Cranberry Turkey Fiesta Enchiladas
Transform your holiday leftovers into a festive delight with these Cranberry Turkey Fiesta Enchiladas! This innovative dish combines tender shredded turkey with zesty black beans, creamy Monterey Jack cheese, and a tangy cranberry salsa that pops with flavor. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe was the grand prize winner in the Better Homes & Gardens magazine of November 2006. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also celebrates the fusion of holiday flavors in a new and exciting way.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking dish)
shredded cooked turkey
2 - 2 1/2 cups (cooked and shredded)
whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (divided)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
bottled salsa
1 1/2 cups (divided)
shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 cup (divided)
sour cream
1/2 cup (for creaminess)
green onions
3 (sliced)
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (snipped)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
whole wheat flour tortillas
8 (for wrapping the filling)
bottled hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon (for added heat)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cranberry Turkey Fiesta Enchiladas?
Cranberry Turkey Fiesta Enchiladas are a festive fusion dish that combines holiday leftovers like shredded turkey and cranberry sauce with traditional Mexican-style ingredients like black beans, salsa, and tortillas.
Is this recipe a good way to use holiday leftovers?
Yes, it is specifically designed to transform leftover holiday turkey and cranberry sauce into a completely new and exciting meal.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was a grand prize winner in the November 2006 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.
What type of turkey should I use?
You should use 2 to 2 1/2 cups of cooked and shredded turkey.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
While the recipe calls for turkey, you can easily substitute shredded cooked chicken if you do not have turkey leftovers.
What kind of cranberry sauce is required?
The recipe specifies one 16-ounce can of whole berry cranberry sauce, which is divided between the filling and the salsa.
Do I need to rinse the black beans?
Yes, the 15-ounce can of black beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the mixture.
What type of cheese is recommended?
A shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend is recommended for its creamy melting properties.
How much salsa is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of bottled salsa, which is used in both the filling and the topping.
What kind of tortillas are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 whole wheat flour tortillas.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate depending on the bottled salsa you choose, but it includes 1 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce for extra heat.
How is the cranberry salsa made?
The cranberry salsa is a tangy topping created by combining part of the whole berry cranberry sauce with bottled salsa.
What role does sour cream play in the recipe?
Sour cream is added to the turkey mixture to provide a creamy texture and balance the tanginess of the cranberries.
What seasonings are used for the filling?
The filling is seasoned with ground cumin, salt, ground black pepper, and bottled hot pepper sauce.
What fresh herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of snipped fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
Are green onions used in this dish?
Yes, 3 sliced green onions are included in the recipe to provide a mild onion flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas in advance and bake them when you are ready for dinner.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
You should use nonstick cooking spray to grease the baking dish before assembly to prevent sticking.
How many enchiladas does this recipe make?
The recipe yields 8 enchiladas using the specified amount of filling and tortillas.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the blend of cheese, turkey, and familiar salsa makes it a hit with families, though you can reduce the hot sauce for sensitive palates.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a unique balance of savory turkey, zesty salsa, and sweet-tangy cranberry sauce.
Can I use white flour tortillas instead?
Yes, while the recipe suggests whole wheat for nutrition and texture, white flour tortillas will also work well.
How do I serve these enchiladas?
Serve them hot out of the oven, topped with the cranberry-salsa mixture and the remaining shredded cheese.
What type of cuisine does this represent?
It is a fusion of Mexican-style enchiladas and traditional American holiday flavors.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, the combination of melted cheese, tortillas, and hearty turkey makes it a classic comfort food dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients required to make these enchiladas.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While black beans are traditional for this 'fiesta' style, pinto beans would be a suitable alternative.
What is the total amount of cheese used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, divided between the filling and the topping.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-prepare dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Why is the cranberry sauce divided?
Part of the cranberry sauce is mixed into the turkey filling for internal flavor, while the rest is used for the topping to create a visual and flavorful pop.