There’s nothing quite like the Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas Recipe, ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness of Tex-Mex cuisine. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the world of enchiladas, one thing is certain—cheese enchiladas are a true comfort food. Soft tortillas wrapped around melty, gooey cheese, smothered in a bold, flavorful chili sauce, and baked until bubbly? Yes, please!
What Are Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas?
At their core, Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas are simple yet incredibly satisfying. They start with corn tortillas, which are lightly softened, then filled with a generous amount of cheese. The tortillas are rolled up, covered in a rich and mildly spicy chili sauce, then baked until the cheese is melted and irresistible. Topped with more cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, they are the ultimate Tex-Mex comfort dish.
Tex-Mex food is all about bold flavors, melted cheese, and hearty, satisfying meals.
Originating in Texas, this cuisine blends traditional Mexican ingredients with Texan influences, resulting in flavor-packed dishes like enchiladas, fajitas, and chili con carne. Cheese enchiladas have long been a staple of Tex-Mex culture, served everywhere from family kitchens to local diners and legendary restaurants.
Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: tex-mexDifficulty: Easy4-6
servings15
minutes20
minutes300-350 kcal per enchilada
kcalCheesy, saucy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors!
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
12 corn tortillas
3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
½ cup diced onions (optional, for added flavor)
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)
For the Tex-Mex Enchilada Sauce:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup tomato sauce
Toppings (Optional):
Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Diced tomatoes
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream or Mexican crema
Avocado slices
Directions
- Make the Enchilada Sauce
Warm 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Stir in flour and chili powder, whisking continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt, mixing well.
Slowly pour in the broth, whisking until smooth, then add the tomato sauce.
Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Prepare the Tortillas
Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Lightly soften each tortilla for about 5-10 seconds per side to prevent cracking when rolling. - Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
Evenly spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish.
Fill each tortilla with ¼ cup of shredded cheese (and onions if using), then roll tightly.
Place each tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, making sure they are evenly covered.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. - Bake & Serve
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with sour cream, avocado, or Mexican rice. - Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✔ Freeze: Freeze assembled enchiladas (before baking) for up to 3 months. ✔ Freeze: Assemble the enchiladas (before baking) and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
✔ Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super Simple – No complicated ingredients, just bold flavors.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for family dinners, parties, or potlucks.
✔ Customizable – Add beans, meat, or extra spice to make them your own.
✔ Authentic Tex-Mex – A classic dish that delivers the perfect balance of cheesy and saucy goodness.
I still remember the first time I had authentic Tex-Mex cheese enchiladas at a small, family-run restaurant in Texas. The rich, smoky chili sauce, the gooey cheese pull, and the warm, soft tortillas were love at first bite. Ever since, this dish has been a go-to recipe for cozy weeknights and festive gatherings.
Tips & Variations for the Best Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas
Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas are already a cheesy, saucy masterpiece, but there are plenty of ways to customize, lighten up, or enhance them! Whether you want to add protein, spice, or a fresh twist, these tips and variations will help you create the ultimate enchiladas for any occasion.
Flavor Variations
Want to make your enchiladas heartier or switch up the flavor? Try these ideas:
✔ Meaty & Savory – Add cooked shredded chicken or ground beef to the cheese filling for a protein boost.
✔ Southwestern Twist – Mix in black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers for extra texture and flavor.
✔ Green Enchiladas – Swap out red enchilada sauce for green enchilada sauce to create a tangy, tomatillo-based version.
✔ Extra Spicy – Stir in chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick.
Dietary Adjustments
Need to make your enchiladas fit your dietary needs? No problem!
✔ Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free and traditional in Tex-Mex cuisine.
✔ Healthier Version – Swap in low-fat cheese and a lighter enchilada sauce to reduce fat without sacrificing flavor.
✔ Vegan Option – Use plant-based cheese and a vegan-friendly enchilada sauce for a delicious dairy-free version.
Presentation Ideas
Make your Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas look as mouthwatering as they taste with these presentation tips:
✔ Classic Mexican Feast – Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
✔ Fresh & Colorful – Garnish with diced tomatoes, avocado, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
✔ Creamy & Spicy – Drizzle with Mexican crema, sour cream, or your favorite hot sauce for extra flair.
No matter how you serve them, these cheesy, saucy enchiladas will always be a crowd-pleaser. Try out a new variation and enjoy every bite!
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them for Perfect Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas
Even though Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas are simple to make, a few common mistakes can lead to cracked tortillas, dry enchiladas, or unevenly melted cheese. Don’t worry—these easy fixes will help you get the perfectly cheesy, saucy, and delicious enchiladas every time!
Problem: The Tortillas Crack When Rolling
🔴 Issue: Corn tortillas tend to break or tear when rolled.
✅ Solution:
✔ Warm the tortillas before rolling to make them more pliable. Try one of these methods:
- Lightly fry them in a small amount of oil for 10-15 seconds per side.
- Wrap them in a moist paper towel and heat in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Warm them in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side.
✔ Avoid overfilling the tortillas, as too much filling can cause them to break.
Problem: The Enchiladas Are Too Dry
🔴 Issue: The tortillas soak up the sauce, leaving the enchiladas dry.
✅ Solution:
✔ Fully coat the tortillas in enchilada sauce before rolling them—this keeps them soft and prevents dryness.
✔ After placing the enchiladas in the baking dish, pour extra sauce on top to ensure full coverage.
✔ Cover the dish with foil while baking to keep moisture locked in.
Problem: The Cheese Doesn’t Melt Evenly
🔴 Issue: Some parts of the enchiladas have gooey cheese, while others remain unmelted.
✅ Solution:
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded—bagged cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Distribute the cheese evenly across the enchiladas, ensuring every bite has that cheesy goodness.
✔ If needed, broil the enchiladas for 1-2 minutes after baking to get a perfectly melted, golden top.
Problem: The Dish is Too Spicy or Not Spicy Enough
🔴 Issue: The heat level isn’t right for your taste.
✅ Solution:
✔ If too spicy, reduce the chili powder, cayenne, or hot sauce in the enchilada sauce. You can also balance the heat by adding more cheese or a dollop of sour cream when serving.
✔ If not spicy enough, use a spicier enchilada sauce, increase the chili powder or cayenne pepper, or top with sliced jalapeños or hot sauce before serving.
Problem: The Enchiladas Fall Apart When Serving
🔴 Issue: The enchiladas don’t hold their shape and fall apart when lifted from the dish.
✅ Solution:
✔ Let the enchiladas rest for at least 5 minutes after baking—this helps the cheese set and makes them easier to serve.
✔ Use a spatula instead of tongs to lift the enchiladas from the pan gently.
✔ Roll the enchiladas tightly when assembling them so they don’t unravel.
By following these simple fixes, you’ll have perfectly cheesy, saucy, and flavorful Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas every time. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information for Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas
Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas are rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, but how do they stack up nutritionally? Here’s a breakdown of their calorie content, key nutrients, and ways to make them a bit healthier while keeping all the deliciousness intact.
Caloric Breakdown (Per Enchilada)
Exact values may vary based on portion size and ingredients used.
✔ Calories: ~300-350 kcal
✔ Total Fat: 15-20g (mostly from cheese and oil)
✔ Carbohydrates: 25-30g (from tortillas and sauce)
✔ Protein: 10-12g (from cheese)
✔ Sodium: ~500-600mg (from sauce and cheese)
📌 Source: USDA FoodData Central
Health Benefits
While enchiladas are often seen as an indulgence, they also offer some nutritional benefits:
✔ Cheese – A great source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health.
✔ Corn Tortillas – Naturally gluten-free and higher in fiber compared to flour tortillas.
✔ Homemade Sauce – Allows you to control sodium levels and ingredients, making it a healthier option than store-bought sauces.
📌 Source: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Healthier Alternatives
Want to lighten up your enchiladas without losing their bold Tex-Mex flavor? Try these simple swaps:
✅ Use Low-Fat Cheese – Reduces fat content while still keeping them melty and delicious.
✅ Choose a Lighter Enchilada Sauce – Opt for a homemade sauce with less oil and salt.
✅ Bake Instead of Frying – Lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet instead of frying them in oil to reduce calories.
✅ Add More Veggies – Mix in black beans, spinach, or sautéed peppers to increase fiber and nutrients.
By making these adjustments, you can enjoy cheesy, saucy enchiladas in a way that fits your dietary goals while still delivering that classic Tex-Mex taste!
FAQs About Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas
Got questions about making, storing, or customizing Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas? Here are the most frequently asked questions to help you get the best, cheesiest, and most delicious results every time!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! Enchiladas are a great make-ahead meal.
✔ Assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
✔ Before baking, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to prevent uneven cooking.
✔ Add a little extra enchilada sauce before baking to keep them moist.
Can I Freeze Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas?
Yes! Freezing enchiladas is a great way to have a ready-to-bake meal.
✔ Freeze unbaked enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
✔ When ready to bake, cook directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time.
✔ If already baked, freeze leftovers and reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas are traditional in Tex-Mex cuisine.
✔ Corn tortillas hold up better to the sauce and have an authentic flavor.
✔ Flour tortillas will work but may become softer and more delicate after baking.
✔ If using flour tortillas, lightly toast them in a dry skillet before rolling to improve texture.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
The oven is best, but the microwave works too!
✔ Oven: Cover the enchiladas with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
✔ Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, adding a splash of sauce if needed.
✔ Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for a slightly crispy top.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas can be made 100% plant-based.
✔ Use plant-based cheese that melts well, such as a vegan cheddar or mozzarella blend.
✔ Choose a vegan-friendly enchilada sauce (many store-bought red sauces are already vegan).
✔ Add black beans, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
Got more questions? Drop a comment below! We’d love to hear your favorite Tex-Mex Cheese Enchilada tips and variations.
Enjoy the Best Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas!
If you love cheesy, saucy, and comforting Tex-Mex food, these Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas are a must-try! They’re easy to make, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a weeknight dinner, family gathering, or potluck. Plus, with so many ways to customize them, you can make this dish your own every time.
Now It’s Your Turn!
📌 Give this recipe a try and share your results with us! Did you add extra spice, mix in some beans, or swap in a different sauce? Share your favorite twists and tips in the comments below!
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Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful meal! 🌮🧀🔥