Enchiladas: 10 Recipes to Bring the Heat (and Cheese!)

Want to know why enchilada recipes are so loved worldwide? With over 2,000 comments praising them, our enchilada recipes are a big hit. They include tasty cheese and chicken enchiladas that everyone loves.

We will share the secrets to using just the right amount of chicken and cheese. This makes the enchiladas perfectly gooey and delicious. Our list has something for everyone, whether you like spicy beef or vegetarian options.

Ever wondered why we use more corn tortillas than flour ones? Or the best oven temperature for that perfect enchilada texture? We’re here to answer these questions. You’ll learn the best recipes, tips, and tricks for making amazing enchiladas.

So, let’s get your kitchen tools ready! It’s time to make enchiladas that are both spicy and cheesy. Our guide will help you, whether you’re preparing meals for the week or making a special Mexican dish for friends.

What Are Enchiladas?

Enchiladas are a big part of Mexican food. They started during Aztec times. They mix old Mexican and Spanish cooking styles. People all over the world love enchiladas. They come in many tasty versions.

A Brief History of Enchiladas

Enchiladas began in ancient Mexico with the Aztecs. They wrapped food in maize tortillas. When Spanish people came, they brought new spices and ways to cook. This changed enchiladas into what we enjoy today. Every part of Mexico makes them a bit different, adding their special touch.

Key Ingredients to Know

Let’s talk about what you need to make great enchiladas:

• Corn Tortillas: They are the base of enchiladas and give them a unique taste and feel.
• Chili Peppers: These peppers, like ancho, pasilla, or guajillo, bring the heat and deep flavor to the sauce.
• Cheese: A mix of cheeses such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca, about 3¾ cups, is used.
• Enchilada Sauce: You need around 1½ cups of red or green sauce to cover the tortillas well.
• Beans & Vegetables: 1 cup of black beans and 5 ounces of spinach add nutrition and texture.
• Protein: Meat, like 2 pounds of chicken breast, is common, especially for quick recipes.

The mix of these ingredients makes enchiladas spicey, creamy, and full of great flavors.

Essential Tools for Perfect Enchiladas

To make the perfect enchiladas at home, you need more than tasty ingredients. The right enchilada preparation tools make cooking easy and fun, giving you great results every time. Let’s look at the kitchen gear and important utensils for baking enchiladas just right.

Kitchen Equipment

Having the right tools for baking enchiladas makes cooking them a breeze. Let’s dive into the key kitchen gear you need:

• Baking Dish: Choose a glass or ceramic dish for even heat and simple cleanup. A 9×13 inch size works well.
• Blender or Food Processor: You need a powerful blender or food processor for smooth, tasty sauces.
• Skillet: A non-stick skillet helps in cooking fillings without them sticking. A hot skillet also makes tortillas less soggy.
• Oven: Keep your oven at 350°F for perfect baking enchiladas.

Must-Have Utensils

Some utensils make putting enchiladas together and cooking them easier:

1. Tongs: They are great for handling hot tortillas, especially after frying them to keep them firm.
2. Spatula: A spatula that can handle heat is great for mixing and moving ingredients safely.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring correctly is crucial for getting the flavor and texture just right.
4. Brush: Use a brush to lightly oil the tortillas. This stops them from soaking up too much sauce too fast.

With these enchilada preparation tools, cooking becomes more fun than work. Having the right tools makes making the perfect enchiladas easy and enjoyable!

Classic Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

Making cheese enchiladas at home is very rewarding. This recipe gives you soft, cheesy enchiladas every time. Let’s make this classic dish with tasty homemade red sauce together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 14-16 corn tortillas
• 16 oz of shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 2-1/4 cups of homemade red enchilada sauce
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp gluten-free flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 cups of chicken broth
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a simple guide for tasty cheese enchiladas.

1. Prepare the Red Sauce: Heat up 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium. Mix in 2 tbsp flour and cook until it’s slightly brown, about 2 mins. Gradually add 2 cups chicken broth, 3 tbsp chili powder, and 1/2 tsp each of onion powder, oregano, salt, garlic powder, and cumin while whisking. Let it cook until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
2. Warm the Tortillas: Put 14-16 corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20 seconds. This makes them easy to roll.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a bit of red sauce in a 9×13 dish. Dip a tortilla in the red sauce, add 1/4 cup cheese, roll it, and put it in the dish. Do this for all tortillas.
4. Top and Bake: Add the rest of the red sauce on top and any leftover cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until it’s bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Wait a few minutes for the enchiladas to cool off, then enjoy. Add your favorite sides!

These enchiladas with red sauce are perfect for a big meal. You can make them ahead and freeze for up to 3 months. Find happiness in making food at home with these cozy cheese enchiladas. Enjoy each mouthful!

Spicy Beef Enchiladas

Are you looking for a spicy twist on classic enchiladas? Our spicy beef enchilada recipes are ideal. They mix ground beef with heat you can change. This fits any taste.

Spice It Up with Ground Beef

To start, cook 1 lb of ground beef until it’s just right. In a hot skillet, mix the beef with spices like chili powder and cumin. Add 1 tsp of kosher salt and a bit of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. These spices add a strong flavor.

Then, toss in a can of 4-ounce diced green chiles for more kick. Make sure to stir well.

• Ground beef: 1 lb (500g)
• Diced green chiles: 4 oz (1 can)
• Spices: Chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder

Customizing Your Heat Level

Making your spicy beef enchiladas mild or hot is easy. Use less chili powder and skip the green chiles for a softer taste. Love it extra spicy? Add a chopped jalapeño or more chili powder and paprika. Hot enchilada sauce will also make it spicier.

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition:

Use these tips to make enchiladas that everyone loves. This way, all diners will be happy.

Vegetarian Enchiladas

Vegetarian and vegan enchiladas are a tasty twist on a Mexican classic. These enchiladas are full of flavor and healthy ingredients. They suit many diets. Whether you love food or are new to vegetarian eating, these recipes are a joy for everyone.

Delicious and Nutritious Fillings

Vegetarian enchilada recipes are very flexible. For a delicious filling, you could use:

• 1 cup of chopped red onion (about 1 small red onion)
• 1 sweet red bell pepper
• 1 bunch of broccoli or a small cauliflower for crunch
• 5 to 6 ounces of baby spinach, roughly 5 cups packed
• 1 can (15 ounces) or 1½ cups of cooked black beans for protein

Adding 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon makes it yummy. Sautéed veggies (3 to 3½ cups) cook in 7-9 minutes.

Topping Options for Extra Flavor

Toppings make vegetarian enchiladas even better. Here are some toppings you’ll love:

• 2 cups of homemade enchilada sauce for a tangy flavor
• 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, spread out
• Ground black pepper and ½ teaspoon of fine salt for taste
• Extra 8 ounces of cheese for more cheesiness

Baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes makes golden enchiladas. For extra crunch, bake 3 to 6 more minutes.

Vegetarian enchilada recipes can be made up to 4 days before serving. You can store them for the week or freeze them for six months. These enchiladas are both tasty and flexible.

Enchiladas with Unique Sauces

Enchiladas are special because of the many sauces you can use. Green sauce and red sauce make enchiladas different. They change the dish’s taste and look.

Red Sauce vs. Green Sauce

Red sauce is in enchiladas suizas. It’s made with red chilies, tomatoes, onions, and spices. This mix gives a rich taste. Green sauce is used in enchiladas verdes. It has tomatillos, green chilies, lime juice, and cilantro. This makes the sauce tangy and a bit tart. It’s great with chicken and fish.

Exploring Salsa Verde and Mole

Mole is another special sauce for enchiladas. It uses chilies, chocolate, nuts, and spices. This makes the flavor deep and complex. Mole is often used for big events. It turns simple enchiladas into something very special.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Choosing what goes with enchiladas is key to a great meal. You can pick delicious sides and drinks to make the meal better.

Tasty Sides to Complement Enchiladas

There are many sides that taste great with enchiladas. Cilantro-lime rice is a great choice. It’s fresh and zesty. A green salad with romaine, cilantro, and tomatillos also works well.

Beans go great with enchiladas too. You can have them refried or as black beans. Try spicy cornbread or jalapeño for a bit of heat. Adding avocado, Cotija cheese, and lime juice makes sides even better.

Beverage Pairings that Enhance Flavor

Drinks matter too when eating enchiladas. Margaritas are perfect because they’re refreshing. Mexican beers like Modelo Especial or Corona are good too.

White Mexican wine can go with ground turkey enchiladas. It adds a nice touch. A lot of these sides and drinks can be made ahead. This makes meal prep easier and quicker for everyone.