Uncle Johnny'S Enchiladas
Uncle Johnny's Enchiladas feature tender tortillas filled with chili and cheese, baked in flavorful enchilada sauce. Perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix enchilada sauce and water in a shallow skillet.
- Heat to medium warm.
- Mix chilies and cheese in a container.
- Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, leaving excess sauce in the pan.
- Place the tortilla on a plate and put 1 tablespoon of chili and a small amount of cheese down the middle.
- Roll up the tortilla and place it in a 9x13 baking pan.
- Continue dipping, filling, and rolling until the pan is full and packed together.
- Mix remaining enchilada sauce with chili.
- Pour the chili and sauce mixture over the assembled enchiladas.
- Sprinkle with cheese, covering the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours.
- Serve with corn chips, hot peppers, and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, mix equal parts of hot and mild enchilada sauce. You can substitute grated cheddar cheese for Colby longhorn cheese if desired. For added flavor, consider adding cooked chicken or beans to the chili mixture. If you prefer a crispier texture, bake uncovered for the last 15 minutes. This dish fits well within a variety of Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Uncle Johnny's Enchiladas with sides like corn chips, hot peppers, and salsa for an authentic experience. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra creaminess. This dish pairs beautifully with Sheila's Tortilla Roll-Ups for a complete meal. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges can enhance the flavors as well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for about 2-3 minutes, checking to ensure they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Uncle Johnny'S Enchiladas contains roughly 422 calories, with 14g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% 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 a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them well with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they are cold.
What can I use instead of chili?
If you're looking for a substitute for the canned chili, you could use refried beans or black beans for a vegetarian option. You can also make your own chili from scratch using ground beef, beans, and spices for a heartier filling.
How do I make the enchiladas spicier?
To increase the heat in the enchiladas, you can use all hot enchilada sauce or add diced jalapeños to the cheese and chili mixture. Additionally, consider sprinkling some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving for an extra kick.
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).