Turkey Taco Bean Enchiladas are easy to make, kid-friendly, and freezer-friendly for busy weeknights. My youngest son loves Mexican food. In fact, I think he could survive on tacos, nachos, burrito bowls and enchiladas all week long. I’m going to Costa Rica with my oldest son this week, and it will be the first time I’ve left my youngest son home for more than a few days. Of course, his biggest concern is what he’ll be eating for breakfast and dinner while I’m gone. Sponsored by Peapod.
Unlike my older three boys, I’ve never left my youngest son alone with a babysitter. His older brothers were our built-in babysitters when they were at home, and after leaving the corporate world, I stopped traveling. So, this experience will hopefully make him more independent, and give him a taste of what’s to come in college. Freedom – yes! Fending for himself at mealtime – yikes! I actually think my absence will be a good thing for my son. He might even appreciate me more ;).
I came up with these Frozen Ground Turkey Enchiladas for Peapod as a meal that can frozen ahead of time and then baked later. It’s the perfect make ahead dinner idea for my son while I’m gone. This recipe takes very little time to assemble because I cheated and used store-bought enchilada and taco sauce in this recipe. Although I do make most meals from scratch, there are some store-bought sauces that are huge time-savers and very high quality. Chef Rick Bayless’ Frontera line of Mexican sauces are delicious. I’ve tried several and they are full-flavored and made with quality ingredients including real Mexican chilies.
These Turkey Taco Bean Enchiladas are filled with vegetarian refried beans, turkey taco meat and salsa.
They are very easy to assemble and the best part is that these enchiladas can be frozen until ready to serve. Of course, you can also bake them the same day.
My only suggestion is to hold off on adding the cheese on top if you’re going to freeze the enchiladas. I found the cheese didn’t melt as smoothly after it was frozen.
Cover with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
Finish off these Turkey Taco Bean Enchiladas with some fresh toppings sprinkled on top. Chopped avocados, fresh tomatoes, scallions and jalapeño peppers make these enchiladas extra festive. All you need is a simple green salad to make this dinner complete.
Turkey Taco Bean Enchiladas
These enchiladas can be made ahead and frozen, or baked the same day.
Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 pack low sodium taco seasoning
- 6 whole grain tortillas burrito size
- 1 1/2 cups vegetarian refried beans
- 3/4 cup organic salsa
- 1 8 ounce pack Frontera Taco Skillet Sauce
- 1 8 ounce pack Frontera Red Chile Enchilada Sauce
- 6 ounces organic sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Toppings
- 1 avocado chopped
- 2 scallions chopped
- 1 jalapeño peppers sliced
- 1 medium tomato chopped
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add ground turkey and brown. Add taco seasoning and cook until liquid is evaporated. Set aside.
Place a tortilla on a cutting board or other flat surface. Spread 1/4 cup refried beans on tortilla. Top with 1/2 cup turkey taco meat and 2 tablespoons salsa. Roll tortilla up. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Place in an ovenproof baking dish. Pour Frontera Taco Skillet Sauce and Red Chile Enchilada Sauce on top of enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheese unless you're planning on freezing the enchiladas.
To Freeze for Later
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Place enchiladas in a baking dish that is suitable to go directly from the freezer to the oven (I used an Emile Henry ceramic pan). Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil.
Freeze until ready to serve.
When ready to serve, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Remove plastic wrap cover, sprinkle with cheese, and recover baking pan with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes, scallions, jalapeño peppers and tomatoes.
To Serve Same Day
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bake enchiladas for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Sprinkle with chopped tomatoes, scallions, jalapeño peppers and tomatoes.
Recipe Notes
This can serve 6-8 people. To serve 8, cut into squares lasagna style.
If you enjoy this Turkey Taco Bean Enchiladas make-ahead freezer meal, you might also like these From The Pod recipes:
Frozen Bean Burrito Casserole
Sweet Potato & Sausage Frozen Breakfast Burritos
Freezer Salisbury Steak
Disclosure: This blog post was sponsored by Peapod as part of my participation in their Ambassador program. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The enchilada casserole looks so very comforting and flavoursome, Jeanette.