Tortilla Turkey
A flavorful turkey and vegetable quesadilla with melted cheese, perfect for a quick, hearty meal that combines smoky tomatoes, green chilies, and black olives in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp canola oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) Mexican-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 small can sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1 red pepper
- 1/2 lb ground skinless turkey breast ⓘ
- 1 cup fat-free refried beans ⓘ
- 6 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1/3 cup shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and red pepper; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring as needed, about 5 minutes until browned.
- Stir in the stewed tomatoes, refried beans, and chopped green chilies; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Quarter the corn tortillas.
- Spread the turkey mixture over half of each tortilla quarter.
- Sprinkle with shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese.
- Fold tortillas in half to enclose filling.
- Place assembled quesadillas on a baking sheet and bake until cheese melts and tortillas are crispy, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of spices like cumin and chili powder in the turkey mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with black beans or lentils. You can also use whole wheat tortillas for a healthier choice. To enhance the dish, add fresh cilantro or avocado slices when serving.
Serving Suggestions
These quesadillas can be served with a side of salsa or guacamole for extra flavor. Pair them with a fresh salad, such as Southwest Turkey Salad, for a complete meal. They also make a great appetizer for parties, especially when served with dips or alongside other Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tortilla Turkey can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the quesadillas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker reheating option, but this may make them less crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Turkey contains roughly 641 calories, with 29g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 825mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tortilla Turkey ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply assemble and bake the quesadillas. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or party planning.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, you can substitute them with flour tortillas or even whole grain tortillas. The texture will vary slightly, but they will still hold the filling well and create delicious quesadillas.
Can I freeze the assembled quesadillas?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled quesadillas for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).