If you love the bold flavors of classic enchiladas but want a fun twist that’s quick to assemble and irresistibly crunchy, you are going to fall head over heels for this Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe. Imagine tender, savory beef mixed with zesty green chilies and salsa, all brought together with crispy tortilla chips and smothered in rich red enchilada sauce and melted cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Every bite delivers layers of texture and flavor that will have you coming back for seconds, no question about it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe revolves around simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating its delicious harmony of flavors and textures. The balance of savory, spicy, and cheesy notes makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the hearty and rich protein base; you can swap with shredded chicken or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces): Adds the signature crunch and takes the place of traditional tortillas, creating an exciting texture.
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melts beautifully to bind everything together with gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 28-ounce can red enchilada sauce: Delivers the bold, smoky, and slightly spicy sauce that defines enchiladas.
- 4-ounce can diced green chilies, drained: Adds a mild heat and vibrant flavor that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: A warm, earthy spice that enhances the savory depth.
- ½ cup salsa: Brings fresh tomato tang and a hint of zest to balance the richness.
- Optional toppings (sliced olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, guacamole): Provide fresh, creamy, and tangy contrasts that brighten each bite.
How to Make Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the beef mixture
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef until it’s beautifully browned and any excess fat has been drained away. This step builds the savory foundation. Then, stir in diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin. Cook everything together for another two minutes so the flavors meld perfectly and the beef absorbs that welcoming spice and tang. This mixture will be your flavor-packed filling for the enchiladas.
Step 2: Combine with tortilla chips
Next, gently break up the tortilla chips in a large mixing bowl into bite-sized pieces. The goal here is to keep some texture but ensure they absorb sauce well without becoming mushy. Add the warm beef mixture and one cup of shredded cheese, then pour in the enchilada sauce. Mix everything thoroughly but gently to coat every chip and piece of beef in saucy, cheesy goodness, creating a cohesive and flavorful blend that’s ready to bake.
Step 3: Assemble in the baking dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to make clean-up easier. Transfer the chip and beef mixture to the dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly. This layering sets the stage for all those wonderful melded flavors. Finish by sprinkling the remaining two cups of cheese over the top, ensuring a golden, bubbly crust forms during baking.
Step 4: Bake to perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50 minutes, allowing the cheese to completely melt and bubble up enticingly. After removing it from the oven, give it five minutes to rest. This brief pause lets the dish settle, making it easier to serve and enhancing the melding of flavors. Before serving, add your favorite optional toppings for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe, adding garnishes is the way to go. Sliced olives add a touch of briny depth, while chopped green onions bring freshness and a mild bite. Creamy dollops of sour cream or vibrant guacamole create smooth contrasts to balance the bold, spicy flavors. These toppings don’t just look pretty; they turn every plate into a fiesta of textures and tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh side dishes to complement its richness. Try a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to lighten each bite or serve Mexican-style rice to soak up the leftover sauce. Beans, whether refried or black beans, add protein and fiber while balancing the flavors. Fresh-cut veggies or corn on the cob also make great colorful sides to complete your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation twist, try serving this dish family-style straight from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in with big smiles. Alternatively, you can plate individual servings topped with bright garnishes and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a restaurant-style look. Layering small portions in ramekins and broiling the cheese separately creates gorgeous golden tops that impress without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe, no worries — they store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it an even tastier meal the next day. Just reheat gently to preserve that cheesy melt and perfect texture.
Freezing
This enchilada casserole also freezes well, perfect for making in advance. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave for quicker heating, but be mindful that the texture might soften slightly. Cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. The tortilla chips and enchilada sauce still make a fantastic base for a flavorful vegetarian meal.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar and Mexican cheese blends both melt wonderfully and provide great flavor. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even a bit of queso fresco for a different texture and taste.
Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
Yes! Homemade enchilada sauce adds a wonderful personalized touch. Just make sure it’s thick enough to coat the chips well without making them too soggy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the enchiladas the night before, then cover and refrigerate. Bake it the next day for fresh, hot comfort food with minimal morning prep.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes! Most tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free but always check the label to be sure. Using gluten-free salsa and enchilada sauce rounds out the dish perfectly for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this incredible Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe a try soon. It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and exciting to eat. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this dish rises to the occasion every time. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy, crunchy goodness and have fun making it your own with your favorite toppings and sides!
Print
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas combine crunchy tortilla chips with a savory ground beef filling, smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and topped with your choice of garnishes, offering a flavorful twist on traditional enchiladas that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Filling and Sauce
- 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
- 28-ounce can red enchilada sauce
Main Casserole
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces)
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend), divided
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 casserole.
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the drained diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin into the beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors well.
- Prepare Chips: In a large mixing bowl, gently break up the tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces to create a crunchy base and texture for the casserole.
- Combine Mixture: Add the cooked beef mixture and 1 cup of shredded cheese to the tortilla chips. Pour in the enchilada sauce and mix everything thoroughly to evenly coat the chips and distribute the beef.
- Grease Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined tortilla chip and beef mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for even cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese evenly on top of the casserole for a melty, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with optional sliced olives, chopped green onions, sour cream, or guacamole as desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey for different protein options.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce and salsa to suit your taste.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with beans or sautéed vegetables.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking improves slicing and serving.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and flavor.
