Easy Chili-Cheese Enchiladas Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Crafting delectable chili-cheese enchiladas requires minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Simplicity becomes your culinary superpower with this streamlined recipe.

Pantry staples converge into a mouthwatering meal that impresses without complexity.

Cheese melts luxuriously between soft tortillas, creating a comforting embrace of spicy goodness.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum enjoyment for hungry diners seeking quick satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners never looked so deliciously effortless.

Dive in and savor each cheesy, chili-infused bite that promises to become a household favorite.

How to Store Chili-Cheese Enchiladas

• Place leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove enchiladas from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, then bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to rotate and ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.

Perfect Sides with Chili-Cheese Enchiladas

• Pair with Zesty Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the richness of the cheesy enchiladas and refresh your palate.
• Enhance with Fresh Cilantro Slaw: Whip up a quick cabbage slaw with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño to add bright, crunchy contrast to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.
• Balance with Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Top the enchiladas with a generous dollop of tangy sour cream to cool down the chili's heat and add a creamy texture that complements the melted cheese.
• Complement with Smoky Margarita: Mix a classic margarita with a smoky mezcal twist to echo the deep flavors of the chili and provide a zesty, refreshing accompaniment to the hearty dish.

Tasty Variations for Chili-Cheese Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chili with black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and corn for a plant-based version packed with protein and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly and maintain the authentic Mexican taste.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or green chiles to the chili mixture for those who love extra heat and want a more intense flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use zucchini strips as a wrapper to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious chili-cheese combination.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of chili for this recipe?

Yes, you can use canned chili, homemade chili, or even vegetarian chili depending on your preference. Just ensure the chili has a thick consistency for easier rolling.

• What if my tortillas crack when rolling?

Warm tortillas are less likely to crack. Heat them briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them more flexible and easier to roll without breaking.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

• Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze assembled enchiladas before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

3-Ingredient Chili-Cheese Enchiladas Made Easy

• Easily personalize your dish by adding optional toppings like sour cream or cilantro to elevate the flavor profile.
• Repurpose extra chili into a mouth-watering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds, reducing food waste and saving money.
• Prepare a satisfying and hearty meal in under an hour, perfect for families craving a tasty and filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Chili-Cheese Enchiladas

• Tortillas: Soft, warm flour tortillas form the base of these delicious enchiladas.
• Chili: Hearty and flavorful chili serves as the primary filling and sauce for the dish.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese provides melty, gooey goodness that binds the enchiladas together.

• Sour Cream, Cilantro, Salsa: Optional toppings that add fresh flavor and creamy texture to the enchiladas.

• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal from the baking dish.

Quick Steps for Chili-Cheese Enchiladas

Step 1: Crank Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

This warm environment will help transform your simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Wake Up the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas to make them super flexible and easy to work with.

• Microwave method: Zap them for 20-30 seconds
• Skillet method: Gently heat on a dry pan for 20-30 seconds per side

Step 3: Create Enchilada Magic

• Spread a thin chili layer across the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch dish
• Take each tortilla and stuff it with
• Chili
• Shredded cheese
• Roll up each tortilla and place seam-side down in the dish
• Pour remaining chili over the rolled tortillas
• Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

• Melted, bubbly cheese
• Golden brown top

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Smart Tips for Chili-Cheese Enchiladas

• Select soft, pliable corn or flour tortillas that are recently made to prevent cracking when rolling enchiladas.
• Lightly toast tortillas on a skillet before filling to create a barrier that stops excess moisture from making the enchiladas mushy.
• Shred cheese fresh from a block for better melting quality and smoother texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispy edges and prevent sogginess.
• Swap wheat tortillas for corn tortillas to make the recipe naturally gluten-free without compromising flavor or texture.

Easy 3-Ingredient Chili-Cheese Enchiladas Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican magic happens when simple Chili-Cheese Enchiladas merge bold flavors with minimal effort. Cheesy comfort wraps create a quick dinner solution that satisfies cravings with authentic southwestern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) chili (no beans, or vegetarian chili if preferred)

Bread and Wraps:

• 8 small flour tortillas

Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend of Mexican cheeses)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C), creating an ideal environment for baking enchiladas.
2. Soften tortillas by gently warming them in the microwave or on a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds per side, ensuring flexibility for easy rolling.
3. Create a base layer of chili in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add initial flavor.
4. Craft each enchilada by spreading chili onto the tortilla, generously sprinkling cheese, then carefully rolling into a compact cylinder.
5. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a snug arrangement.
6. Drizzle remaining chili over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage and added moisture.
7. Generously scatter the remaining cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown landscape.
9. Allow enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld and cheese set slightly.
10. Serve with optional garnishes like sour cream, fresh cilantro, or a vibrant salsa drizzle to enhance the dish’s visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose tortillas carefully to ensure they don’t crack when rolling, selecting fresh, soft corn or flour tortillas works best.
• Warm tortillas gently to prevent breaking, using a damp paper towel in the microwave helps maintain moisture and flexibility.
• Drain excess liquid from canned chili to prevent soggy enchiladas, helping maintain a crisp texture and preventing sauce from becoming watery.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to add unexpected flavor complexity and enhance the dish’s overall taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg