Enchiladas: The Ultimate Guide to 7 Cheesy Mexican Comfort Food

Introduction

Few dishes are as satisfying, flavorful, and versatile as enchiladas. Whether you love them filled with shredded chicken, beef, cheese, or veggies, these rolled tortillas smothered in sauce and melted cheese are a Mexican comfort food favorite.

Enchiladas are believed to have originated from ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, where corn tortillas were wrapped around various fillings. Today, they are a staple in Mexican cuisine, with endless variations depending on the region and personal preference.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect enchiladas, from the best fillings and sauces to tips for baking them to cheesy, bubbly perfection.

A guide on the history of enchiladas

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Enchiladas

The beauty of enchiladas is that they’re simple to make yet packed with bold, satisfying flavors. You can mix and match fillings, sauces, and toppings to create your perfect version. Here’s what you’ll need!

1. Essential Ingredients:

• 12 corn tortillas – Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.
• 2 cups shredded chicken, beef, or beans – Rotisserie chicken works great for a shortcut! You can also use ground beef, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• 2 cups shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend work best.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce – Red for a classic taste, green for a tangy kick, or homemade if you want extra depth.
• ½ cup diced onion – Adds a little crunch and flavor to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon cumin – A must-have spice for that warm, smoky flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because garlic makes everything better!
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For softening the tortillas so they roll easily.

(Optional: Sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños for garnish!)

2. Step-by-Step Instructions

Making enchiladas is all about layering flavors and textures. Here’s how to do it!

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Warm the Tortillas

• Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Lightly warm each tortilla for 10–15 seconds per side to make them more flexible. This helps prevent them from breaking when rolling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

• In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken (or beef/beans), diced onions, cumin, garlic powder, and ½ cup of cheese.
• Add a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce to the mixture to keep it juicy.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

• Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
• Take a tortilla, add 2–3 tablespoons of the filling, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
• Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly in the dish.

Step 5: Add the Sauce & Cheese

• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
• Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving (this helps them hold their shape).
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor.

These enchiladas are cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—the perfect comfort food!

Variations & Serving Ideas for Enchiladas

One of the best things about enchiladas is that you can customize them however you like! Whether you want them spicy, mild, meaty, or vegetarian, here are some fun variations and serving ideas to try.

1. Tasty Variations

• Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add chopped jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.

• Extra Cheesy: Mix cream cheese or queso fresco into the filling for ultra-creamy enchiladas.

• Meaty Options: Swap the chicken for slow-cooked beef barbacoa, carnitas, or ground turkey.

• Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use black beans, pinto beans, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a delicious meat-free version.

• Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, bell peppers, or even a layer of refried beans inside the tortillas for extra flavor.

• Enchiladas Suizas: Instead of red sauce, smother your enchiladas in creamy green tomatillo sauce and top with fresh avocado slices.

2. Best Sides to Serve with Enchiladas

• Mexican Rice: A perfect side to soak up extra sauce.

• Crisp Side Salad: A fresh salad with lime vinaigrette and avocado balances out the richness.

• Refried Beans: Classic, creamy, and full of flavor.

• Guacamole & Chips: Because there’s never a bad time for guac!

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): The sweet, creamy corn pairs perfectly with enchiladas.

• Margaritas or Agua Fresca: Refreshing drinks to complete the meal!

No matter how you make them, enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor!

How to Store & Reheat Enchiladas

One of the best things about enchiladas is that they store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious!

1. Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge:

• Let the enchiladas cool completely before storing.
• Cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

In the Freezer:

• If freezing the whole dish, assemble the enchiladas but don’t bake them. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
• If freezing leftovers, place individual portions in freezer-safe containers for easy reheating.

2. Best Ways to Reheat

In the Oven (Best for Crispy Edges):

• Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

In the Microwave (Quickest Method):

• Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

On the Stovetop (For Small Portions):

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat with a little oil or broth.
• Cover and warm for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.

With these tips, you’ll have delicious, saucy enchiladas ready to enjoy anytime!

FAQs About Enchiladas

1. Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance, cover them, and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, let them sit at room temp for 15 minutes, then bake as usual.

2. Should I use corn or flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up better in sauce, but flour tortillas work if you prefer a softer texture. Just be aware that flour tortillas can get a little soggy.

3. How do I keep my enchiladas from getting soggy?

• Lightly fry the tortillas before rolling them to create a barrier against the sauce.
• Don’t overdo the sauce—too much liquid makes them mushy.
• Bake uncovered for the last few minutes to crisp up the edges.

4. What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco works best. Use Oaxaca or Chihuahua cheese for an authentic melty texture.

5. Can I freeze enchiladas after baking?

Absolutely! Let them cool, wrap them tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

6. What’s the difference between red and green enchilada sauce?

• Red sauce is made from dried red chilies, tomatoes, and spices, giving it a deep, smoky flavor.
• Green sauce is made with tomatillos, green chilies, and cilantro, making it tangy and slightly spicy.

conclusion

Enchiladas are the ultimate Mexican comfort food—cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Whether you prefer them with chicken, beef, beans, or extra cheese, they’re an easy, satisfying meal that everyone loves.

The best part? They’re super customizable and great for meal prep, freezer meals, or feeding a crowd. Just add your favorite toppings—sour cream, guac, fresh cilantro—and serve with rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a complete, delicious meal.

So next time you’re craving a hearty, homemade Mexican dish, give these enchiladas a try. You won’t regret it!

For more Recipes to Try

Looking for citrus-inspired desserts? Check out this recipe:

• Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe: Explore a richer take on orange desserts by combining chocolate and orange for a sophisticated treat.