Enchilada Verde(Low-Fat)
Creamy, flavorful enchiladas with a fresh green sauce, melted cheese, and optional toppings, perfect for satisfying a crowd or family dinner with Mexican flair.
Ingredients
- 2 large cans green enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 cup picante sauce
- 1 large can refried beans ⓘ
- 2 to 3 pounds shredded cheese
- 2 to 3 dozen corn tortillas ⓘ
- jalapeno chilies (optional)
- diced tomatoes (optional) ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
- diced ripe olives (optional)
- diced green onions (optional) ⓘ
- diced green onions (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Dip tortillas in green enchilada sauce.
- Warm the sauce and allow the corn tortillas to reach room temperature to prevent breaking when rolled.
- Mix diced onion, picante sauce, and refried beans.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the mixture in a tortilla and add 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese.
- Roll up the tortillas and place them in two deep pans.
- Cover the pans tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil, add additional sauce and shredded cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional few minutes until cheese melts.
- Garnish with optional ingredients like jalapeno chilies, diced tomatoes, sour cream, olives, and green onions as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, consider using low-fat cheese or a blend of cheeses to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor. If you want to add more veggies, consider incorporating spinach or zucchini into the filling. Ensure that the corn tortillas are warmed properly to avoid tearing while rolling. For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeno chilies to the mixture or on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Enchilada Verde with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Pair it with your favorite salsa or the delicious Fiesta Dip(Low-Fat) for added flavor. Top with optional garnishes like diced green onions and sour cream for extra richness. These enchiladas are perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Enchilada Verde(Low-Fat) contains roughly 198 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% 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 before baking. Just cover them tightly with foil. When ready to bake, increase the cooking time slightly, as they will need to heat through from the cold state.
What can I substitute for the refried beans?
If you're looking for a substitute for refried beans, consider using black beans or pinto beans that have been mashed. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils or a mixture of quinoa and beans for added texture and nutrition.
How spicy are these enchiladas?
The spice level of these enchiladas can be adjusted based on your preference. The green enchilada sauce typically has a mild to medium heat. To increase the spiciness, add more jalapeno chilies or use a spicier picante sauce. Conversely, if you prefer them milder, choose a mild enchilada sauce.
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).