Easy & Cheesy Enchiladas Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic
Cheese enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, packed with melty cheese, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and baked to perfection. This classic Mexican dish is simple to make yet bursting with bold flavors that make every bite irresistible. Enchiladas date back to ancient Mexico, where the Aztecs would wrap tortillas around various fillings and dip them in chili sauces. Over time, enchiladas evolved into the cheesy, saucy dish we love today, becoming a staple in Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a cozy, homemade meal, this easy cheese enchiladas recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Cheesy Enchiladas Recipe
4-5
servings15
minutes20
minutes2200-2500
kcalIngredients For the Enchiladas
10 corn tortillas (soft and warm for easy rolling)
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
½ cup diced onions (optional, for extra flavor)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)
- Ingredients For the Enchilada Sauce
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
3 tablespoons chili powder (adjust for spice level)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 small can of tomato sauce (8 oz)
- Ingredients For Garnishing (Optional)
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Directions
- Prepare the Enchilada Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a light roux. Gradually add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, whisking until smooth. Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper, then pour in one small can (8 oz) of tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside. - Prepare the Tortillas
To make the tortillas more pliable, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each corn tortilla for about 10-15 seconds per side until warm and flexible. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil. This step prevents the tortillas from breaking when rolling them. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Take a warmed tortilla, add about ¼ cup of shredded cheese in the center (along with diced onions if using), and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged in a single layer. - Add Sauce & Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, covering the enchiladas generously for that extra cheesy goodness. - Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. - Garnish & Serve
Top your enchiladas with sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious, cheesy, homemade enchiladas with rice, beans, or a fresh salad on the side!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Warm the Tortillas Before Rolling
Lightly frying or heating the corn tortillas prevents them from breaking when rolling. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds for a softer texture. - Use a Cheese Blend for Extra Flavor
A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Oaxaca cheese creates a rich, gooey texture and enhances the flavor. For an authentic touch, try adding queso fresco or cotija cheese as a topping. - Let the Enchiladas Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese settle and keeps everything intact when serving.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like a plate of homemade, cheesy enchiladas to bring warmth and comfort to the table. With their rich flavors, melty cheese, and perfectly spiced sauce, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or just to satisfy a cheesy craving, these enchiladas are simple, delicious, and sure to become a favorite.
Don’t forget to customize them with your favorite toppings, pair them with rice and beans, and enjoy every bite. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought enchiladas again! Happy cooking and enjoy! 🌮🧀🔥
