cozy, tasty dinner? I’ve got just the thing for you!
Today, I’m excited to share my turkey enchilada casserole recipe.
It’s packed with flavor and makes for a comforting meal the whole family will love.
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Minced turkey or beef can be replaced with plant-based ground meat alternatives for a vegetarian option. These products often have similar texture and protein content, and can be seasoned to mimic the flavor of meat. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe. For a lower-fat option, consider using ground chicken instead.
Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas for a different texture, though this will change the traditional flavor profile. For a low-carb alternative, use thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant layers. If using vegetables, pre-cook them slightly to remove excess moisture and adjust baking time as needed.
Sharp cheddar cheese can be swapped with a dairy-free cheese alternative for those avoiding dairy. Nutritional yeast can also be used to add a cheesy flavor while boosting nutritional content. If using nutritional yeast, start with 1/4 cup and adjust to taste, as it’s more concentrated than cheese. For a different flavor profile, consider using a mix of Monterey Jack and queso fresco instead of cheddar.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-60 minutes |
| Total Time | 60-80 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2800-3200
- Protein: 150-170 g
- Fat: 150-180 g
- Carbohydrates: 240-260 g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds of minced turkey or beef
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz)
- 1 can of enchilada sauce, green or red (28 oz)
- 1 1/2 cups of corn kernels, frozen
- 18 corn tortillas
- 16 oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Start with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of each for seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step 1: Cook the Onions and Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onions and cook until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
Add ground turkey or ground beef along with garlic, and continue cooking over medium heat until the meat is browned and almost fully cooked.
Sprinkle in your spices, including chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Continue cooking while checking the seasoning, adding more if needed to suit your taste.
Step 2: Incorporate Vegetables
Add corn and chilies to the skillet and stir well to incorporate them into the meat mixture.
Once mixed, set the skillet aside as you prepare the baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, pour a small amount of the enchilada sauce to moisten the bottom.
Begin layering the dish in the following order: place 6 tortillas overlapping to fit the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture.
Sprinkle 1/3 of the cheese on top and pour about 1/3 of the green enchilada sauce over the cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Continue layering by adding another layer of 6 tortillas.
Spread the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by another 1/3 of the cheese and another 1/3 of the green enchilada sauce.
Finish by topping with six more tortillas, the remaining sauce, and the last 1/3 of the grated cheese.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
This will allow the layers to meld together and the flavors to deepen.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Once the enchiladas are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Serve warm, garnished with sour cream and chopped cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Enjoy your deliciously layered enchilada dish!
