Enchiladas Recipes | Traditional Enchilada Sauce & Variations

Traditional & Flavorful Enchilada Recipes – From Classic to Creative Variations

Enchiladas are a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, featuring tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables and topped with savory sauces. This versatile dish has countless variations, each delivering layers of bold flavors. Whether you prefer classic red sauce or tangy green salsa, enchiladas offer an irresistible way to enjoy Mexico’s culinary heritage at home.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas are corn tortillas rolled around fillings like meat, cheese, or beans and smothered in a delicious sauce. They’re baked to perfection, creating a comforting and satisfying meal enjoyed across Mexico and beyond.

👉 Tip: To prevent tortillas from breaking when rolling, lightly warm or fry them for a few seconds in oil.

Chicken Enchilada Recipes

Chicken enchiladas are a popular choice, often made with shredded chicken and rich sauce. They are quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners.

Chicken Enchilada Soup - A comforting twist on enchiladas, this soup features shredded chicken, enchilada spices, and plenty of veggies — perfect for cozy meals.

👉 Trick: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or poach chicken breasts to save time while keeping the filling moist and flavorful.

Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce is the heart of the dish, typically made from dried chilies, tomatoes, and spices. Red sauce is classic and rich, giving enchiladas their signature bold flavor. [More red enchilada recipes]

👉 Storage Tip: Make extra sauce and freeze in small portions. It’s perfect for quick meals later.

Enchiladas Verdes

Green enchiladas use a tangy tomatillo-based sauce that brightens the dish with fresh, zesty flavor. Chicken pairs beautifully with this vibrant sauce.

Green Chili Chicken Enchiladas These enchiladas feature green chilies for an extra kick, combining heat and freshness in every bite.

👉 Freshness Tip: Use fresh tomatillos when possible for the best flavor; canned tomatillos work well in a pinch.

White Chicken Enchiladas & Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas

White or sour cream enchiladas offer a creamy, tangy alternative to traditional sauces, often combining cheese and sour cream for richness.

👉 Serving Tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced onions for added texture and flavor contrast.

Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas use ground or shredded beef with bold seasoning, offering a hearty and savory option for meat lovers.

👉 Cooking Tip: Brown the beef with onions, garlic, and spices before assembling to deepen the flavor.

Enchilada Casserole & Enchilada Bake

For an easy, layered approach, enchilada casseroles or bakes combine tortillas, fillings, and sauce in a baking dish — ideal for feeding a crowd.

👉 Prep Tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh when ready to serve.

Cheese Enchiladas & Vegetarian Enchiladas

Cheese and vegetarian enchiladas highlight melted cheese and vegetable fillings, perfect for meat-free meals without sacrificing flavor.

👉 Flavor Tip: Add sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or black beans for extra texture.

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’ll love exploring these other enchilada recipes too.

Mole Enchiladas - Mole sauce adds a complex, rich flavor to enchiladas with its blend of chocolate, chilies, and spices — a special treat for festive occasions. [Mole enchiladas recipes]

Breakfast Enchiladas - Filled with eggs, cheese, and sometimes sausage or beans, breakfast enchiladas bring a Mexican flair to the most important meal of the day.

Shrimp Enchiladas - Shrimp enchiladas are a fresh and flavorful option, combining tender seafood with rich sauces for a lighter take. [Shrimp Enchiladas Recipes]

Black Bean Enchiladas - Black bean enchiladas are hearty and nutritious, offering a great vegetarian or vegan option packed with fiber and protein. [See more Black Bean Enchiladas Recipes]

Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas - Slow cooker enchiladas let you toss ingredients together and come back to a fully cooked, tender dish — perfect for busy days.