Savor the Flavor: Irresistible Turkey Enchiladas for Friendsgiving & Beyond

As the crisp air of November settles in, a unique culinary tradition has taken root alongside the classic Thanksgiving feast: Friendsgiving. Over the past decade, this heartwarming holiday has blossomed into an event almost as anticipated as T-Day itself, filling calendars with joyous gatherings. My friends, for instance, wholeheartedly embrace the spirit of Friendsgiving, making it an annual highlight. This year alone, I find myself with three Friendsgiving celebrations planned, each promising laughter, connection, and, of course, delicious food shared among diverse circles of cherished friends. It truly is the season of gratitude and togetherness!

And honestly, while it makes November a bustling month, I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Friendsgiving embodies everything I adore about the holidays, stripped of the usual stresses. It’s an evening devoted to casual camaraderie, good conversations flowing around a laden table, and the making of countless happy memories. For me, it serves as the perfect, meaningful kick-off to the holiday season, allowing me to truly appreciate the incredible people in my life and give thanks for the wonderful, honest, sometimes messy, yet always inspiring and fun friendships that enrich my existence. These bonds are treasures, undoubtedly meant to be celebrated with gusto.

Embracing Friendsgiving: A Modern Holiday Tradition

Friendsgiving isn’t just another meal; it’s a cultural phenomenon that celebrates chosen family. It’s a chance to gather with those who might not be able to travel for traditional family holidays, or simply an excuse to extend the season of giving thanks to a wider community of loved ones. The beauty of Friendsgiving lies in its relaxed atmosphere, where the focus shifts from elaborate traditions to genuine connection and shared joy. There’s less pressure to conform to age-old customs, allowing for creative twists on holiday fare and a more laid-back approach to hosting. This freedom from obligation often results in some of the most memorable and heartfelt celebrations, creating new traditions that resonate deeply with modern lifestyles.

A Delicious Twist on Tradition: Why Turkey Enchiladas are a Must-Try

Now, I’ll let you in on a little secret: I’m one of those somewhat unconventional people who doesn’t get overly enthusiastic about traditional Thanksgiving food. Don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly fine, but if given a choice, my heart often yearns for the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine over the classic turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce any day of the week. This is precisely why, for Friendsgiving or as a brilliant way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers, I absolutely love to merge these two worlds. And let me tell you, these Turkey Enchiladas are not just good; they are an absolute game-changer. They offer a refreshing departure from the expected, providing a burst of flavor and a comforting warmth that feels both festive and uniquely satisfying.

The Magic of Mexican-Inspired Leftovers

Transforming leftover turkey into something utterly new and exciting is an art, and these enchiladas are a masterpiece. Instead of another turkey sandwich, imagine tender, seasoned turkey enveloped in soft tortillas, smothered in a tangy salsa verde, and baked under a blanket of melted cheese. It’s a delightful surprise for the palate, turning familiar flavors into an exhilarating culinary experience. This recipe isn’t just about using up leftovers; it’s about elevating them to star status, proving that post-holiday meals can be just as thrilling as the main event. It’s comfort food at its finest, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress your guests, making it a perfect dish to share during your Friendsgiving festivities or simply to enjoy as a weeknight treat.

Turkey Enchiladas Recipe

These Turkey Enchiladas are incredibly delicious and offer the perfect solution for utilizing leftover turkey in a completely new and exciting way. Get ready for a dish that’s rich in flavor, wonderfully comforting, and surprisingly simple to assemble!

Ingredients

• 2 cups salsa verde (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 avocados, ripe, peeled, pitted, and diced (one for filling, one for garnish)
• ½ a medium red onion, finely diced (half for filling, half for garnish)
• 8 Old El Paso large (burrito-sized) flour tortillas (my personal favorite for enchiladas!)
• 3 cups cooked, roughly-chopped turkey (light or dark meat, or a mix)
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or Monterey Jack/Cheddar)
• 1 (14-ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
• ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a large 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour approximately ⅓ cup of the salsa verde evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a flavorful base for the enchiladas and helps prevent the tortillas from drying out. Set the prepared dish aside.
2. Set Aside Garnishes: To ensure fresh toppings for serving, set aside 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese, one full diced avocado, and ½ cup of the finely diced red onion. These fresh ingredients will be added after baking for a burst of flavor and vibrant color.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay one flour tortilla flat on your clean workspace. Spread about 2 tablespoons of salsa verde thinly over the entire surface of the tortilla. Down the center of the tortilla, layer a generous handful of the diced avocado (from the portion not set aside for garnish), diced red onion, roughly chopped turkey, shredded cheese, and drained Great Northern beans. Aim to portion each ingredient so you use approximately ⅛ of the total amount for each of the 8 enchiladas. Carefully fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from one end to the other to seal. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and fillings, arranging them snugly in the dish. You might need to gently “squish” them together slightly to fit all 8 enchiladas.
4. Top and Bake: Once all enchiladas are nestled in the pan, pour the remaining salsa verde evenly over the tops of the rolled tortillas, ensuring each one is coated. Then, generously sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of shredded cheese over the salsa verde layer. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden, and the enchiladas are heated through.
5. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the enchiladas evenly with the reserved diced avocado, the remaining diced red onion, and the fresh, chopped cilantro leaves. The heat from the enchiladas will slightly warm the fresh toppings, enhancing their flavor. Serve the Turkey Enchiladas hot and enjoy this vibrant, comforting meal!

Tips for Perfect Turkey Enchiladas

• Turkey Selection: While leftover Thanksgiving turkey (both white and dark meat work wonderfully) is ideal, you can also use rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or even store-bought sliced turkey lunch meat, roughly chopped, for convenience. The key is tender, bite-sized pieces.
• Salsa Verde Matters: A good quality salsa verde is crucial for the flavor profile. If you can find a local authentic brand or prefer to make your own, it will elevate the dish significantly. As noted in the recipe, Old El Paso’s mild green chile enchilada sauce is also a fantastic substitute if you prefer that specific flavor or can’t find salsa verde.
• Tortilla Technique: Don’t overload your tortillas! A common mistake is adding too much filling, making them hard to roll and prone to breaking. A generous handful for each is usually sufficient. Heating the tortillas briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds per stack) can also make them more pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
• Cheese, Please!: The Mexican cheese blend offers a great melty texture and flavor, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a blend with a touch of cotija for a saltier kick.
• Garnishing Galore: The fresh garnishes—diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro—are not merely decorative. They add essential freshness, crunch, and a vibrant counterpoint to the rich, baked enchiladas. Don’t skip them; they truly transform the dish from “drab to fab”! Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or crema fresca for an extra layer of creaminess.

Customize Your Enchiladas: Variations to Explore

This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

• Bean Alternatives: Instead of Great Northern beans, try using black beans or pinto beans for a different texture and flavor. Make sure they are rinsed and drained thoroughly.
• Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, consider sautéing some diced bell peppers (any color), corn, or even spinach and adding them to your turkey filling mixture.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, mix in some finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper with your turkey filling. You can also choose a spicier salsa verde.
• Cheesy Swaps: While Mexican cheese blend is classic, try a pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a blend of Oaxaca and Monterey Jack for a supremely melty and authentic experience.
• Make it Vegetarian: Easily adapt this recipe by omitting the turkey and increasing the beans, adding sautéed mushrooms, crumbled tofu, or roasted sweet potatoes for a delicious meat-free version.

Serving Suggestions & Storage

These Turkey Enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a side of simple Spanish rice, a fresh green salad with a lime vinaigrette, or a bowl of creamy refried beans. Don’t forget an extra dollop of guacamole or a side of fresh pico de gallo for an authentic Mexican fiesta feel.

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, as they tend to disappear quickly!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual servings or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Enchiladas also freeze exceptionally well. Assemble them up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-25 minutes to the baking time until bubbly and hot.

So go ahead, dish them up and serve them to your friends, family, or even prepare a batch for yourself. If you’re single and looking for easy meal prep, I can personally attest that enchiladas make fantastic leftovers, ready to satisfy any craving.

Cheers to the wonderful friends (and delicious enchiladas!) that fill our lives with joy and flavor. May your holiday season be filled with good food and even better company!

Also check out these other delicious enchilada recipes!

The BEST Chicken Enchiladas Ever

White Chicken Enchilada Casserole

(Red) Chicken Enchilada Casserole

This recipe is proudly sponsored by Old El Paso. I’m honored to be collaborating with Old El Paso and a team of talented bloggers this year to create fresh, inspiring Mexican food recipes. As always, all opinions and enthusiasm for these dishes are genuinely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make delicious content like this possible!