20 New Mexican Enchilada Recipe Dive Into Deliciousness!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
The New Mexican enchilada is a beloved dish that has been enjoyed for generations. With its flavorful blend of spices, tender meat, and gooey melted cheese, it's no wonder that this dish has become a staple in many households. But what sets this enchilada recipe apart from others? We'll dive into the history and ingredients of this iconic dish, and show you how to make it in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Enchilada
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, these chicken enchiladas are the perfect choice. Tender shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce are all wrapped up in a warm tortilla for a delicious and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, these enchiladas are a breeze to make!
2of 20
Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chipotle Pepper, Adobo Sauce, Chicken Stock, Olive Oil
Skip the store-bought sauce and make your own homemade red enchilada sauce for a truly authentic flavor. This sauce is made with a blend of chilies, spices, and broth for a rich and flavorful base that will take your enchiladas to the next level. Plus, you can adjust the spice level to your liking, making it perfect for all taste buds.
3of 20
Beef Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Salt, Enchilada Sauce
If you're craving the flavors of a classic beef enchilada but want a dish that's a little heartier, try making a beef enchilada casserole. Layered with corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is a filling and delicious twist on the traditional recipe. Serve with your favorite toppings, like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado, for a complete meal.
4of 20
Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, All Purpose Flour, Chili Powder, Tomato
Whether you're making chicken, beef, or vegetable enchiladas, a good enchilada sauce is essential. This versatile sauce is the perfect balance of spicy and savory, adding depth of flavor to any dish. Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for future enchilada nights.
5of 20
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Enchilada Sauce
If you want all the flavors of a classic chicken enchilada but without the hassle of rolling individual tortillas, try making a chicken enchilada casserole. Layers of chicken, cheese, and tortillas are baked to perfection for a hearty and satisfying meal. Top with your favorite toppings, like diced tomatoes, green onions, and olives, for a colorful and tasty dish.
6of 20
Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts Boneless, Enchilada Sauce, Corn
For those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner option, this chicken enchilada casserole is the perfect solution. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have a flavorful and filling meal on the table in no time. Plus, leftovers make for a delicious lunch the next day!
7of 20
New Mexico Red Chile Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Cooking Oil, Finely Chopped Onions
For a taste of the Southwest, try making a New Mexico red chile enchilada casserole. This dish features a rich and spicy red chile sauce, layered with tortillas, chicken, and cheese, for a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of beans and rice for a complete and delicious dinner.
8of 20
Quick Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Diced Tomatoes, Vegetable Broth, Chipotle Pepper, Adobo
If you're in a pinch for time but still want to make your own enchilada sauce, this quick and easy recipe is the answer. With just a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes, you can have a flavorful sauce ready to go for your enchilada dishes. Feel free to adjust the spices and add in some extra chili powder or cayenne for a spicier sauce.
9of 20
Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Tortillas, Lean Ground Beef, Taco Seasoning, Black
Enchilada casserole is the perfect dish for a crowd. Layered with tortillas, seasoned chicken or beef, and plenty of cheese, this casserole is a hearty and delicious option for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. Customize it with your favorite enchilada toppings, like avocado, salsa, or cilantro, for a dish that everyone will love.
10of 20
Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients: Basmati Rice, White Cheddar, Monterey Jack Cheese
If you're a fan of Mexican rice, you'll love this chicken enchilada rice casserole. This dish combines all the flavors of a classic chicken enchilada with the addition of rice for a hearty and filling meal. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover rice and chicken, making it a budget-friendly option for dinner.
11of 20
Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tomato Sauce, Minced Onion, Oil, Chili Powder, Paprika
For a healthier alternative to store-bought enchilada sauce, try making your own at home. This easy homemade recipe is made with simple ingredients and can be customized to your liking. Use it for all your enchilada dishes or even as a marinade for chicken or beef.
12of 20
Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ground Beef, Salt
For a hearty and satisfying meal, try making beef enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce. This dish features tender and flavorful beef, wrapped up in a warm tortilla and smothered in a rich and spicy sauce. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete and delicious meal.
13of 20
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Enchilada Sauce
If soup is more your style, try making this cheesy chicken enchilada soup for a cozy and comforting meal. This soup is packed with all the flavors of a classic chicken enchilada, including tender chicken, beans, corn, and plenty of cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious and satisfying bowl of soup.
14of 20
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Oil, Flour, Tomato Sauce, Chicken Broth
Once you try making your own homemade enchilada sauce, you'll never go back to store-bought. This recipe is made with a blend of dried chilies, spices, and broth for a rich and flavorful sauce that's perfect for all your enchilada dishes. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to your preferred level of spiciness.
15of 20
Green Enchilada Sauce
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Jalapeno, Garlic, Vegetable
For a change of pace from the traditional red enchilada sauce, try making a green enchilada sauce. This sauce is made with a blend of tomatillos, chilies, and spices for a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken enchiladas. Use it in place of the red sauce for a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish.
16of 20
Vegetable Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Corn Tortillas, Cheese, Zucchini, Black Beans, Frozen
For a healthier twist on traditional enchiladas, try making a vegetable enchilada casserole. This dish is packed with all your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, and topped with a rich and flavorful enchilada sauce. It's a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients while still enjoying all the delicious flavors of a classic enchilada.
17of 20
Beef Enchilada
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Vegetable Oil, Corn Tortillas, Sour Cream
Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic beef enchilada. This dish features tender beef, seasoned to perfection and wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Top it with plenty of cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a mouthwatering meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Clove, Red Bell Pepper
For a vegan option that still packs a punch of flavor, try making a Mexican tortilla casserole, also known as vegan enchilada lasagna. This dish is layered with tortillas, beans, veggies, and a homemade enchilada sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal that's completely plant-based. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have on hand.
19of 20
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Main Ingredients: Cooked Chicken, Enchilada Sauce, Mexican Cheese Blend
If you're looking for a healthier option for your enchilada fix, try making a healthy chicken enchilada casserole. This dish is made with lean chicken, whole grain tortillas, and plenty of veggies for a lighter take on the classic recipe. Top it with some avocado and Greek yogurt for a guilt-free and delicious meal.
20of 20
Sopapillas - New Mexico Sopapillas
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Salt, Lard, Milk, Vegetable Oil, All
To round out your enchilada dinner, try making some homemade sopapillas for a delicious and authentic dessert. These New Mexico-style sopapillas are light and fluffy on the inside, with a crisp and golden exterior. Serve them warm with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and satisfying end to your meal.
The Origins of New Mexican Enchiladas
The Influence of Spanish and Native American Cultures
The New Mexican enchilada has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century when the Spanish first arrived in Mexico. They brought with them their love for spicy foods and introduced new ingredients such as chili peppers and cumin to the region. As the Spanish settled in the Southwest, they intermingled with the Native American communities, who also had a strong culinary tradition. This fusion of cultures gave birth to the New Mexican cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of local ingredients.
The Role of Chile in New Mexican Enchiladas
One of the key ingredients that make New Mexican enchiladas stand out is the use of chile. Unlike other types of enchiladas, New Mexican enchiladas are made with red or green chile sauce, which gives them their distinct flavor. The chile used in this recipe is often grown locally and is roasted, peeled, and ground into a paste before being added to the dish. The type of chile used can vary, but the most popular are the Hatch and Chimayo chiles, which are known for their unique flavor profiles.
The Perfect Blend of Ingredients
The Meat
Traditionally, New Mexican enchiladas are made with shredded pork, but you can also use chicken or beef. The meat is typically slow-cooked and seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, oregano, and garlic. This adds a depth of flavor to the dish and makes the meat tender and juicy.
The Cheese
Another important element of New Mexican enchiladas is the cheese. The most commonly used cheese is a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, which gives the dish a creamy and gooey texture. Some variations also include queso fresco, a crumbly Mexican cheese, which adds a tangy flavor to the enchiladas.
The Tortillas
The final piece of the puzzle is the tortillas. In New Mexican enchiladas, corn tortillas are typically used, although some recipes call for flour tortillas as well. The tortillas are dipped in the chile sauce and then filled with the meat and cheese before being rolled up and baked to perfection.
In Conclusion
New Mexican enchiladas are a delicious and unique dish that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Southwest. With its blend of Spanish and Native American influences and the use of local ingredients, this enchilada recipe has become a beloved favorite for many. Now that you know the origins and key ingredients of this dish, it's time to roll up your sleeves and try making it yourself. With a little bit of practice, you'll be able to create your own mouth-watering New Mexican enchiladas that will have your family and friends asking for more.
