Enchiladas
Cuisine: Mexican Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Tortillas
8 pieces (240)
Chicken
2 cups (480)
Cheese
1 cup (240)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Bell Pepper
1 medium (120)
Enchilada Sauce
2 cups (480)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (6)
Cilantro
2 tablespoons (8)
Totals
61 oz
(1,718 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Tortillas
150
Chicken
250
Cheese
100
Onion
40
Garlic
10
Tomato Sauce
50
Sour Cream
60
Cilantro
5
Vegetable Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Totals
785 kcal
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side until pliable. Keep them warm by covering with a clean kitchen towel.
3. In a separate skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in your choice of protein (such as chicken, beef, or beans) and cook until browned and cooked through. If using meat, make sure it is fully cooked.
5. Add your choice of spices (such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, or oregano) and stir well to coat the protein evenly.
6. Pour in your choice of sauce (such as red enchilada sauce or green salsa) and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Take a tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the protein mixture onto the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
8. Repeat step 7 with the remaining tortillas and protein mixture, arranging them side by side in the baking dish.
9. Pour more sauce over the enchiladas, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to slightly brown.
12. Carefully remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with your choice of toppings, such as chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream.
14. Serve the enchiladas hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Enchiladas:
1. Tortillas:
- Corn tortillas can be substituted with flour tortillas.
- Adjust the cooking time as flour tortillas may require less time to heat through.
2. Protein filling:
- Chicken can be substituted with beef, pork, or tofu.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the protein used.
3. Cheese:
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella cheese.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference.
4. Enchilada sauce:
- Red enchilada sauce can be substituted with green enchilada sauce.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference.
5. Onions:
- White onions can be substituted with yellow or red onions.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference.
6. Garlic:
- Fresh garlic cloves can be substituted with garlic powder.
- Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic.
7. Spices:
- Chili powder can be substituted with paprika or cayenne pepper.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference and desired spice level.
8. Cilantro:
- If cilantro is not available, substitute with fresh parsley.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference.
9. Sour cream:
- Sour cream can be substituted with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference.
10. Avocado:
- If avocado is not available, omit it or substitute with guacamole.
- Adjust the quantity as per personal preference.
Note: Adjustments may vary based on personal taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
Pairings
- Mexican rice and refried beans
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream and shredded cheese
- Mexican street corn
- Cilantro lime rice
- Mexican Caesar salad
- Churros or Mexican flan for dessert
- Agua fresca or horchata as a refreshing beverage
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle a vibrant sauce or crema in an artistic pattern on top of the enchiladas.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color.
- Sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese over the enchiladas for an elegant touch.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for added depth and texture.
- Incorporate a variety of cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or Manchego to create a more complex and indulgent flavor.
- Enhance the sauce by simmering it with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality proteins like tender shredded beef short ribs or succulent shrimp instead of traditional chicken or cheese fillings.
- Substitute regular corn tortillas with homemade blue corn tortillas for a visually striking presentation and a nuttier flavor.
- Finish the enchiladas with a drizzle of truffle oil or truffle-infused crema for a luxurious and sophisticated touch.
Diet Restrictions
- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of regular flour tortillas to increase fiber content.
- Opt for lean protein options like grilled chicken or turkey instead of fatty meats like beef or pork.
- Substitute traditional cheese with reduced-fat or low-fat cheese to reduce saturated fat content.
- Add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Use homemade or low-sodium canned enchilada sauce to reduce sodium intake.
- Consider using a plant-based protein alternative like black beans or tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of sour cream to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Limit the amount of added oil or use cooking spray to reduce overall fat content.
- Control portion sizes to manage calorie intake, especially if aiming for weight loss or weight maintenance.
Healthy Choices
- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for lean protein options like grilled chicken or shrimp instead of fatty meats like ground beef or pork.
- Include plenty of vegetables in the filling, such as bell peppers, onions, and spinach, to increase the nutrient content and add more fiber.
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose a reduced-fat or low-fat variety to cut down on saturated fat and calories.
- Swap traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative that still provides creaminess.
- Make your own homemade enchilada sauce using fresh ingredients to control the sodium and sugar content.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of high-calorie toppings like guacamole or queso dip.
- Consider baking the enchiladas instead of frying them to reduce the amount of added oil and fat.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime juice to add flavor without extra calories.
- Enjoy with a side of mixed greens or a simple salad to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal.
Shortcuts
1. Use store-bought tortillas instead of making them from scratch.
2. Opt for canned enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch.
3. Substitute ground beef with cheaper alternatives like ground turkey or chicken.
4. Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding chicken breasts.
5. Skip pre-cooking the filling ingredients and sauté them directly in the enchilada sauce.
6. Use pre-shredded cheese instead of grating it yourself.
7. Replace expensive toppings like avocado with more budget-friendly options like diced tomatoes or onions.
8. Make a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for future meals.
9. Use a microwave to melt cheese and warm tortillas instead of using the oven.
10. Serve enchiladas with cost-effective side dishes like rice and beans to make the meal more filling and economical.