Super Easy Cheesy Enchiladas Recipe
Overview
Enjoy a taste of the Southwest with these Super Easy Cheesy Enchiladas! This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick-prep dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Originally discovered in a Bed & Breakfast cookbook, these enchiladas have become a favorite for their simplicity and deliciousness. They are loved even without meat, making them versatile for different dietary preferences.
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Serves: Not specified (adjustable based on needs)
Ingredients
- 1 package of corn tortillas
- 1 pound of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 3 tablespoons of diced green chilies
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
- 1 can (10 ounces) of enchilada sauce
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil or cooking fat
- Optional: additional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it’s ready for baking later. |
| 2 | Prepare Tortillas: Heat the vegetable oil or cooking fat in a medium-hot skillet. Quickly dip each corn tortilla into the hot fat for just a second or two. This softens them without causing them to tear. Drain the tortillas on paper towels to remove excess oil. |
| 3 | Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish. Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the dish, spreading it to coat the bottom lightly. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer of enchiladas. |
| 4 | Fill Tortillas: Place a generous amount of shredded cheese (reserve some for topping) and other optional ingredients like diced green chilies, onions, and chicken (if using) in the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortilla over the filling and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Continue until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly in the dish. |
| 5 | Add Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the filled tortillas. Ensure each enchilada is coated with sauce for maximum flavor. |
| 6 | Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas. This adds a gooey, cheesy crust as it melts during baking. |
| 7 | Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes. |
| 8 | Serve: Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and freshness. |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 877.6
- Total Fat: 53.2g
- Saturated Fat: 23.2g
- Cholesterol: 72.6mg
- Sodium: 1515.2mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 72.5g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 31.2g
Tips for Success
- Cheese Selection: Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for a gooey and flavorful filling.
- Tortilla Handling: Be gentle when dipping the tortillas in hot oil to prevent tearing.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients like black beans, spinach, or different types of meat.
- Baking Temperature: Adjust the oven temperature based on your preference for a quicker or slower bake.
- Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat well and make for delicious leftovers the next day!
Conclusion
These Super Easy Cheesy Enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your kitchen for their simplicity and fantastic flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience. Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the Southwestern flavors and the cheesy goodness that makes every bite irresistible!
