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9x13 baking dish filled with cheesy red enchiladas topped with melted Mexican blend cheese and fresh cilantro

Classic Cheese Enchiladas

Mealoras
A comforting, cheesy restaurant-style dinner that the whole family will love.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course dinner
Servings 4 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • For the Enchilada Sauce:
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons
  • All-Purpose Flour: 4 tablespoons
  • Chili Powder: 3 tablespoons
  • Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
  • Garlic Salt with parsley flakes or Regular Salt: ½ teaspoon
  • Dried Oregano: ¼ teaspoon
  • Ground Cumin: ½ teaspoon
  • Chicken Broth: 2 cups
  • For the Enchiladas:
  • Corn Tortillas: 9 to 12 tortillas 6-inch size
  • Mexican Blend Cheese: 4 cups divided (shredded)
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Fresh diced tomatoes
  • Sliced black olives
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Warm the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux.
  • Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, dried oregano, and ground cumin until the mixture is fragrant and well combined.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to ensure the sauce remains smooth and free of lumps.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for about fifteen minutes until it is thick enough to coat a spoon.
  • Preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish while the sauce finishes simmering.
  • Soften the corn tortillas in the microwave using a damp paper towel so they become flexible and easy to roll.
  • Dip each softened tortilla into the warm red sauce until coated on both sides.
  • Place a generous portion of shredded cheese down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
  • Pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the assembled tortillas and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.
  • Bake until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges of the pan.

Notes

• Tortilla Tip: Warming the tortillas is essential to prevent them from breaking or cracking during the rolling process.
• Sauce Prep: If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering, whisk in a small amount of extra broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Make Ahead: These can be assembled earlier in the day and kept in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake and serve.