Spicy Enchiladas
Spicy enchiladas feature seasoned meat, fiery jalapenos, and melted cheese, layered in tortillas with flavorful sauce—perfect for those who love bold, comforting Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet; boil the chicken with chopped onions and jalapenos until cooked.
- Drain excess grease from the ground meat and water from the chicken.
- Chop the hot links and add them to the meat mixture, stirring well.
- Heat the enchilada sauce and spicy refried beans until warmed.
- Dip a tortilla in the heated sauce, then spread refried beans on the tortilla.
- Add a portion of the meat mixture on top of the beans, sprinkle with a small amount of cheese, and fold the tortilla with seams side down.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Pour remaining sauce over assembled enchiladas, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and top with chopped olives if desired.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cumin or smoked paprika to the meat mixture. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you prefer milder enchiladas, use bell peppers instead of jalapenos. Be sure to taste the refried beans before using, as some brands can be quite salty. This recipe also pairs well with Jared'S Dip for a tasty appetizer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced avocados, or a dollop of sour cream. They also pair wonderfully with Two-Step Salsa Chili for an extra kick. For a beverage, consider a light beer or a margarita to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will help keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Enchiladas contains roughly 488 calories, with 21g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (249% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% 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 ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you're looking for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since these alternatives may cook faster than beef.
How can I make these enchiladas spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapenos or use spicier peppers like serranos. You can also mix some hot sauce into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the assembled enchiladas. For a different flavor, try adding diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the meat mixture.
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).