Cheese Enchiladas
Warm corn tortillas stuffed with a blend of melted cheeses, smothered in a savory red chili sauce, and baked until bubbly. A comforting Tex-Mex classic that's perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Enchilada Sauce
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- c.Add the flour, ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano. Whisk constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly toasted. This creates a flavorful base (roux).
- d.Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Whisk in the tomato sauce.
- e.Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up for Assembly
- b.Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and about half of the finely chopped white onion. Toss to combine well.
- d.Pour the enchilada sauce into a wide, shallow dish (like a pie plate) for easy dipping.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Soften the Tortillas
- b.Heat 3 tbsp of vegetable oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Using tongs, carefully fry each corn tortilla for 10-15 seconds per side. They should become soft and pliable, not crispy. This step is crucial to prevent them from breaking or getting mushy.
- d.Place the softened tortillas on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Enchiladas
- b.Spread about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- c.Take one softened tortilla and dip it into the sauce in the shallow dish, coating both sides.
- d.Place the sauced tortilla on a clean plate. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cheese and onion mixture down the center.
- e.Roll the tortilla up snugly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, arranging them in a single layer.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Bake and Serve
- b.Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of all the rolled tortillas.
- c.Sprinkle the rest of the cheese mixture over the sauce.
- d.Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden.
- e.Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows them to set and makes serving easier.
- f.Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, the remaining chopped onion, and fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- 2The quick fry of the corn tortillas is the most important step for authentic texture. Do not skip it!
- 3For a richer sauce, use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth if you are not keeping it vegetarian.
- 4Don't overfill the tortillas. A modest amount of filling ensures they roll easily and don't burst during baking.
- 5Adjust the spice level by using a milder chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Mix in 1.5 cups of shredded cooked chicken, seasoned ground beef, or one 15-ounce can of rinsed black beans with the cheese filling.
Different SauceDifferent Sauce
Substitute the red sauce with a green tomatillo sauce (salsa verde) for a tangy and zesty version known as Enchiladas Verdes.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1-2 finely minced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the onion and cheese mixture for a significant heat boost.
Creamy SauceCreamy Sauce
Whisk 1/4 cup of sour cream or Mexican crema into the red sauce at the end of cooking (off the heat) for a creamier finish.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Calcium
The generous amount of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese makes this dish a significant source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
Good Source of Protein
Cheese provides a substantial amount of high-quality protein, necessary for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Contains Antioxidants
The tomato sauce and chili powder contain antioxidants like lycopene and capsaicin, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two cheese enchiladas contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the specific brands of cheese, sauce, and tortillas used. This is an estimate and can vary.