If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines gooey cheese, tender chicken or beef, and the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine, this Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes all the joy of traditional enchiladas but simplifies the prep by baking everything together in one dish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. Each bite bursts with warm, savory sauce and melty cheese, ensuring your taste buds will be dancing with happiness from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple ingredients that come together effortlessly to create an irresistible flavor explosion. Each component plays a crucial role — from the corn tortillas providing that classic chewy texture to the blend of spices that give the dish its signature warmth and depth.
- 8 corn tortillas: Corn tortillas bring authentic texture and are slightly crisp when baked, making the perfect base for the enchiladas.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or ground beef (optional): Adding protein makes this dish hearty and satisfying, but feel free to skip or substitute for a vegetarian twist.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: This cheese blend melts beautifully, delivering gooey, luscious layers of flavor.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce: The heart of the dish, this sauce adds tang, spice, and richness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds creaminess and balances the bold flavors with its cool tang.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and crunch that livens up every bite.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses the filling with a savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp cumin: Delivers warm, smoky notes that perfectly complement the meat and cheese.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- Chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs add a bright, fresh contrast when serving.
How to Make Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the enchiladas won’t stick and can bake evenly. This prepped dish is crucial so the layers will cook together into a cohesive, bubbling masterpiece.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine your shredded chicken or ground beef, 1 cup of shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s evenly blended. This mixture is the flavorful center of your enchiladas and sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a few tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This prevents sticking and starts layering in flavor from the base. Take each corn tortilla and fill it with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling mixture. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until every tortilla is stuffed and nestled side by side.
Step 4: Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese
Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. This top layer gives the enchiladas that beautiful red glow and infuses them with moist, saucy goodness. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese liberally over the top—because what’s a cheesy dish without that golden, melty crown?
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This final uncovered bake time lets the cheese bubble up and develop a tantalizing crust, making your Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe simply irresistible. Allow it to cool slightly before serving so the layers set and slice beautifully.
How to Serve Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes transform this dish from delicious to dazzling. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and sliced green onions on top just before serving for a pop of color and a refreshing zing that cuts through the rich layers of cheese and sauce.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe with fluffy Mexican rice, creamy guacamole, or a crisp green salad to create a well-rounded meal. The bright, fresh sides contrast the baked richness and bring balance to each forkful.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve individual portions in small ramekins or scoop out generous helpings with a side of warm tortillas for extra dipping. You can also top with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or pickled jalapeños to elevate the presentation and add textural contrasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Cheesy Enchiladas Bake cool completely before transferring leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making for an easy lunch or dinner option later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze the baked enchiladas in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap the top tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn and preserve all that cheesy goodness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed throughout and the cheese is bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, covered loosely, on medium power to avoid drying out the tortillas and filling.
FAQs
Can I make this Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken or ground beef with refried beans or black beans, and you still get that wonderful chewy texture and hearty protein without compromising flavor.
How spicy is the enchilada sauce in this recipe?
The enchilada sauce provides a mild to moderate spice level depending on the brand you choose. You can adjust the heat by adding chopped jalapeños or green chiles if you like more kick.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
You can, but corn tortillas offer an authentic texture and flavor. If using flour tortillas, be mindful they are larger and softer, so the baking time might vary slightly and the dish might be a bit softer overall.
What can I serve with Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe for a complete meal?
Rice, beans, fresh salads, guacamole, and even Mexican street corn make perfect side dishes that enhance and complement the enchiladas’ flavor profile.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly before baking?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas in the dish, cover tightly, and freeze them raw. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time until heated through.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe is a joyful celebration of bold Mexican flavors and cozy comfort food. Its ease and adaptability make it a surefire winner whether you’re cooking for family or friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for bringing everyone together around the table. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Print
Cheesy Enchiladas Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
A delicious and comforting Cheesy Enchiladas Bake featuring tender chicken or ground beef rolled in corn tortillas, smothered in savory red enchilada sauce, and topped with melted Mexican blend cheese. This easy-to-make Mexican-inspired casserole is perfect for a family dinner and can be adapted to suit vegetarians or those preferring extra heat.
Ingredients
Enchiladas
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken or ground beef (if using), 1 cup of the shredded Mexican blend cheese, sour cream, diced onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well blended to create a flavorful filling.
- Prepare Baking Layer: Spread a few tablespoons of the red enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish to keep the enchiladas moist and add flavor.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling mixture onto each corn tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down into the baking dish. Continue until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled rolled tortillas. Then sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese, covering the top evenly for a cheesy finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the enchiladas to cool slightly before garnishing with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use refried beans or black beans instead of meat for a vegetarian version.
- Add chopped green chiles or jalapeños to the filling mixture for extra heat and spice.
- Serve with rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
