The Art of Perfect Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake Mastery

Perfect Turkey Browning Technique

Master the skill of properly browning ground turkey for optimal flavor and texture.

Spice Blooming Mastery

Learn the technique of toasting spices to develop deep, complex flavor profiles.

Sauce Reduction Excellence

Perfect the method of simmering filling to achieve ideal consistency and flavor concentration.

Layering Strategy

Master the art of building flavorful layers for maximum taste and structural integrity.

Cheese Melting Perfection

Learn optimal baking techniques for achieving perfectly melted, golden cheese topping.

Casserole Mastery Secrets for Perfect Turkey Enchilada Bake Success

Turkey Texture: Don't overcook the ground turkey - it should be just cooked through to stay moist.

Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting.

Tortilla Prep: Warming tortillas makes them easier to handle and prevents cracking.

Sauce Consistency: Let filling simmer to reduce excess liquid and prevent soggy casserole.

Resting Time: Allow casserole to rest after baking for easier serving and better texture.

Make-Ahead: Assemble completely and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready to serve.

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake with Three-Cheese Blend

Name: Ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake with Three-Cheese Blend
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: For the Turkey Filling:; 2 pounds ground turkey (93/7 lean); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 bell peppers, diced; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced; For the Spice Blend:; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Sauce Base:; 2 cans (10 oz each) red enchilada sauce; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; For the Tortilla Layer:; 12 corn tortillas; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Three-Cheese Blend:; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled; For the Vegetable Mix:; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup frozen corn kernels; 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

The ultimate comfort food casserole featuring seasoned ground turkey, zesty enchilada sauce, and a luxurious three-cheese blend baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty Mexican-inspired dish combines lean ground turkey with authentic spices, corn tortillas, and a rich cheese topping, creating an irresistible family-friendly meal that brings all the flavors of traditional enchiladas in an easy-to-make casserole format perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd with its satisfying blend of protein, vegetables, and melted cheese goodness.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

55 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Turkey Filling:

2 pounds ground turkey (93/7 lean)

1 large yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 bell peppers, diced

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced

For the Spice Blend:

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce Base:

2 cans (10 oz each) red enchilada sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

For the Tortilla Layer:

12 corn tortillas

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Three-Cheese Blend:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup queso fresco, crumbled

For the Vegetable Mix:

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup frozen corn kernels

1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

For the Creamy Element:

1 cup sour cream

4 oz cream cheese, softened

For the Fresh Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

1 lime, cut into wedges

1 avocado, diced

For the Final Touches:

Cooking spray for baking dish

Aluminum foil

Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add minced garlic, bell peppers, and jalapeño, cooking for 3 minutes more.

Add ground turkey, breaking it up with spoon, and cook until no longer pink.

Stir in all spice blend ingredients and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Pour in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, stirring well.

Add black beans, corn, and green chiles to the turkey mixture.

Simmer mixture for 10 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, warm tortillas in microwave for 30 seconds to make pliable.

Cut tortillas into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

In small bowl, mix sour cream and softened cream cheese until smooth.

Layer half the turkey mixture in prepared baking dish.

Arrange half the tortilla pieces over the turkey layer.

Dot with half the sour cream mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup cheese blend.

Repeat layers with remaining turkey, tortillas, sour cream, and cheese.

Top with remaining cheese blend and crumbled queso fresco.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.

Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and serve with lime wedges.

Top individual servings with diced avocado and hot sauce if desired.

Cut into squares and serve hot with Mexican rice or simple salad.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake with Three-Cheese Blend

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake Mastery

Ultimate Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Bake with Three-Cheese Blend

Ingredients

Instructions