Cranberry Turkey Enchilada Bake
This Cranberry Turkey Enchilada Bake transforms simple ingredients into a comforting and vibrant one-dish meal. Using succulent turkey breast, colorful frozen peppers and onions, and a delightful twist of whole berry cranberry sauce, each layer provides a unique flavor profile that perfectly harmonizes with the tangy enchilada sauce. Topped with melted Mexican blend cheese, this recipe not only makes use of uncooked turkey but is also an excellent way to repurpose your holiday leftovers into something truly delicious. Enjoy this hearty dish with a squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro to elevate your meal!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Turkey breast tenderloin
1 lb (cut into bite-sized strips)
Frozen peppers and onions
16 ounces (stir fry vegetables)
Enchilada sauce
10 ounces
Whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup
Corn tortillas
54 inches (halved)
Shredded Mexican blend cheese
2 cups
Lime wedge
1 (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro stem
to taste (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In an extra-large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized turkey breast strips and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink.
3
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the frozen peppers and onions followed by the enchilada sauce and whole berry cranberry sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
In a 2-quart baking dish, layer the ingredients starting with half of the corn tortillas, followed by one-third of the shredded cheese and half of the turkey-veggie-sauce mixture (using a slotted spoon to reduce excess liquid).
5
Repeat the layering process with another set of tortillas, another one-third of the cheese, and the remaining turkey-veggie-sauce mix.
6
Finish with the final layer of tortillas, pouring the remaining juices over the top, and sprinkle with the last of the cheese.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8
Once cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares. Serve garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
25g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry Turkey Enchilada Bake?
It is a comforting one-dish meal that layers turkey breast, frozen peppers, onions, and corn tortillas with a unique blend of enchilada and cranberry sauces.
How long does it take to cook the turkey breast strips?
The bite-sized turkey breast strips should be cooked in a skillet for about 4 minutes, or until they are no longer pink.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
Can I use leftover turkey for this dish?
Yes, this recipe is an excellent way to repurpose holiday leftovers, although the instructions provide steps for cooking fresh turkey breast tenderloin.
What type of cheese is best for this enchilada bake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese to be layered throughout the dish.
How much cranberry sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce to provide a tangy and sweet flavor profile.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 2-quart baking dish is the recommended size for layering the ingredients.
How many calories are in a serving of this bake?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This dish provides 27.5 grams of protein per serving.
How do I prevent the enchiladas from becoming too soggy?
When layering, use a slotted spoon to transfer the turkey-veggie-sauce mixture to reduce the amount of excess liquid in the dish.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of frozen peppers and onions, typically used for stir-frying.
What kind of tortillas are used?
Corn tortillas are used, and they should be halved before being layered into the baking dish.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The bake time is approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How many layers of tortillas are in the bake?
There are three layers of tortillas: one at the bottom, one in the middle, and one final layer on top.
What should I do with the remaining sauce juices?
The remaining juices should be poured over the final layer of tortillas before adding the last of the cheese.
Is any garnish recommended?
Yes, serving the dish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro is recommended to elevate the flavor.
What is the fat content of this meal?
The meal contains 18.75 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the turkey?
The turkey breast tenderloin should be cut into bite-sized strips before cooking.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste after the turkey, vegetables, and sauces have been combined and brought to a boil.
Is the sauce mixture heated before layering?
Yes, you should bring the turkey, vegetables, enchilada sauce, and cranberry sauce mixture to a boil before layering it into the dish.
Can I use flour tortillas instead?
The recipe specifically calls for corn tortillas to achieve the best texture and flavor for this specific bake.
Should the dish sit before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to make it easier to cut into squares.
How much enchilada sauce is needed?
You will need a 10-ounce container of enchilada sauce.
Is this dish considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and is designed for a simple family dinner.
What type of meal is this categorized as?
It is categorized as a one-dish meal and comfort food.
What kind of oil should I use to cook the turkey?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of standard cooking oil.
Do I need to thaw the frozen peppers and onions first?
The instructions imply adding them frozen directly into the skillet with the cooked turkey.
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, the spice level will depend on the heat of the enchilada sauce you choose to use.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
While corn tortillas are generally gluten-free, you should check the labels on your enchilada sauce and cranberry sauce to ensure the whole dish is gluten-free.