Leftover turkey enchiladas turn a container of meat into a baked dinner that still feels like a new meal. Start with leftover turkey that was refrigerated within 2 hours and is still within 3 to 4 days, or thawed safely from the freezer. How long leftovers last and how to store Thanksgiving leftovers cover that window. Heat leftover turkey to 165°F in the finished dish, following USDA leftover reheating guidance. They are a different leftover path from turkey tetrazzini or turkey pot pie.
Fill and roll
Heat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil or sauce the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Warm 8 to 10 corn or flour tortillas so they do not crack. Mix about 3 cups of chopped leftover turkey with a little shredded cheese and a spoonful of enchilada sauce or salsa. Roll that filling in the tortillas and line them up in the dish, seam side down. Do not overfill, or the rolls will burst as they bake.
Sauce, bake, and check the temperature
Pour enough red or green enchilada sauce over the rolls to moisten them, then sprinkle on a modest amount of cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake until the sauce is bubbling and a thermometer in the center of a middle enchilada reads 165°F, usually around 25 to 35 minutes depending on how cold the filling was. Uncover for the last few minutes if you want the cheese more browned. Let the pan stand a few minutes so the rolls set before you cut into them.
What to serve and how to store extras
A simple slaw, lime, and cilantro are enough on the side. If you have leftover cranberry sauce, a small spoonful can act like a tart relish. Cool leftover enchiladas in the pan or in shallow containers and refrigerate them within 2 hours; eat those extras within 3 to 4 days, reheating to 165°F. For packing and freezing help, see how to store Thanksgiving leftovers. More leftover recipes are in the leftovers guide.
Helpful kitchen tools
- Pyrex Deep 9×13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid — A lidded 9×13 holds a pan of enchiladas and can go from oven to fridge.
- HVH 9×13 Ceramic Baking Dish Set — A second ceramic 9×13 is useful if you split a large batch.
- TempPro TP19H 1-Second Digital Meat Thermometer — Check a center enchilada to confirm the filling has reached 165°F.
- OXO Good Grips Bent Icing Spatula — Helps lift servings from the pan without tearing the tortillas.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I assemble leftover turkey enchiladas ahead of time?
You can assemble them and refrigerate the dish, then bake until the center reaches 165°F. Do not leave a filled pan at room temperature.
Corn or flour tortillas?
Either works. Warm them first so they roll without tearing. Corn tortillas give a more traditional texture.
How do I reheat leftover enchiladas the next day?
Cover and bake or microwave until the filling reaches 165°F. Add a spoon of sauce if they look dry.