Turkey and Cheese Chimichangas (Ww) Recipe

Are you tired of the same old dinner rotation? Look no further than these delicious and healthy turkey and cheese chimichangas! Packed with lean ground turkey breast and reduced-fat monterey jack cheese, these chimichangas are a satisfying and guilt-free dinner option. Plus, they’re Weight Watchers-friendly, making them perfect for anyone watching their points.

But don’t let the healthy ingredients fool you – these chimichangas are bursting with flavor. The ground turkey is seasoned with chili powder, green chili peppers, and scallions, and the melted cheese adds a creamy and indulgent touch.

These chimichangas are also versatile – you can customize the recipe to your liking by adding your favorite toppings, such as salsa or nonfat sour cream. Plus, they’re easy to make ahead of time and reheat for a quick and tasty meal.

So why not switch up your dinner routine with these delicious and healthy turkey and cheese chimichangas? Your taste buds and waistline will thank you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dinner recipe, then this turkey and cheese chimichanga is just what you need! This recipe is perfect for anyone who is trying to eat healthier but still wants to enjoy some delicious Mexican food. Here are some reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Firstly, this recipe is perfect for weight watchers. Each serving of this turkey and cheese chimichanga has only 9 SmartPoints, making it a great option for anyone who is trying to watch their weight. You’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without having to worry about ruining your diet.

Secondly, this recipe is easy to make. All you need is some ground turkey, cheese, tortillas, and a few other ingredients, and you’ll be able to whip up a delicious dinner in no time. You don’t need to be a master chef to make this recipe – even beginners can make it with ease.

Thirdly, this recipe is versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your tastes. If you prefer spicy food, you can add more chili powder or green chili peppers. If you’re a fan of beans, you can add some refried beans to the mix. You can even substitute the turkey for beef or chicken if you prefer.

Lastly, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can make these chimichangas ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave. This means you’ll have a delicious and healthy meal ready in minutes, even on the busiest of nights.

In conclusion, this turkey and cheese chimichanga recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food but wants to eat healthier. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights. So why not give it a try today?

Ingredient List

“Crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying!”

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for these skinny turkey and cheese chimichangas:

Main Ingredients:

1 and 1/2 lbs ground turkey breast
1 onion (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic (minced)
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
16 oz can fat-free refried beans
4 cups salsa
2 cups shredded reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese
8 burrito-size flour tortillas
Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients (for Serving):

Nonfat sour cream
Salsa
Scallions (chopped)

All of these items can be found at your local grocery store. If you have trouble finding any of the ingredients or want to make substitutions, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in the next section.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the fun part – making the Turkey and Cheese Chimichangas! This recipe is quite easy to follow and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. Here’s how you can make it:

Step 1: Cook the Turkey

First, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray it with cooking spray. Add 1 onion, finely chopped, and 1 clove garlic, minced, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Add 2 pounds ground turkey breast and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Step 2: Add the Spices

Add 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp ground cumin to the turkey mixture and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Salsa

Stir in 3/4 cup salsa and 4 cups fat-free refried beans. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Assemble the Chimichangas

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lay out 8 burrito-size flour tortillas on a flat surface. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the turkey mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Top each with a sprinkle of reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese and 2 chopped scallions. Fold the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Place the chimichangas seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 5: Bake the Chimichangas

Spray the chimichangas with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chimichangas hot, topped with a dollop of nonfat sour cream and some extra salsa on the side. These Turkey and Cheese Chimichangas are great on their own or paired with a fresh green salad or some Mexican rice. Enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

You can make several substitutions and variations to this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas:

– Tortillas: Instead of using burrito-size flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas or whole wheat tortillas. You can also use egg roll wrappers to make crispy baked chimichangas.

– Cheese: Instead of using reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, you can use regular Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.

– Meat: Instead of using ground turkey, you can use ground beef, ground chicken, or shredded cooked chicken or turkey breast.

– Beans: Instead of using refried beans, you can use black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans. You can also use fat-free refried beans or make your own using canned beans.

– Vegetables: You can add more vegetables to the filling, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. You can also use different types of chili peppers, such as jalapenos or poblano peppers.

– Spices: You can adjust the amount of chili powder or use different spices, such as cumin, oregano, or paprika. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

– Toppings: You can serve the chimichangas with toppings such as salsa, guacamole, nonfat sour cream, diced tomatoes, or chopped scallions. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh kick.

By experimenting with different substitutions and variations, you can create your own unique version of this recipe that suits your taste and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative and have fun in the kitchen!

Serving and Pairing

These turkey and cheese chimichangas are a satisfying and flavorful meal on their own, but they can also be dressed up with some tasty sides and beverages. To really highlight the Mexican-inspired flavors in this dish, I recommend serving these chimichangas with some classic sides like rice, beans, and a fresh salad. You can also add some spice with a side of pickled jalapeños or some fresh guacamole.

As for beverages, a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita would pair perfectly with these chimichangas. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a glass of horchata or agua fresca would be a great choice.

One of the great things about these chimichangas is that they are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for any meal of the day. Serve them for breakfast with a side of scrambled eggs and some fresh fruit, or for lunch with a side of salsa and some tortilla chips. They also make for a hearty dinner that can be paired with a variety of sides and drinks.

No matter how you choose to enjoy these turkey and cheese chimichangas, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their delicious blend of flavors and satisfying texture, they are a perfect choice for any occasion.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

These turkey and cheese chimichangas are a great make-ahead meal that can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal. If you’re planning on making these ahead of time, simply prepare the chimichangas as directed in the recipe, but don’t bake them. Instead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

When you’re ready to bake the chimichangas, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chimichangas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake them for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.

If you have leftover chimichangas, you can store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat them, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the chimichangas on a baking sheet. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy.

If you’re short on time, you can also reheat the chimichangas in the microwave. Simply place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat them for 1-2 minutes, or until they’re heated through.

When you’re ready to serve, top the chimichangas with some nonfat sour cream, salsa, and chopped scallions for an extra burst of flavor. These turkey and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Tips for Perfect Results

When making these turkey and cheese chimichangas, there are a few tips that will help you get perfect results every time. Here are my top tips for making the best chimichangas:

1. Use lean ground turkey: I recommend using ground turkey breast for this recipe. It is lower in fat and calories than traditional ground beef, making it a healthier option. Plus, it still has plenty of flavor and pairs well with the other ingredients.

2. Don’t skimp on the seasoning: Chimichangas are all about the flavor, so be sure to season the turkey mixture generously with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. This will give the filling a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese and salsa.

3. Use burrito-size flour tortillas: Burrito-size tortillas are the perfect size for making chimichangas. They are large enough to hold a generous amount of filling, but not so large that they are difficult to work with. Be sure to warm them up before filling them to prevent them from cracking.

4. Go easy on the cheese: While cheese is an essential ingredient in chimichangas, it’s important not to overdo it. Use just enough to add flavor and creaminess, but not so much that it overwhelms the other flavors.

5. Bake, don’t fry: To keep these chimichangas on the healthier side, I recommend baking them rather than frying them. This will give them a crispy texture without all the added fat and calories.

6. Serve with nonfat sour cream and salsa: For a delicious, low-calorie topping, serve your chimichangas with nonfat sour cream and salsa. This will add a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients in the dish.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create delicious, restaurant-quality turkey and cheese chimichangas right in your own kitchen. So go ahead and give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Bottom Line

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these turkey and cheese chimichangas are a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking for a satisfying meal without the guilt. With lean ground turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and nonfat sour cream, you can enjoy all of the flavors of your favorite Mexican dish without compromising your health goals. This recipe is perfect for those following a Weight Watchers or low-fat diet, but it is also ideal for anyone who loves a good chimichanga.

Whether you bake or fry these chimichangas, they are sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious. With the perfect balance of spices and flavors, you will love this recipe from the first bite to the last. So, go ahead and give it a try, and see for yourself why these turkey and cheese chimichangas are an excellent choice for any occasion.

So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and enjoy the deliciousness of this recipe today!