Turkey Spinach Enchilada Casserole
A hearty turkey and spinach enchilada casserole with cheesy layers and spicy chilies, perfect for family dinners or meal prep with bold Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp minced onion ⓘ
- 1/2 pkg taco seasoning ⓘ
- 1 qt drained tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 pkg frozen spinach thawed and squeezed ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground turkey and minced onion in a skillet until no longer pink; drain excess fat.
- Stir in drained tomatoes, thawed and squeezed spinach, and taco seasoning.
- In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and garlic powder.
- Arrange 6 tortillas in a 9 x 13-inch dish, cutting to fit as needed.
- Spoon the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Spread chopped green chilies and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese over the meat.
- Cover with the remaining 6 tortillas, then pour the soup mixture over the top and smooth evenly.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Sprinkle the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour until hot and bubbly.
- Serve with sour cream and hot sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or using spicy taco seasoning. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken or even black beans for a vegetarian version. Ensure to squeeze out as much moisture from the spinach as possible to avoid a soggy casserole. This dish pairs beautifully with Mexican Chicken Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with extra sour cream and fresh cilantro for added flavor. It pairs well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little extra heat. This dish is a great addition to your collection of Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave on medium power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Spinach Enchilada Casserole contains roughly 1165 calories, with 63g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (126% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1341mg per serving (58% 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 freeze the turkey spinach enchilada casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This makes it a convenient meal for busy nights.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you're looking for a substitute, you can use homemade cream of chicken soup or a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. For a lighter option, consider using a mix of Greek yogurt and chicken broth. This will still provide creaminess without the added fat.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground turkey and substitute it with cooked lentils, black beans, or additional vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. You can also enhance the flavor with extra spices to ensure it remains hearty and satisfying.
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).