Best Easy Enchilada Bake Recipe: Simple & Delicious!

This easy enchilada bake recipe provides a simple and delicious approach to a classic Mexican dish. The recipe minimizes preparation time while maximizing flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This streamlined approach retains the satisfying richness and comforting warmth expected from a traditional enchilada bake, but with significantly less effort. The recipe is adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences, offering flexibility in ingredient choices. This method ensures even cooking and prevents dryness, resulting in perfectly tender enchiladas every time.

The core of this easy enchilada bake recipe lies in its efficient use of readily available ingredients and straightforward preparation techniques. The recipe emphasizes ease of execution without compromising on taste or quality. The focus is on achieving a flavorful and satisfying result with minimal fuss, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. This approach ensures that the final product is both delicious and visually appealing, suitable for both family meals and entertaining. The ease of preparation allows for more time to be spent enjoying the company of loved ones rather than laboring in the kitchen.

Ingredients for this Easy Enchilada Bake

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or chicken
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions for this Easy Enchilada Bake Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilies, black beans, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture and roll up tightly.
8. Place the filled tortillas in the baking dish, seam-down.
9. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
10. Sprinkle with cheese.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Estimated Time and Servings for this Easy Enchilada Bake Recipe

This recipe provides a detailed breakdown of the time commitment and the number of servings generated, offering valuable insights into efficient meal planning with this easy enchilada bake recipe. The table below illustrates this information concisely. Accurate time management and portion control contribute to both successful cooking outcomes and minimized food waste. Understanding these factors empowers users to confidently execute this recipe and adjust it to suit their needs. The straightforward presentation of data allows for quick and easy comprehension.

Nutritional Information for this Easy Enchilada Bake Recipe

This section offers an overview of the nutritional profile of this enchilada bake, highlighting key macronutrients and micronutrients derived from the ingredients used. While precise values depend on specific ingredient brands, the analysis provides an estimate of the overall nutritional content. This information empowers users to make informed choices about their dietary intake and understand the health benefits associated with this dish. The table below provides a more detailed breakdown. Remember, these values are approximations and can vary.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Tips for Cooking this Easy Enchilada Bake Recipe

These tips enhance the cooking process and ensure optimal results when preparing this dish. Each suggestion improves flavor, texture, or presentation, leading to a more satisfying culinary experience. Following these guidelines leads to a consistently successful outcome, maximizing both the taste and visual appeal of the final product. These suggestions help streamline the overall process, leading to a more enjoyable cooking experience.

1. Use high-quality enchilada sauce:

   The enchilada sauce is a primary flavor component. Investing in a good quality sauce, either homemade or store-bought, significantly elevates the overall taste. Consider experimenting with different types of sauce to discover your preferred flavor profile. A richer, more complex sauce will enhance the entire dish. Don’t hesitate to taste-test and adjust the seasoning to your preference.

2. Don’t overfill the tortillas:

   Overfilling makes the enchiladas difficult to roll and increases the chance of them breaking apart during baking. A moderate filling allows for easier handling and ensures the tortillas remain intact throughout the cooking process. This maintains the structural integrity and visual appeal of the final product. The result is neater-looking and easier-to-eat enchiladas.

3. Gently warm the tortillas:

   Warming the tortillas slightly before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to crack. This prevents tearing during the rolling process, resulting in intact enchiladas. Several methods exist for warming tortillas, including briefly microwaving or placing them in a warm oven. This simple step significantly improves the ease of assembly.

4. Use a well-seasoned meat mixture:

   The flavor of the meat mixture is critical. Seasoning it generously and cooking it thoroughly develops a rich and satisfying taste. Don’t skimp on the spices; their bold flavors complement the enchilada sauce perfectly. Proper seasoning maximizes the taste and depth of flavor in the finished dish. Experiment with different spice blends to find your preferred taste profile.

5. Top with fresh ingredients:

   Adding fresh ingredients like cilantro, green onions, or avocado after baking adds freshness and visual appeal. The vibrant colors and textures of fresh toppings contrast beautifully with the rich, warm tones of the enchiladas. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a bright and refreshing note. This final touch elevates the overall presentation and flavor profile.

The simplicity of this enchilada bake recipe allows for easy adaptation to individual preferences and dietary requirements. The recipe can be modified by substituting ingredients to accommodate different dietary needs, such as using vegetarian crumbles instead of ground meat, or adapting the cheese to include dairy-free options. The inherent flexibility makes this recipe inclusive and appealing to a broader audience. This ensures that everyone can enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish.

The success of this recipe hinges on careful attention to detail during both preparation and cooking. Precise measurements and following the cooking instructions diligently ensure optimal results. The combination of straightforward steps and flavorful ingredients leads to a satisfying and consistently delicious outcome. The ease of preparation and predictable success make this recipe a reliable option for home cooks of all skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Easy Enchilada Bake Recipe

This section addresses common questions and concerns related to the preparation and cooking of this recipe, offering clear and concise answers to aid in successful execution. Addressing these frequently raised questions ensures a smooth and problem-free cooking process for users. These clarifications facilitate a better understanding of the recipe, enhancing the chances of a positive culinary outcome.

1. Can I use different types of cheese?

   Absolutely! This recipe is adaptable to various cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses would all work well. Experiment with different cheeses to find your personal favorite combination. The choice of cheese influences the overall flavor and texture of the finished dish, offering an opportunity for culinary customization.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them later. Simply prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time. This convenient feature allows for efficient time management in meal preparation.

3. What can I substitute for ground beef?

   Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils or black beans are excellent substitutes for ground beef. These alternatives maintain the overall flavor and texture profile while adapting the recipe to different dietary preferences. The recipe’s adaptability makes it a versatile choice for various dietary needs.

4. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

   Lightly warming the tortillas before filling them and ensuring that the enchilada sauce is not overly wet will help prevent sogginess. Following the recipe instructions carefully and not overfilling the tortillas will also contribute to the desired texture. This will result in perfect enchiladas with a satisfyingly crisp texture.

The focus on simplicity and ease of preparation distinguishes this enchilada bake recipe. The outcome is a delicious and satisfying meal achievable even by less experienced cooks. This streamlined approach makes the process enjoyable and accessible to a wide range of individuals, encouraging culinary exploration.

In conclusion, this easy enchilada bake recipe offers a convenient and flavorful approach to a classic dish. Its straightforward steps and adaptable nature ensure a successful and satisfying outcome for cooks of all skill levels. The result is a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.