Unsure about how to roll your enchiladas? It’s easy! Check out our simple step-by-step video and skip to 3 minutes 30 seconds to see how it’s done.
June 17, 2025
Coming together for a hearty meal with loved ones is at the heart of what Mexican cuisine is all about.
Though a trip to beautiful Mexico remains a dream for many, you don’t need to be there to enjoy some of its most popular dishes. With a little help, you can cook up delicious, fresh Mexican meals in the comfort of your own kitchen.
We’ve got you covered with the necessary tips on how to make enchiladas at home – exploring their origin and guiding you through our very own enchilada recipe and pairing options. It's time to learn how to make enchiladas!
First things first, what are enchiladas?
Picture this, a flour or corn tortilla, packed full of your favourite fillings, rolled up tightly and smothered in tasty sauce and melted cheese. This is one Mexican dish that requires a fork and knife.
From its humble beginnings as a street food – a simple tortilla roll dipped in chilli sauce, to the saucy, cheesy treat we have today, enchiladas have come a long way.
"Enchiladas", interestingly, is a mashup of two Nahuatl words, 'chilli' and 'flute'.
Enchiladas can be spicy, whether they are depends entirely on the recipe you follow and what you put in them! Our enchilada kits and sauce come in both mild and extra cool flavours so you can choose a heat level to match your preferences. For hotter enchiladas, there’s always the option of adding chilli or chilli powder for some extra oomph.
Ever wondered what goes into making tasty enchiladas? It's a mix of meat or beans, fresh vegetables, loads of cheese, an array of sauces, and tortillas large enough to roll and fill. Toppings like guacamole, sour cream, and coriander amplify the enjoyment.
When it comes to choosing a cheese for enchiladas, we’d highly recommend Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend of both! Monterey Jack offers milder, slightly sweet and creamy flavours while cheddar is sharper and tangier. Different recipes will recommend different cheeses, and you’ll find both types used throughout ours.
Creating enchiladas is a breeze once you've got all your ingredients rounded up. First, choose your fillings. The options are endless; consider tuna for a lighter twist on this dish, or whip it up for breakfast with bacon and eggs. For vegetarian options, try filling it with black beans, chickpeas, sweet potato or aubergine.
Pop a generous amount of filling into your tortilla, roll it up, and tuck it seam-side-down into a baking dish to help it stay put. Smother it in sauce, blanket it with cheese, and let it cook.
Enchilada sauce is a chilli-driven sauce that lends enchiladas their distinctive flavour. Whip it up at home with tomato paste, vegetable broth, flour, and a variety of spices including chilli powder, cumin and garlic powder.
If that sounds like a bit too much for a weeknight, don't worry, we've got your back. Our Old El Paso™ Enchilada Cooking Sauce delivers the authentic taste you crave, so you can concentrate on perfecting your fillings.
Stir it up in a blender or food processor with some parsley, fresh lime juice, coriander, and garlic. Blend until smooth – and voila, your sauce is ready!
Of course! Enchiladas are a great dish to make ahead of time. If you only need to keep them for only a short period before cooking, you can store your enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.We'll also share our top tips for freezing and reheating enchiladas so you can enjoy them whenever you like.
Now you’ve made your delicious enchiladas, what do you serve them with? Some side dishes we recommend are:
Now that you know how to prepare, roll and bake enchiladas, it's time to try a recipe. Whether you prefer a classic chicken enchilada, a hearty beef filling or a meat-free alternative packed with vegetables and beans, there are plenty of ways to make this comforting Mexican-inspired favourite your own.
Browse some of our favourite enchilada recipes below for inspiration and discover new flavour combinations the whole family can enjoy.
A simple vegetarian favourite packed with black beans, melted cheese and rich enchilada sauce. Veggie enchiladas are perfect for a midweek dinner that's full of flavour, or a great addition to a party feast.
Serve with a salad, Old El Paso™ Thick ‘N’ Chunky Salsa and freshly made guacamole for an extra treat.
Tender chicken wrapped in soft tortillas, baked in enchilada sauce and topped with bubbling cheese for a comforting family meal.
A hearty enchilada filled with seasoned beef, topped with rich sauce and plenty of melted cheese for an easy crowd-pleaser.
Loaded with aubergine, chickpeas and queso fresco cheese, these vegetarian enchiladas are packed with flavour and perfect for meat-free meals.
Made too many enchiladas? Don’t worry! One of the best things about enchiladas is that they're ideal for batch cooking. If you've made extra or want to prepare meals ahead of time, enchiladas freeze really well and can be stored for up to three months. Here are our top tips for keeping them tasting their best.
Here’s how to reheat your enchiladas in the oven to retain their crisp texture and flavour, when you’re ready to enjoy them again later!
Lastly, uncover, allow to cool, plate up and enjoy!
Tip: Be sure to allow your enchiladas to thaw properly before reheating from frozen. The best way to do this is to allow them to defrost in the fridge overnight.
There you have it – a full guide on how to make enchiladas at home! Now that you’re in the know, making this flavourful dish is sure to be a breeze. Pick a recipe included above that is perfect for both lunch and dinner, or get creative; there’s plenty of options for fillings, too. Plus, enchiladas are usually made in a batch, making them ideal for special occasions and family get-togethers. Discover more enchilada recipes here and happy dining!
