If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and crave-worthy Tex-Mex delight, this Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It takes the classic flavors of enchiladas and gives them an exciting crunch with tortilla chips baked right into the mix, creating a playful texture that’s nothing short of addictive. With juicy seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce that ties everything together, this dish is an absolute showstopper for family dinners or when you want to impress without fuss. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients form the magic here, each adding its own layer of flavor, texture, or color to make this Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe stand out. From the savory ground beef to the zesty salsa and the crunchy chips, every component counts.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty protein base packed with savory flavor; you can swap it out for shredded chicken or ground turkey if you prefer.
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces): These bring an exciting crunch and subtle corn flavor that’s essential to this dish’s unique texture.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melted cheese is the glue that holds everything together, providing richness and gooey delight.
- 28-ounce can red enchilada sauce: Bold and tangy, this sauce infuses the whole dish with authentic enchilada flavor and vibrant color.
- 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained: These add just the right amount of mild heat and a fresh, slightly smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: This warm, earthy spice elevates the beef mixture with classic Mexican notes.
- ½ cup salsa: Adds moisture, acidity, and a delicious fresh tomato kick to the filling.
- Optional toppings (sliced olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, guacamole): Customize your servings with these to add bursts of color, creaminess, and extra flavor.
How to Make Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need it. Then, heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Be sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy and to let the other flavors shine.
Step 2: Add Layers of Flavor to the Beef
Next, stir in the diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin into the browned beef. Let it cook for another couple of minutes so all those bold flavors meld together beautifully, creating a savory, slightly spicy mixture that’s the heart of our enchiladas.
Step 3: Combine Tortilla Chips and Beef Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and gently break up the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces. You don’t want them too crushed—just enough to mix well. Add in the beef mixture and one cup of shredded cheese, then pour in the entire can of enchilada sauce. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so the chips soak up the saucy goodness without losing all their texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a non-stick spray or a bit of oil. This step ensures your enchiladas won’t stick and makes serving afterward a breeze.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the saucy tortilla chip and beef mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly to make sure every bite has that signature crunch and meaty goodness. Sprinkle the remaining two cups of shredded cheese on top—this will create a bubbly, golden cheesy crust once baked. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. When the timer goes off, you’ll notice the cheese is perfectly melted and inviting.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
After baking, let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This little patience pays off by helping the flavors set and making it easier to plate up without everything falling apart. Then, feel free to top with your favorite garnishes like sliced olives, chopped green onions, dollops of sour cream, or fresh guacamole for an extra splash of flavor and color.
How to Serve Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you get to add your personal touch. Sliced olives bring a salty punch, green onions add freshness and color, while sour cream and guacamole offer creamy contrasts that balance the richness of the cheese and beef. These little extras make every bite feel special and add layers of flavor and texture that make this dish truly shine.
Side Dishes
Pair these enchiladas with simple sides like Spanish rice or a vibrant black bean salad for a complete meal. A crisp green salad with a drizzle of lime vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness, while some corn on the cob or grilled veggies add smoky notes that perfectly complement the Tex-Mex flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to turn heads at your dinner table? Serve individual portions in colorful ceramic dishes or cast iron skillets for a rustic vibe. You can also top each serving with a little fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime to brighten up the plate. Another fun idea is layering this mixture in tortilla cups for easy, handheld servings at parties—these chip-based enchiladas lend themselves well to a variety of presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the cheese covered helps prevent it from drying out. When refrigerated properly, the flavors actually deepen, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. To freeze, let the enchiladas cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you have a ready-made favorite waiting for busy nights or unexpected guests.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, thaw if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but covering them with a damp paper towel will keep the cheese from getting rubbery and help retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I make the Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the meat and add beans, sautéed vegetables, or even tofu for a hearty vegetarian alternative that’s just as satisfying. The cheese and enchilada sauce will still deliver all the classic flavors you love.
What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
A sharp cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend is ideal since they melt well and provide that tangy, rich flavor characteristic of enchiladas. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even a bit of queso fresco on top for variety.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Yes! Homemade enchilada sauce adds a wonderful depth and lets you control the spice level. Just swap it in one for one with the canned sauce called for in the recipe, and you’re golden.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely. Just double-check your tortilla chips and enchilada sauce labels to ensure they’re gluten-free. Most tortilla chips made from corn are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap for those with sensitivities.
How do I get the tortilla chips to stay crunchy after baking?
This recipe is designed so that the chip pieces soften slightly by absorbing the sauce but still maintain some textural contrast. If you want more crunch, add some fresh chips as a topping after baking or serve alongside extra chips for scooping.
Final Thoughts
This Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe is a vibrant, tasty twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to bring smiles to any table. Its blend of hearty meat, crunchy chips, rich cheese, and tangy sauce creates a comforting yet exciting dish you will want to make again and again. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and get ready to enjoy every flavorful bite together!
Print
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are a quick and delicious twist on traditional enchiladas, combining crunchy tortilla chips with savory ground beef, cheese, and enchilada sauce. This easy casserole-style dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is customizable with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and sliced olives.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with shredded chicken or ground turkey)
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 28-ounce can red enchilada sauce
- 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup salsa
Optional Toppings
- Sliced olives
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, making sure to drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin into the browned beef. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Prepare Chips: In a large mixing bowl, gently break the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces, being careful not to pulverize them.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the bowl with the chips. Pour in the red enchilada sauce and mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring the chips are well coated.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the tortilla chip and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, indicating the dish is hot throughout.
- Rest: Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes to allow them to set for easier serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Add optional toppings like sliced olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, or guacamole as desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
- Feel free to use cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust the amount of salsa and enchilada sauce based on your preference for sauciness.
- To make this dish spicier, add chopped jalapeños or increase the amount of diced green chilies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
