If you are searching for a comforting and delightfully cheesy dinner that’s both quick and crowd-pleasing, look no further than this Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe. It cleverly combines crunchy tortilla chips with savory ground beef and rich enchilada sauce to deliver layers of satisfying flavor and texture. This dish is a perfect weeknight winner that feels indulgent but comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients, making it a staple I love sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role, whether adding gooey cheese goodness, bold spice, or that wonderful crunch from the chips. You’ll see how these straightforward ingredients come together to create a harmonious explosion of Mexican-inspired flavor and texture.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base for the filling, but feel free to swap with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a lighter twist.
- Tortilla chips (1 bag, about 12 ounces): The star ingredient, bringing crispy, salty bites that soak up all the delicious sauce perfectly.
- Shredded cheese (3 cups): Cheddar or a Mexican blend; it melts to create that irresistible, bubbly topping everyone loves.
- Enchilada sauce (28-ounce can): Adds vibrant color and deep, rich flavor that makes this dish authentically mouthwatering.
- Diced green chilies (4-ounce can, drained): Provides a mild kick and a hint of tangy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, smoky notes that perfectly complement the beef and enchilada sauce.
- Salsa (½ cup): Adds moisture and a fresh-tasting zest to the mix.
- Optional toppings: Sliced olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, and guacamole for customizable finishing touches.
How to Make Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from feeling greasy. Then, stir in the diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin. Cook this flavorful mixture for about 2 more minutes to let the spices deepen and meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortilla Chip Base
In a large mixing bowl, gently break the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures every chip is coated later and helps the texture stay delightfully crisp yet tender after baking.
Step 3: Combine and Layer
Add the warm beef mixture to the chips along with 1 cup of shredded cheese. Pour in the enchilada sauce and mix gently, making sure the chips soak up that luscious sauce without turning to mush.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Transfer your mixed ingredients into the dish and spread evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese generously on top to create a golden, bubbly blanket of cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbling invitingly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in so the layers settle and serving becomes mess-free.
How to Serve Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off this crowd-pleaser with vibrant garnishes that add personality and fresh flavors. A sprinkle of chopped green onions offers a little crunch and color, while sour cream and guacamole bring cool, creamy balance. Sliced olives offer a briny contrast that’s unexpected but delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish is filling and full of flavor, but pairing it with fresh, light sides like a simple green salad or tangy Mexican slaw helps balance the richness. Spanish rice or refried beans are classic companions that deepen the meal’s comforting vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a festive look at dinner parties. Layer tortilla chips neatly for a stacked presentation before baking, or drizzle extra enchilada sauce on top before baking for a sauceier finish. No matter how you plate it, this recipe dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it a delicious next-day meal. Just keep the garnishes separate until you’re ready to enjoy.
Freezing
This Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble and bake as directed, then let cool completely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving when possible to maintain the crisp texture of the tortilla chips and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables, beans, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep all the flavor without the meat.
What type of cheese works best?
A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar cheese both work wonderfully, providing a melty, flavorful topping. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some extra zing.
Can I use fresh tortillas instead of chips?
This recipe specifically shines because of the texture and saltiness of tortilla chips. Using fresh tortillas would change the texture, but you could try slightly toasting fresh tortillas before assembly for a similar crunch.
Is this dish spicy?
The mild green chilies and enchilada sauce offer gentle warmth but nothing too overpowering. You can always add diced jalapeños or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure the tortilla chips and enchilada sauce you use are labeled gluten-free. Most standard tortilla chips and many enchilada sauces are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want a guaranteed hit that blends simplicity, comfort, and bold flavors. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own with your favorite toppings and sides. Trust me, once you experience how those tortilla chips soak up all that saucy goodness, you’ll be making this dish again and again.
Print
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas is a deliciously cheesy and savory casserole that combines ground beef, crunchy tortilla chips, and rich enchilada sauce, baked to bubbly perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a comforting and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal with customizable toppings.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with shredded chicken or ground turkey)
- 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), divided
- 28-ounce can red enchilada sauce
Optional Toppings
- Sliced olives
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the enchiladas evenly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat for a leaner dish.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the drained diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin into the cooked beef. Let it cook together for about 2 more minutes to combine the flavors.
- Prepare Tortilla Chips: In a large mixing bowl, gently break the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces. Be careful not to crush them too much.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the bowl with the tortilla chips. Pour in the red enchilada sauce and stir everything together until well combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the tortilla chip and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as sliced olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey depending on your preference.
- To add extra heat, include jalapeños or hot salsa in the mixture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add black beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use gluten-free tortilla chips if you want to make the dish gluten-free.
