Easy Enchiladas

Last updated on December 4, 2023 by Liza Hawkins

These easy enchiladas are quick to make and can feed a crowd.

There are some dishes I’ll claim to be authentic with, and others where I’ll admit that I’ve taken liberties.

Last night’s dinner?

I call them “enchiladas” but anyone from Mexico, where they originated, would probably laugh at my attempts. One day I’ll come up with a better name, but for now I simply call them: easy enchiladas. More on the history of enchiladas toward the end.

Prep is simple. Just brown some ground beef with onions, garlic, and seasoning (a packet or homemade taco seasoning), and then roll it up into tortillas. 

A good slathering of enchilada sauce and cheese, then the oven does the rest of the work for you!

It’s not likely you’ll have any leftovers, but on the off chance you do, they reheat great for lunch the next day.

Not a fan of ground beef?

Try making these with ground turkey or pulled chicken or pork instead — yum!

The dish is fine on its on, but I like to pair it with refried beans, sour cream, and homemade guacamole on the side.

History of Enchiladas

Enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican cuisine, with the term “enchilada” itself originating from the Spanish word “enchilar,” meaning “to season with chili.”

The dish dates back to ancient Aztec times, where people rolled tortillas around small fish. Over the centuries, enchiladas underwent a culinary metamorphosis, adapting to regional tastes and ingredients.

Enchiladas have gained popularity in the United States, particularly in the Southwestern states, thanks to the influx of Mexican immigrants. It’s interesting to see how this humble dish made its way into diverse kitchens, becoming a beloved comfort food for many.

For a more in-depth exploration, check out the Wiki page on enchiladas. It’s a great comprehensive resource that dives into the cultural, regional, and culinary aspects of this iconic dish.

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Yield: 4 to 6

Easy Enchiladas

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

These easy enchiladas are slathered in cheese and perfect for a busy weeknight.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 14.5-oz can petite diced tomatoes, drained
• 4-oz cream cheese (1/2 package)
• 6 8″ flour tortillas
• 1 10-oz can enchilada sauce
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• sour cream for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat the bottom of a 2.5-quart rectangular baking dish with 1/4 can of the enchilada sauce and set aside.
2. Pour the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes. Next, add the onions, stirring occasionally until they start to become translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic, and increase heat to medium-high.
3. After 1 minute, add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 8-10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, drain the beef and then return the mixture to the pan.
4. Add the taco seasoning, water, tomatoes and cream cheese, stirring to combine. Continue cooking over medium heat for 5 minutes and then remove the pan from the stove.
5. Place 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into a tortilla, and roll it up – tuck the ends in if it makes the rolled tortilla fit better in your pan. Continue with the other 5 tortillas. If you have leftover beef filling, pour it over top the tortillas in the pan. Top with remaining enchilada sauce and then the cheddar cheese.
6. Bake, covered, for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the edges have just started to brown.

Notes

Serve with sour cream and guacamole on the side. If you prefer homemade seasoning, try my homemade taco seasoning instead of a packet!

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  J.A. Henckels International 31161-201 CLASSIC Chef's Knife, 8 Inch, Black
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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 734Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 1519mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 38g