How to Make Enchiladas - Enchiladas Recipes

February 18, 2025
cheesy baked enchiladas in a red dish, garnished with diced tomatoes& herbs, served with salsa, cilantro & fresh limes
Looking to master **How to Make Enchiladas** and treat your friends and family to a tantalizing Mexican-inspired feast? This article provides a comprehensive guide, from crafting homemade enchilada sauce to assembling the perfect chicken enchiladas. Dive in for detailed instructions, strategic tips, and creative variations that allow you to personalize this crowd-pleasing dish.

How to Make Authentic Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Guide for a Flavorful Mexican Feast


There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a homemade Mexican-inspired meal with loved ones. Enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing favourite, perfect for creating lively moments of connection at the dinner table. Whether you want to learn how to make authentic enchiladas, the perfect enchilada sauce, or delicious chicken enchiladas, this guide is here to inspire your culinary adventure.

What Are Enchiladas?

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish made by filling tortillas with a savoury mixture, rolling them up, and topping them with a vibrant sauce and cheese before baking.
Fillings can range from shredded chicken and seasoned beef to vegetarian options like black beans or sautéed veggies. The result? It’s a dish that’s as hearty and satisfying as it is versatile.

How to Make Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Instructions

assorted enchilada ingredients such as tortillas, cheese, beans, chicken, sour cream put together

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by collecting the essentials.


  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas work best. You can also use Old El Paso™ Gluten-Free Tortillas if needed.

      • Filling Options:

    • Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded, cooked chicken—season with Old El Paso™ Taco Spice Mix for extra flair.
    • Vegetarian Enchiladas: Black beans, sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted sweet potatoes make hearty and wholesome options.
    • Plant-Based Choices: Use lentils as vegan alternatives to meat.

  • Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully. Vegan cheese substitutes are a great alternative, too.
  • Toppings: Enhance your dish with sour cream, fresh avocado slices, chopped cilantro, or thinly shredded lettuce.
hands rolling enchiladas on wooden board surrounded by cheese & enchiladas in a tray

Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas

Here’s where the magic happens! Follow these steps for a smooth assembly process:


  1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 180°C (fan-forced) to ensure even baking.
  2. Prepare the Pan: Spread a thin layer of Old El Paso™ Enchilada Sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents the tortillas from sticking.
  3. Fill and Roll: Lay a tortilla flat, add your chosen filling (approximately 2–3 tablespoons), and roll it tightly. Place it seam-side down in the dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
  4. Top with Sauce & Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Tip: Don’t overfill the tortillas to avoid them breaking apart when rolling.

freshly baked enchiladas in a red tray topped with olives

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the enchiladas for 20–25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is golden. Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.
a white tray with cheesy baked enchilada topped with cilantro served with guacamole & green chillies in rustic wooden table

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Now for the final touches! Add your favourite toppings like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or creamy avocado slices. Pair your enchiladas with sides such as Mexican Rice, a crisp salad, or crunchy tortilla chips.


For leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

Creative Variations to Try

Enchiladas are endlessly adaptable. Whether you're cooking for vegetarians or seeking new flavours, try these variations:


  • Green Enchiladas: Swap red enchilada sauce for a tomatillo-based green enchilada sauce, adding zesty brightness to the dish.
  • Breakfast Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, beans, and cheese for a morning twist on the classic dish.
  • Vegan Enchiladas: Use plant-based proteins like tofu or jackfruit, along with a rich cashew or nutritional yeast-based sauce for added creaminess.

Pro Tips for Enchilada Success

  • Keep Tortillas Intact: Quickly warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before filling to prevent cracking.
  • Balance the Spice: Incorporate a bit of enchilada sauce directly into the filling for enhanced flavour cohesion.
  • Batch Cooking: Assemble unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw fully and ensure the dish reaches a safe internal temperature.

Why Old El Paso™ is Your Perfect Enchilada Companion

At Old El Paso™, we celebrate the joy of shared meals and culinary creativity. From our Gluten-Free Tortillas to time-saving Enchilada Meal Kits, we’re here to make Mexican cuisine accessible and fun for everyone.

Take Your Enchiladas to the Next Level

Enchiladas are the perfect combination of flavour, fun, and flexibility. You can experiment with fillings, mix in seasonal ingredients, or customize the spice level to suit your preferences—whether that means creating a plant-based dish, a cheesy comfort meal, or an authentic Mexican-inspired feast.

Try these enchilada recipes today:

Ready to craft your enchilada masterpiece? Stock up on your favourite Old El Paso™ products and dive into a delicious and flavour-packed adventure. Visit our products page to find everything you need, and be sure to explore more enchilada recipes to inspire your next meal.

Sharing your creations with the world? Don’t forget to tag @OldElPasoAustralia in your enchilada masterpieces!