Description
This Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired casserole featuring layers of soft tortillas, savory chicken or ground beef filling, spicy enchilada sauce, and a melty cheese blend. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines sautéed onions, garlic, green chilies, and optional beans or corn for added texture and depth, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection and garnished with fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 10-12 soft, pliable corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 cups cooked chicken or ground beef
- 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce (rich and spicy red sauce)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies or jalapeños
- 1/2 cup black beans or corn (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in cooked chicken or ground beef, diced green chilies, and optional black beans or corn. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few more minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Grease a baking dish and pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of tortillas over the sauce. Spread half of the prepared filling evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheese on top. Repeat layering with the remaining tortillas, filling, sauce, and cheese.
- Bake the Enchiladas: Cover the assembled dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and nicely browned.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the enchilada bake to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley before serving warm, alongside your favorite sides or toppings.
Notes
- Use either corn or flour tortillas based on preference or dietary needs.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with extra beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and chilies.
- Letting the bake rest before serving helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
