Devour 4 Amazing Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Weeknights, am I right? Between work, kids, and everything else, sometimes the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. But then that craving for something warm, comforting, and *actually* delicious hits! That’s where my family’s favorite Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas come in.

Seriously, these are a lifesaver. They’re easy enough for even the most chaotic weeknight, and good for you too! Ground turkey keeps things lighter, while the black beans add a boost of fiber. Plus, everyone – and I mean *everyone* – in my house loves them. This Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas recipe? It’s a total winner.

I first started making these years ago, tweaking a recipe from my granny. She always had a knack for making simple meals taste incredible, and I think these enchiladas capture that perfectly. They’re hearty, flavorful, and just… easy. What more could you ask for? Let me show you how I make them!

Why You’ll Love These Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Okay, so why are these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas so amazing? Let me break it down for ya – it’s all about making life easier and tastier!

Quick and Easy Ground Turkey Enchiladas

Seriously, from start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 45 minutes. Perfect for those nights when you’re starving and patience is, uh, *limited*. Trust me, I get it!

Healthy Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas Recipe

We’re talking lean protein and fiber, folks! These are way lighter than your traditional cheese-laden enchiladas, so you can feel good about what you’re eating (and feeding your family!).

Family-Friendly Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

My kids are *obsessed* with these. And if I can get them to eat something with black beans AND veggies, I consider that a major win. Even picky eaters will gobble these up!

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas. Don’t worry if you’re missing something – these are super adaptable!

Ground Turkey

I usually go for 93% lean ground turkey. It’s got great flavor without being *too* greasy, ya know?

Black Beans

A can (15 ounces-ish) of black beans, rinsed and drained. Nobody wants bean juice in their enchiladas!

Corn Tortillas

About 6-8 corn tortillas – the 6-inch size works best, but honestly, whatever you’ve got on hand is usually fine.

Enchilada Sauce

Your favorite enchilada sauce! Store-bought is totally fine (I won’t judge!), or if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own. About 15 ounces should do the trick.

Cheese

Shredded cheese, of course! Cheddar or Monterey Jack are my go-to’s, but a Mexican blend is also delish. About 2 cups total.

Onion and Bell Pepper

One medium onion and one bell pepper (any color!), diced. I usually use yellow onion and a red bell pepper ’cause they’re pretty, but use what you like!

Spices

We’re talking chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and maybe a pinch of salt and pepper. I don’t measure, I just kinda sprinkle until it feels right. You do you!

How to Prepare Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas: Step-by-Step

Okay, ready to get cooking? Here’s the lowdown on how to make these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas like a pro. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

Preparing the Ground Turkey and Black Bean Filling

First things first, let’s get that filling going! Grab a big skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil (or whatever oil you like) and toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Cook ’em for about 5 minutes, until they’re nice and soft.

Now, add your ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. Make sure there’s no pink left! Once the turkey’s cooked, drain off any excess grease – nobody wants greasy enchiladas, yuck!

Next, stir in your black beans, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix and let it simmer for another 5 minutes or so. This lets the flavors meld together nicely. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Assembling the Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Alright, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will keep your enchiladas from sticking.

Now, the tortilla trick! To keep your tortillas from cracking, warm them up a bit. You can do this in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. Just until they’re pliable, not crispy!

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. This prevents the enchiladas from drying out. Now, grab a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the ground turkey and black bean filling down the center, and roll it up tightly. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

Baking the Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they’re all covered nicely. Then, pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes.

They should be bubbly and heated through. How do you know when they’re done? The sauce will be simmering around the edges, that’s how!

Adding the Finishing Touches to your Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Now comes the best part: cheese! Sprinkle that shredded cheese evenly over the enchiladas and return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Careful taking them out of the oven – that dish will be HOT! Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. And that’s it! You’ve just made some seriously delicious Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas.

Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Want to take these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips!

Don’t Overfill the Ground Turkey Enchiladas

I know it’s tempting to stuff ’em full, but trust me, less is more! Overfilled enchiladas are more likely to get soggy and fall apart. Aim for a generous amount of filling, but not so much that they can’t roll up nicely.

Use Warm Tortillas for Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

This is KEY, folks! Cold tortillas are brittle and will crack when you try to roll them. Warming them up makes them pliable and easy to work with. I usually pop them in the microwave for a few seconds – works like a charm!

Customize Your Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

These are *your* enchiladas, so make ’em your own! Add some chopped zucchini or corn to the filling for extra veggies. Or, swap out the cheddar for pepper jack if you’re feeling spicy. The possibilities are endless!

Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas Variations

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! These are just suggestions, of course – feel free to get creative and invent your own variations!

Spicy Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Want to kick up the heat? Easy peasy! Dice up a jalapeño (or two, if you’re brave!) and add it to the ground turkey filling. Or, drizzle some hot sauce over the enchiladas before baking – my favorite is Cholula! A pinch of cayenne pepper in the spice mix also works wonders!

Vegetarian “Ground Turkey” Black Bean Enchiladas

No meat? No problem! You can easily make these vegetarian by swapping the ground turkey for cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just follow the recipe as usual – it’ll be just as delicious!

Creamy Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

For a richer, more decadent version, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream into the ground turkey filling. It adds a lovely tang and makes the enchiladas extra creamy. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

So, you’ve got these amazing Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas – now what? Here are a few of my favorite things to serve alongside ’em. Get ready for a fiesta!

Classic Enchilada Sides

You can’t go wrong with rice and beans, right? A dollop of guacamole and sour cream on top? Yes, please! It’s a classic combo for a reason, folks.

Fresh and Light Options

If you’re looking to lighten things up, a simple salad or coleslaw is perfect. The cool, crisp veggies balance out the richness of the enchiladas. Plus, it’s just plain yummy!

Storing & Reheating Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep those Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas tasting just as good the next day (or even the day after!).

Storing Leftover Ground Turkey Enchiladas

Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days, easy peasy!

Reheating Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Oven’s my go-to! Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the enchiladas with foil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too – just nuke ’em for a couple of minutes. Careful, they can get kinda steamy!

FAQ About Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Got questions about these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me – hopefully this helps!

Can I make these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do. Just assemble the enchiladas as directed, but don’t bake them. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. You can keep them there for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just take them out of the fridge and bake as directed – you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, since they’ll be cold.

Can I freeze Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas?

Yep, freezing works great! Again, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed (you’ll definitely need to add extra baking time since they’ll be frozen solid!). You *can* bake them from frozen, but it’ll take much longer – maybe double the baking time. Just keep an eye on them!

Are Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas healthy?

Well, “healthy” is a tricky word, but I’d say these are a pretty darn good choice! Ground turkey is a great source of lean protein, and black beans are packed with fiber. Of course, it depends on what you put in them (extra cheese, sour cream, etc. will add calories), but overall, these are a balanced and satisfying meal that you can feel good about eating!

Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Okay, so everyone *always* asks about the nutritional info. Here’s the deal: it’s tricky! Since everyone uses different brands and amounts of ingredients, it’s impossible to give you an *exact* number.

But, just so you know, I’m not a nutritionist, so I can’t give you any official advice. If you’re really curious, you can plug the ingredients you use into a nutrition calculator online – that’s what I usually do! Just remember it’s an estimate, not a guarantee!

More Delicious Recipes from Riley’s Kitchen

So, you loved these Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas? Yay! Now what? Well, don’t stop there! I’ve got tons of other easy, comforting recipes just waiting for you.

And hey, if you try this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Or snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me so I can see your creations! Happy cooking, friends!

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