Easy Enchiladas

Are you ready to dive into a dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen? These Easy Enchiladas are truly a culinary delight, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Stuffed with a melty combination of cheeses, black beans, and spinach, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas and smothered in rich enchilada sauce, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s get cooking!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

What makes these Easy Enchiladas such a hit? It’s all about the layers of flavor and texture. The combination of creamy cheeses and hearty fillings creates a satisfying bite, while the enchilada sauce adds a delightful kick. Whether you’re serving them up for Taco Tuesday or a cozy weekend dinner, these enchiladas are bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs, making them a versatile option for any meal.

What You’ll Need

To create these delicious Easy Enchiladas, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup Enchilada Sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 8 ounces Oaxaca cheese, torn
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 5 ounces steamed and chopped spinach
• 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 lime, for squeezing

Tools of the Trade

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

• Oven-safe baking dish: For baking the enchiladas to perfection.
• Non-stick skillet: Ideal for warming the tortillas and sautéing any fillings.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the cheese and other fillings.
• Sharp knife: For slicing the jalapeño and avocado.
• Spatula: To gently lift the enchiladas into the baking dish.

Easy Enchiladas in Steps

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your enchiladas will bake evenly and get that perfect golden top.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and torn Oaxaca cheese. Add in the cooked black beans, steamed spinach, and sliced jalapeño. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. This step prevents the tortillas from cracking when you roll them.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Take a warmed tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the cheese and bean mixture into the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top for that extra gooey finish.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime before serving.

Smart Substitutions

Feel free to make these Easy Enchiladas your own! Here are some smart substitutions:

• For a vegetarian option, replace the black beans with lentils.
• Use gluten-free tortillas if needed.
• Swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan.
• Add cooked chicken or shredded beef for a meatier enchilada.

What I Learned Testing

• Warming the tortillas is crucial! It makes them much easier to roll without breaking.
• Don’t skimp on the sauce; a good amount will keep the enchiladas moist while baking.
• Experimenting with different cheese combinations can lead to new flavor discoveries; I loved adding pepper jack for some heat!
• Using fresh ingredients like cilantro and avocado really elevates the dish and adds freshness.

Prep Ahead & Store

If you want to save time, these Easy Enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time. Here’s how to prep and store:

Assemble the enchiladas in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the cover and bake as directed. If you want to freeze them, assemble the enchiladas, cover them well, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as usual.

Questions People Ask

Can I make enchiladas without meat?

Absolutely! These Easy Enchiladas are delicious as a vegetarian dish, filled with cheese, black beans, and spinach. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.

How can I make the sauce from scratch?

Making your own enchilada sauce is simple! Just blend together tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt, then simmer until thickened. It’s a great way to control the flavor and spice level!

What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

A combination of cheeses works best! Using sharp cheddar for flavor, Monterey Jack for creaminess, and Oaxaca cheese for that gooey texture creates the perfect balance in these Easy Enchiladas.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas if that’s your preference! However, corn tortillas offer a more authentic taste and texture for enchiladas.

More from the Kitchen

• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Easy Taco Salad
• Simple Vegan Chili
• Blueberry Banana Bread

Serve & Enjoy

Now it’s time to dig into your delicious creation! Serve these Easy Enchiladas hot, with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the burst of flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them solo or sharing with loved ones, these enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Happy cooking!