Name: Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade); 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided; 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce; 8–10 flour or corn tortillas; Cooking spray or oil; Sour cream; Chopped cilantro; Diced tomatoes; Sliced jalapeños

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If you love bold flavors and comforting meals, you’re going to adore this Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe. It brings together perfectly seasoned meat, gooey melted cheese, and vibrant enchilada sauce all wrapped in warm, soft tortillas, then baked until bubbling and golden. This dish is ideal for lighting up any weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a casual gathering. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, so you can tweak ingredients to suit your cravings while still enjoying that unbeatable Tex-Mex flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step process of making a baked dish in a clear glass rectangular dish on a white marbled surface. First, a layer of brown meat sauce with visible ground meat and beans is spread evenly at the bottom. Then, a yellow corn tortilla is placed on top in the middle with shredded yellow cheddar cheese and chopped white onions layered on one half. Next, six rolled tortillas are neatly lined side by side covering the meat and cheese layer beneath. Finally, the dish is topped with more meat sauce poured over the rolled tortillas, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded yellow cheddar cheese covering the entire surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just the right ingredients sets the stage for making these enchiladas truly shine. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s providing rich flavor, satisfying texture, or a pop of color to make the dish irresistible.

1 lb ground beef or ground chicken: Choose your favorite protein as the hearty base for the filling.
1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely aroma when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives that classic savory punch every Tex-Mex dish needs.
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade): Pumps up the seasoning with a perfect blend of spices.
1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds creaminess and fiber, plus a hearty contrast to the meat.
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned): Brings a touch of sweetness and crunch to the mix.
2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to bind everything together with savory goodness.
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce: The vibrant sauce that delivers bold, tangy flavor and moisture.
8–10 flour or corn tortillas: The perfect vessels for wrapping all those delicious fillings.
Cooking spray or oil: For greasing the baking dish and preventing sticking.
Optional toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños add freshness and a final flair.

How to Make Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil so your enchiladas don’t stick and get a perfect crust on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Meat and Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then brown your ground beef or chicken until it’s cooked through. Drain off any excess fat so the filling doesn’t feel greasy. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant—this step builds a flavorful foundation you’ll love.

Step 3: Season and Mix the Filling

Stir in the taco seasoning, then add rinsed black beans and sweet corn kernels. Cook everything together for about 2 minutes to marry the flavors. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup of shredded cheese, which will melt into the filling, creating a rich, melty texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spoon a generous amount of the filling down the center of each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. This ensures the filling stays inside during baking and gives your enchiladas that classic neat look.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, letting it seep down into every crevice. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish once baked.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling hot and the cheese turns beautifully golden. Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and the filling to firm up slightly.

How to Serve Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe

Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The toppings are what make this Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe pure joy on the plate. Dollop with cool sour cream, sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro, scatter diced tomatoes for some brightness, or add a kick with sliced jalapeños. These garnishes elevate the dish’s flavor and add even more texture and color.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing these enchiladas with light sides such as a refreshing Mexican-style corn salad, cilantro lime rice, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A bowl of guacamole or homemade salsa also complements the dish beautifully for a full Tex-Mex feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve the enchiladas on warm colorful plates with a drizzle of crema and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. For a crowd-pleasing option, make mini enchiladas using small tortillas in a muffin tin for individualized portions that look fabulous and are fun to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover enchiladas store wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve moisture and flavors. They taste just as good reheated with all that gooey cheese and saucy goodness.

Freezing

This Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe freezes well, making it an excellent meal prep choice. Before baking, assemble enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time for thorough heating.

Reheating

Reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) until warmed through and bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. Microwaving works too for a quicker option, but baking keeps them tastier with a crispy cheese top.

FAQs

Can I make this Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for extra beans, sautéed veggies like peppers and mushrooms, or even tofu for a delicious vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying and full of flavor.

What’s the best type of tortilla to use?

Corn tortillas offer a more authentic Tex-Mex experience with a slight chew and corn flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and hold up well if you prefer a milder taste and a tender bite.

How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust it?

The taco seasoning and enchilada sauce provide a mild to moderate heat, which you can easily customize. Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy enchilada sauce if you want it hotter, or use mild seasoning for a gentler flavor profile.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes! The filling can be made a day ahead, refrigerated in a covered container, and then rolled and baked fresh when you’re ready. This step saves time and lets the flavors develop even more deeply.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas and ensure your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free, this dish fits a gluten-free diet perfectly, making it accessible to many enjoying Tex-Mex cuisine.

Final Thoughts

This Tex-Mex Enchiladas Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty ingredients with bright, bold flavors. It comes together quickly, offers endless customization, and delivers that warm, cozy feeling everyone craves from a home-cooked meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite too!