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.