Simmered Turkey Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for using up leftover turkey or making a flavorful meal from scratch. These enchiladas are filled with tender turkey, simmered in a rich and spicy sauce, and then baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. The combination of savory turkey, tangy enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese creates a delightful and satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Serve these enchiladas with a side of rice and beans, or a fresh salad for a complete and hearty dinner.
Ingredients:
- For the enchilada sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the filling:
- 3 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For assembling the enchiladas:
- 8-10 large flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the enchilada sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano, and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the shredded turkey, black beans, corn, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface and spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey filling down the center. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce.
- Bake the enchiladas:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Simmered Turkey Enchiladas!
