Chilaquilas(American Name: Enchilada Casserole)
Enchilada Casserole, also known as Chilaquilas, is a hearty and flavorful dish combining seasoned meat, cheese, olives, and spicy enchilada sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors that satisfy all appetites.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger ⓘ
- 1 onion, diced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 small (8 oz.) can enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 can whole pitted olives ⓘ
- 1 can chopped olives, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 lb. grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, diced onion, minced garlic, enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, peanut butter, and drained chopped olives.
- Mix well to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a crockpot that has been oiled with canola oil.
- Top with grated Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
- Cover and cook on low for approximately 3 hours or until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional olives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty twist. If you prefer more spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Using fresh herbs like cilantro can enhance the freshness of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chilaquiles hot, garnished with additional olives and fresh cilantro. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of Garay'S Santa Maria Beans for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing Seven Layer Salad(Taco Flavored) for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilaquilas(American Name: Enchilada Casserole) contains roughly 580 calories, with 21g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and calcium (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 999mg per serving (43% 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 this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble it in the crockpot when ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of the chilaquiles.
What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
If you don't have enchilada sauce on hand, you can substitute it with salsa or a homemade mixture of diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. This will give you a similar flavor profile while keeping the dish delicious.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the hamburger and replace it with black beans or lentils for protein. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to enhance the dish's texture and flavor.
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).