Enchiladas

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mexican

Enchiladas are a delicious Mexican dish featuring rolled corn tortillas filled with savory ground beef and melted cheese, all smothered in a rich tomato sauce. They are perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, bringing bold flavors and comfort to the table.

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Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 qt. water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 5 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef
  • 1/2 c. chopped green onions
  • 2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 doz. corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine tomato paste, water, garlic, and chili powder; simmer for 20 minutes.
  2. In a skillet, brown ground beef with half of the green onions; drain fat.
  3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheese and 1 cup of the tomato paste mixture.
  4. Spoon 1/4 cup of the tomato paste mixture into a 3-quart shallow baking dish.
  5. Soften tortillas, one at a time, by dipping in and out of the remaining mixture.
  6. Spoon the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla; roll up.
  7. Place seam side down in the baking dish.
  8. Pour the remaining tomato paste mixture over the top.
  9. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and green onions.
  10. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the beef if preferred. If you want a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils instead. Make sure to keep the tortillas warm while working with them to prevent cracking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or guacamole can add a nice touch as well. They pair beautifully with Taco Salad, making for a delightful dinner spread. Don't forget to offer sour cream or salsa on the side for added flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the cheese from burning if needed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Enchiladas contains roughly 343 calories, with 12g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

343 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.1g 24% DV
Total Fat 6.6g 8% DV
Carbs 65.5g 24% DV
Fiber 12.2g 44% DV
Sugar 12g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 218.3mg 9% DV
Potassium 1206.8mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 139.1mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 42.1mg 47% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 214.8mg 17% DV
Iron 5.8mg 32% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and assemble them in the baking dish without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove them from the fridge and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They will be softer and may hold together differently than corn tortillas, but they will still taste great. Just ensure they are warmed up to make them pliable before filling and rolling.

What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?

You can enhance the filling by adding ingredients like black olives, chopped bell peppers, or corn. Fresh cilantro can also be mixed in for added freshness. These additions will elevate the flavor profile and add a nice texture to the enchiladas.

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).

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