Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas (40-Minutes)

Craving a hearty and flavorful meal that is easy to prepare?

Ground turkey black bean enchiladas are the perfect combination of bold flavors, high-protein ingredients, and cheesy goodness.

This dish is an excellent alternative to traditional beef enchiladas, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying option.

Whether you are making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead of time, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit.

It is also highly customizable—swap out tortillas, add extra veggies, or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

Let’s get started on this easy and delicious homemade enchilada recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and nutritious Lean ground turkey and black beans provide a protein-packed, low-fat meal.
• Quick and easy Made with simple ingredients and ready in under an hour.
• Perfect for meal prep Make ahead and reheat for a stress-free dinner.
• Family-friendly A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will enjoy.
• Customizable Easily adjust spice levels, swap out ingredients, or make it dairy-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (4 ounces) green chilies
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembling and Baking:

• 8 medium flour or corn tortillas
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving

How to Make Ground Turkey Black Bean Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and green chilies. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread ¼ cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Fill each tortilla with the turkey and black bean mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
4. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicier Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
• Swap the protein Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken as an alternative.
• Go dairy-free Use a vegan cheese substitute or skip the cheese altogether.
• Use whole wheat tortillas A great way to make this dish even healthier.
• Make it ahead Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Freeze for later Wrap assembled enchiladas tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.

What to Serve with Enchiladas

• Mexican rice A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with enchiladas.
• Guacamole or avocado slices Adds a creamy, fresh element.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt A cool and tangy contrast to the spices.
• Corn salad or sautéed veggies A lighter side to balance the meal.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

A Mexican cheese blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are great options for melting.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely. Ground chicken works well as a substitute and provides a similar texture.

Do I need to fry the tortillas before assembling?

Frying is optional, but lightly heating the tortillas in a dry skillet makes them more pliable and prevents cracking.