Beef Or Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy beef or chicken enchiladas feature tender meat wrapped in tortillas, smothered with a flavorful green chile sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish offers a harmonious blend of spice, richness, and cheesy goodness that satisfies every palate.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 2 medium chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans chopped green chiles
- 1/4 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 12 flour or corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. shredded cooked beef or chicken ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 green onions with tops, thinly sliced ⓘ
- sour cream ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onions and minced garlic in butter until softened.
- Blend flour into the mixture and cook briefly.
- Stir in chicken broth, milk, chopped green chiles, salt, and ground cumin.
- Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and becomes bubbly, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Set the sauce aside and grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Spoon a little sauce into the center of each tortilla and spread to the edges.
- Add 2 tablespoons of cooked, shredded beef or chicken down the center of each tortilla.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the meat.
- Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle sliced green onions over the top.
- Add remaining shredded cheese and bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños to the filling or mix in some hot sauce to the sauce. If you're out of chicken broth, vegetable broth works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. This recipe is also versatile; consider using ground beef or turkey for a different flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a refreshing touch. They pair beautifully with Mexican Chicken Soup for a heartier meal. Consider adding a side of black beans or a simple green salad to balance the flavors. For a complete feast, explore more Mexican recipes that complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Or Chicken Enchiladas contains roughly 1568 calories, with 28g protein, 209g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), calcium (83% of the Daily Value), and protein (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1678mg per serving (73% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. Just wait to bake them until you're ready to serve. If baking from the fridge, add about 10 minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with cheddar for a sharper flavor or queso blanco for a milder taste. Just make sure to use a cheese that melts well for the best texture.
Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Yes, these enchiladas freeze well! Assemble them and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
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).