Classic Mexican Enchiladas Recipe
Mexican · Dinner

Classic Mexican Enchiladas Recipe

Mexican Enchiladas are a flavorful and comforting dish made with corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat or beans, rolled up, and topped with rich chili sauce and melted cheese. This authentic recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Medium

Method

1

Filling Base

Begin by preparing the filling: heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
2

Season Meat

Add the shredded chicken or beef to the pan, then season with cumin, chili powder, and salt, mixing well so the meat absorbs all the spices evenly.
3

Soften Tortillas

Warm the corn tortillas slightly in a pan or microwave to make them flexible and easy to roll without breaking.
4

Dish Prep

Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
5

Roll & Pack

Fill each tortilla with the seasoned meat mixture, roll them tightly, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
6

Sauce Drizzle

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered for rich flavor.

Rolled tortillas covered in rich red enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese
7

Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top, covering all the enchiladas for a creamy, melted topping.
8

Oven Melt

Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

A fork pulling apart a cheesy rolled beef enchilada revealing the seasoned filling
9

Garnish & serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and optionally add sour cream before serving hot.
10

Enjoy Dinner

Serve immediately and enjoy this rich and flavorful Mexican enchiladas dish.

Cook’s tips

  • For a deeper flavor, use homemade red enchilada sauce instead of store-bought.
  • Don't overstuff the tortillas, or they will burst during the rolling process.
  • If you want a crispier texture, lightly fry the tortillas in oil for a few seconds before filling and rolling.

Recipe notes

Mexican Enchiladas are a flavorful and comforting dish made with corn tortillas filled with seasoned meat or beans, rolled up, and topped with rich chili sauce and melted cheese. This authentic recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner.

Looking for more international flavor? Grab our Authentic Spiced Chicken Shawarma for a Middle Eastern twist or cool down with a Traditional Japanese Miso Soup!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use flour tortillas?

Traditional enchiladas use corn tortillas, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer, more "burrito-style" texture.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level depends on the enchilada sauce you choose. You can find mild, medium, or hot varieties at the store.