Enchilada Casserole(Mexican)
A savory Mexican-inspired casserole layered with cheeses, tortillas, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings. Warm, cheesy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 c. light cream ⓘ
- 1/2 pt. sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Cheddar cheese, grated ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 can (4 oz.) green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 6 corn tortillas or 6 oz. corn chips ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Jack or Muenster cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions in butter until tender, do not brown.
- Add tomato sauce, chopped green peppers, Italian seasoning, and celery salt.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Lightly beat eggs, then add light cream and mix well.
- Remove the tomato mixture from heat and quickly stir in the egg and cream mixture.
- Cover the bottom of a 2-quart casserole with 1/3 of the cubed Jack cheese.
- Add a layer of torn tortillas or corn chips.
- Spread a layer of the sauce over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layers: cheese, tortillas, sauce.
- Spread sour cream over the top, then sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese and paprika.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes or until bubbly hot.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the light cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. If you don't have corn tortillas, crushed tortilla chips can work well too. Feel free to add black beans or corn for extra flavor and texture. To enhance the spice, include jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce mixture. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover ingredients from other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Enchilada Casserole with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Avocado Dip for an extra layer of flavor. Garnish each serving with chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños for added freshness. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Enchilada Casserole(Mexican) contains roughly 762 calories, with 34g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), protein (67% of the Daily Value), and calcium (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it according to the recipe, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven. This makes it convenient for busy evenings or gatherings.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you prefer a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream. It provides creaminess with added protein. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free sour cream or omit it entirely for a lighter dish.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. You can check the center with a knife; it should be hot throughout. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving to let it set up slightly.
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).