Cheesy Enchiladas with Crunchy Tortilla Chips

Looking to whip up a quick and satisfying meal that your whole family will love? Look no further than these mouthwatering Tortilla Chip Enchiladas! Packed with savory ground beef or your choice of protein, crispy tortilla chips, zesty enchilada sauce, gooey melted cheese, and just the right amount of heat from green chilies, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are the ultimate weeknight dinner hack, bringing together all the flavors of traditional enchiladas with a fun and unexpected twist. By using tortilla chips instead of traditional tortillas, you’ll cut down on prep time without sacrificing that delicious, cheesy enchilada experience. Whether you opt for ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken, these enchiladas are versatile enough to accommodate your preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to savor every bite of these Tortilla Chip Enchiladas. With their blend of textures and flavors, this recipe is a true winner that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Convenient and time-saving recipe using tortilla chips as a shortcut
• Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient substitutions like using ground turkey or shredded chicken
• Balanced flavors with the enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, and green chilies

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Enchiladas with Crunchy Tortilla Chips Recipe

• Quick and easy: This recipe is a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by swapping out the protein or adjusting the level of spiciness to suit your preferences.
• Minimal effort, maximum flavor: Using tortilla chips and canned enchilada sauce streamlines the cooking process without sacrificing taste, making it a great option for beginner cooks or those looking for a simple yet tasty dish.
• Crowd-pleaser: The gooey melted cheese and zesty green chilies combine to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s the perfect recipe to impress guests at a casual gathering or potluck.

Ingredients for Cheesy Enchiladas with Crunchy Tortilla Chips

• Enchilada sauce brings that authentic flavor without any work. I’ve tried both homemade and canned – honestly, the canned stuff works perfectly fine here.
• Ground beef forms the hearty base, though I’ve used ground turkey when trying to be healthier. Leftover shredded chicken works great too when I have rotisserie chicken to use up.
• Green chilies add just enough kick without making it too spicy. Even my heat-adverse mother-in-law doesn’t complain about these.
• Shredded cheese creates that irresistible melty layer that makes everyone happy. I usually use the pre-shredded Mexican blend because I’m all about shortcuts with this recipe.
• Tortilla chips are the brilliant shortcut here. Regular restaurant-style work perfectly – not too thin or they’ll dissolve, not too thick or they’ll stay too crunchy.

How to Make Cheesy Enchiladas with Crunchy Tortilla Chips

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cook meat

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Add seasonings to meat

Stir in diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin until well combined with the cooked ground beef.

Step 4: Prepare chips

Transfer tortilla chips to a large mixing bowl and lightly crush them to create small pieces, avoiding turning them into crumbs.

Step 5: Combine ingredients

Combine seasoned beef with chips in a bowl. Pour in enchilada sauce and add 1 cup of shredded cheese. Gently mix until well combined.

Step 6: Prepare baking dish

Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 7: Transfer mixture to baking dish

Spread the tortilla chip enchilada mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Step 8: Add cheese topping

Evenly sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese (or more to taste) over the top of the mixture to cover it completely.

Step 9: Cover and bake

Place aluminum foil over the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Step 10: Serve

Take out of the oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot.

Storage Tips

Once the Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are cooked and ready to be stored, it’s important to handle them properly to maintain their freshness. If there are any leftovers, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container and keep the enchiladas from becoming soggy. Place the container in the refrigerator and consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality.

If you have prepared the Tortilla Chip Enchiladas ahead of time or want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for future enjoyment. Wrap the cooled enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, the enchiladas can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy the delicious flavors of the enchiladas even when stored and reheated properly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of these Tortilla Chip Enchiladas, you can easily swap the ground beef or turkey for plant-based crumbles or a medley of sautéed veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. This substitution will still provide a hearty and flavorful filling for your enchiladas.

For a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortilla chips instead of regular flour tortilla chips. Corn chips will add a delicious crunch and work well with the other flavors in the dish. Just make sure to choose a sturdy corn chip that won’t get soggy too quickly when baked in the enchilada sauce.

If you prefer a spicier kick in your enchiladas, you can opt to use diced jalapeños or a spicier variety of green chilies. You can also experiment with adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the filling or enchilada sauce for an extra heat boost. Feel free to adjust the level of spice to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun and creative twist on Tortilla Chip Enchiladas, try serving them in individual mini cast iron skillets. Layer the tortilla chips, ground beef (or turkey), and enchilada sauce in each skillet, then top with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then garnish with sliced green chilies for a pop of color and flavor. These mini enchiladas make for a charming and personalized presentation that’s perfect for a casual dinner party or family gathering.

Another serving suggestion for Tortilla Chip Enchiladas is to turn them into a build-your-own nacho bar. Set out a large platter of tortilla chips, bowls of cooked ground beef (or turkey) and shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, shredded cheese, green chilies, and any other toppings you like such as diced tomatoes, sliced olives, or avocado slices. Let your guests create their own loaded nachos by piling on their favorite ingredients and then heating them in the oven until the cheese is gooey and delicious. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy this twist on classic enchiladas!

FAQs for Cheesy Enchiladas with Crunchy Tortilla Chips

Can I use a different type of meat besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or leftover shredded chicken are great alternatives to ground beef in this recipe.

Can I use homemade enchilada sauce instead of canned?

Yes, you can use homemade enchilada sauce if you prefer. However, canned enchilada sauce works perfectly fine and is a convenient option for this recipe.

Can I make this recipe in advance and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the meat and add more veggies like bell peppers, onions, or black beans to make delicious vegetarian enchiladas.

Conclusion

Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are truly a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies. Whether you stick with the classic ground beef or opt for a leaner option like ground turkey, the end result will always be a crowd-pleaser.

So next time you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor, remember to whip up these Tortilla Chip Enchiladas. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort required, this dish is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings and bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness of these enchiladas and let them become a regular star at your family table!