American Enchiladas
American Enchiladas are cheesy, flavorful rolled tortillas filled with seasoned beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain well.
- Mix the cooked beef with chili con carne.
- In a separate pan, combine enchilada sauce, 1 tablespoon of oil, and tomato sauce.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
- Take one tortilla and quickly slide it through the sauce to cover it completely.
- Fill the center of the tortilla with some of the meat mixture and sprinkle cheese to taste.
- Fold the top down and the bottom up, then flip over and lay in the baking pan.
- Repeat the process until the pan is filled with rolled tortillas.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the assembled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use homemade enchilada sauce for a fresher flavor. Make sure not to overfill the tortillas to prevent them from bursting while baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or sour cream. They pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with a classic margarita or a chilled agua fresca.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, covered, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Enchiladas contains roughly 907 calories, with 60g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), calcium (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1939mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through completely.
What can I use instead of beef in this recipe?
You can easily substitute the ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even a meat alternative like lentils for a vegetarian option. Each alternative will provide a different flavor profile, but they will all work well with the enchilada sauce.
How do I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
To make vegetarian enchiladas, omit the ground beef and replace it with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also use black beans or refried beans for added protein, and ensure your enchilada sauce is meat-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).