Cheesy 5-Star Enchiladas Recipe

The BEST homemade Cheese Enchiladas! Our favorite authentic cheese enchiladas are easy, fast, and insanely delicious!

I am a teeny-tiny, okay, HUGE snob when it comes to Mexican food. My husband and I spent a few months living in Mexico, and everything I thought I knew about Mexican food was changed. I came away with tons of favorite recipes, like Authentic Mexican Rice, delicious homemade corn tortillas, homemade tamales, and my favorite homemade horchata!

My idea of “good tacos” is super snobby now too. There’s nothing quite like an authentic Mexican street taco!

There’s a restaurant in my hometown of Park City that makes some pretty legit Mexican food (It’s called El Chubasco, if you’re ever visiting!). I love their Camarones a la Diabla and street tacos, but my all-time favorite thing on the menu is their cheese enchiladas. They make them just how I loved them when we lived in Mexico!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These enchiladas are everything you need in a comforting Mexican dish. They are cheesy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table without the hassle.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Foil

Ingredients

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
• 1-10.5 oz. can corn, drained
• 1-4 oz. can diced green chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup picante sauce or salsa
• 2-10 oz. cans mild enchilada sauce (I used 1 mild, 1 medium)
• 1 can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese soup
• 10 (6 1/2 inch) fajita tortillas
• 2+ handfuls grated Mexican cheeses

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off and blot out excess grease.
3. Mix in kidney beans, corn, diced green chilies, salt, cumin, and chili powder into the browned beef.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the salsa, enchilada sauce, and cheddar cheese soup. Warm slightly to help un-condense the soup.
5. Add about 1 cup of the sauce mixture to the ground beef filling and stir well.
6. Pour about 1/2 cup of the prepared sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
7. Generously fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll them up, and place them seam down in the pan. Optionally, you can sprinkle some grated cheese inside each enchilada.
8. Cover the rolled enchiladas with the remaining sauce mixture.
9. Top with two generous handfuls of grated Mexican cheese.
10. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success

• Make sure to drain and blot the cooked beef to prevent excess grease in your dish.
• Warm the sauce mixture slightly for easier blending and a smoother consistency.
• For extra cheesy enchiladas, add more grated cheese both inside and on top of the enchiladas.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to customize your enchiladas by adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even jalapeños for a little kick. You can also use shredded chicken or turkey as a substitute for beef.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

These enchiladas are rich in protein and provide a good balance of carbohydrates and fats. The cheese and beef offer calcium and iron, making this dish not only tasty but also nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Absolutely! Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw before baking.

What can I serve with cheese enchiladas?

These enchiladas pair well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

These Cheesy 5-Star Enchiladas are a must-try for any Mexican food lover. Packed with flavor and easy to make, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below!