Description
Mexican comfort shines through this turkey enchilada casserole, melding tender shredded meat with zesty sauce and melted cheese. Layers of rich flavors and hearty ingredients promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Spices and Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Warm the kitchen oven to a precise 350F (175C), ensuring a consistent heat for optimal cooking.
- In a spacious skillet, drizzle olive oil and sizzle ground turkey over medium flame, methodically fragmenting the meat until it transforms into a rich, caramel-brown hue (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Introduce diced onions and bell peppers, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence, creating a vibrant flavor foundation (3-4 minutes).
- Elevate the turkey mixture with a harmonious blend of spices: chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Incorporate black beans and enchilada sauce, allowing the ingredients to meld and intensify their flavors through a brief simmer.
- Prepare the baking vessel by spreading a delicate layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom. Construct architectural layers: first tortilla strips, then half the seasoned turkey mixture, crowned with a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat this layering process, building depth and complexity.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil, baking for 20 minutes. Unveil the foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes until the cheese erupts into a golden, bubbling landscape.
- Allow the casserole a brief resting period (5-10 minutes) to settle and concentrate flavors. Optional embellishments include fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, or creamy avocado slices for a final flourish.
Notes
- Swap ground turkey with lean ground chicken or plant-based protein crumbles for alternative protein options that maintain the dish’s delicious flavor profile.
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to boost nutritional value and create a gluten-free version of the casserole.
- Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium enchilada sauce and controlling salt quantities during seasoning process.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to transform this into a super quick weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg