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
Scale
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.
