Description:
These Classic Cheese Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food. Warm, cheesy, and bathed in a flavorful red enchilada sauce, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The combination of melted cheese, slightly softened corn tortillas, and the tangy spice of the enchilada sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about delicious simplicity. It’s a nostalgic dish that evokes memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. The flexibility of this recipe also allows for easy customization. Feel free to add your favorite protein, vegetables, or spices to make it your own signature dish.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these Cheese Enchiladas because of their incredible simplicity and mouthwatering taste. Here’s why:
- Easy and Quick: This recipe requires minimal prep time and utilizes basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You can have a satisfying, comforting meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: There’s something inherently comforting about warm, cheesy enchiladas. The combination of melted cheese, soft tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce creates a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile and Customizable: While this recipe focuses on classic cheese enchiladas, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily add shredded chicken, ground beef, black beans, or your favorite vegetables to create a personalized version. The possibilities are endless!
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these enchiladas. The mild flavor and cheesy goodness make them a hit with kids of all ages. It’s a great way to introduce them to Mexican flavors in a non-intimidating way.
- Great for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), they taste just as good the next day. They are perfect for lunch or a quick snack. Reheat them in the oven or microwave for a convenient and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz Red Enchilada Sauce (this quantity assumes a standard 16oz can or a prepared homemade enchilada sauce. If making homemade, adjust the recipe accordingly.)
- 8 corn tortillas (Choose a brand of corn tortillas that you like and that are pliable. Some brands are more prone to cracking when rolled.)
- 3-4 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese (A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses works well. You can also use your favorite shredded cheese blend. Reserve 1 cup for topping)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the enchiladas will cook evenly and the cheese will melt perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the tortillas for rolling. Corn tortillas can be prone to cracking, so warming them beforehand is crucial. Stack the eight tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out. Microwave for approximately 20 seconds. Keeping the tortillas covered with the damp paper towel after microwaving will further help them stay pliable.
Step 3: Grease a 7×11 inch baking pan. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking to the bottom of the pan, making them easier to serve. You can use cooking spray or a light coating of vegetable oil. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the greased pan. This creates a flavorful base for the enchiladas and helps to prevent them from drying out.
Step 4: Assemble the enchiladas. Take one warmed corn tortilla at a time, keeping the others covered to prevent them from drying out. Sprinkle a generous handful of the Mexican blend shredded cheese onto the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it into the prepared pan, seam side down. This prevents the enchiladas from unrolling during baking. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and cheese, arranging them snugly in the pan.
Step 5: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the assembled enchiladas. Ensure that all of the enchiladas are well coated with the sauce, as this will add flavor and moisture. Sprinkle the remaining one cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the sauce. This will create a cheesy, bubbly topping that is irresistible.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and tangy contrast to the richness of the enchiladas.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole provides a creamy and flavorful addition.
- Salsa: Serve with your favorite salsa, whether it’s a mild pico de gallo or a spicy salsa verde.
- Chopped Onions and Cilantro: Garnish with chopped onions and cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
- Mexican Rice and Beans: Serve alongside a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- Tortilla Quality: Use good quality corn tortillas that are pliable and don’t crack easily.
- Cheese Quality: Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Sauce Consistency: If your enchilada sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or chicken broth.
- Variations: Get creative with your fillings! Add shredded chicken, ground beef, black beans, or sautéed vegetables to the cheese mixture.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20-25 minutes
Total Time:
35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350-450 (depending on cheese and sauce)
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on the enchilada sauce used)
Conclusion:
These Classic Cheese Enchiladas are a timeless favorite that are sure to please everyone at your table. With their simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavor, they are the perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. The flexibility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your liking, adding your favorite ingredients and creating a dish that is uniquely your own. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of comfort food heaven! This recipe is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the simplest things are the most delicious. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, you can certainly use flour tortillas if you prefer. However, keep in mind that flour tortillas are generally softer and more delicate than corn tortillas. This might make them easier to roll, but they may also become soggy if overfilled or if they sit in the sauce for too long before baking. If using flour tortillas, be careful not to overfill them, and consider baking them immediately after assembling to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Q2: Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! These cheese enchiladas are naturally vegetarian. To enhance the vegetarian aspect, you can add cooked black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to the cheese filling. This will add extra flavor, texture, and nutritional value to the enchiladas.
Q3: How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when I roll them?
A: The key to preventing corn tortillas from cracking is to warm them properly. As outlined in the recipe, microwaving them with a damp paper towel is an effective method. However, you can also warm them individually on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat for a few seconds on each side. Just be careful not to overheat them, as they can become brittle. Keeping the warmed tortillas covered with a damp paper towel while you assemble the enchiladas will also help to keep them pliable.
Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Of course! While a Mexican blend cheese is a popular choice, you can use any shredded cheese that you enjoy. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, Colby Jack cheese, or even pepper jack cheese would all work well. Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
Q5: Can I add meat to these enchiladas?
A: Definitely! Adding cooked and shredded chicken, ground beef, or shredded pork to the cheese filling will transform these cheese enchiladas into a hearty and satisfying meat-filled meal. Be sure to season the meat well before adding it to the filling. You can also add some chopped onions and bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra flavor and texture.
