5 Easy Enchilada Recipes You'll Love

Enchiladas, a beloved Mexican dish, are layers of tortillas stuffed with various fillings and smothered in rich, spicy sauce. These rolled delights offer versatility in flavors and are adored for their comforting, hearty nature. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner, need a make-ahead meal, or simply want to indulge in some authentic Mexican cuisine, enchiladas are always a crowd-pleaser. Here are five easy-to-make enchilada recipes that promise to fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas and delight your taste buds with each bite.

Chicken Enchiladas with Salsa Verde

For a fresh, tangy twist, these chicken enchiladas are drenched in salsa verde.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 jar salsa verde
  • 10 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Oaxaca or Monterey Jack)
  • Cilantro and onions for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread some salsa verde over the bottom of a baking dish.
  3. Warm the tortillas in a microwave or skillet to make them pliable.
  4. Dip each tortilla into salsa verde, then fill with chicken and cheese, roll up, and place in the dish.
  5. Pour remaining salsa verde over the enchiladas and sprinkle cheese on top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and the cheese is golden.
  7. Garnish with cilantro and onions before serving.

🥑 Note: Ensure your salsa verde is well-cooked to bring out the depth of flavor.

Beef and Bean Enchiladas

Rich and filling, these enchiladas combine beef with beans for a classic taste.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 8-10 flour tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream and green onions for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brown the beef, add beans and seasoning, cook until beef is no longer pink.
  3. Pour half the sauce into a baking dish.
  4. Fill tortillas with beef mixture, roll up, and place in the dish.
  5. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
  6. Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese melts and sauce bubbles.
  7. Serve with sour cream and green onions.

Vegetarian Black Bean and Quinoa Enchiladas

Perfect for those seeking a meatless alternative, these enchiladas pack a protein punch.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 6-8 whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Lime wedges and avocado for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix quinoa, beans, and bell pepper in a bowl.
  3. Spread a little sauce at the bottom of your baking dish.
  4. Fill tortillas with the quinoa mixture, roll, and place in the dish.
  5. Pour remaining sauce over, sprinkle cheese.
  6. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Serve with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.

Seafood Enchiladas

For a special occasion or a seafood lover’s delight, these enchiladas offer a luxurious twist.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp or crabmeat
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups green enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cotija cheese
  • Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix seafood with cream cheese and sour cream.
  3. Warm tortillas to soften.
  4. Spread some sauce in the baking dish, fill tortillas with seafood mixture, roll, and place seam side down.
  5. Cover with remaining sauce and sprinkle cheese.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly.
  7. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Cheese Enchiladas

A pure comfort food experience, these cheese enchiladas are delightfully simple yet satisfying.

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Asadero)
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • Diced tomatoes, lettuce, and olives for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Warm tortillas to make them pliable.
  3. Place some sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
  4. Roll tortillas with cheese inside, placing seam side down in the dish.
  5. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas, cover with extra cheese.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is hot.
  7. Serve garnished with diced tomatoes, lettuce, and olives.

These recipes showcase the delightful versatility of enchiladas, each offering unique flavors and ingredients tailored for different dietary preferences and tastes. Whether you prefer the classic beef and cheese, the tangy chicken with salsa verde, or the rich seafood, there's an enchilada for every palate. Each of these dishes can be easily prepared, offering you the flexibility to serve them fresh or as part of a meal prep for a week full of Mexican-inspired delights. Try these recipes, and let the vibrant flavors of Mexico transform your dining experience.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

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Absolutely, enchiladas are excellent for make-ahead meals. Prepare them as instructed, then refrigerate or freeze them before baking. If freezing, you might want to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

What can I serve with enchiladas?

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Enchiladas pair wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. For dessert, consider churros, flan, or traditional Tres Leches cake.

Are there any gluten-free options for enchiladas?

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Yes, opt for corn tortillas instead of flour for a naturally gluten-free version of these enchiladas. Ensure the ingredients for fillings and sauces are also gluten-free.

How do I store and reheat leftover enchiladas?

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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave if you’re short on time, but oven reheating will maintain the best texture.