Zesty Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe: A Fiesta in Every Bite

Crispy tortilla chip enchiladas spark joy with every delectable bite.

These enchiladas bring a playful twist to traditional Mexican cuisine.

Layers of crunchy tortilla chips meld seamlessly with rich, spicy fillings and melted cheese.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying crunch and burst of robust flavors.

Weeknight dinners welcome this easy and comforting meal that comes together in minutes.

Spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts will fall head over heels for this crowd-pleasing dish.

Prepare to savor a delicious experience that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Chip Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the primary protein for the enchiladas.

• Green Chilies, Salsa, Ground Cumin: A zesty combination that adds depth and warmth to the meat mixture.
• Enchilada Sauce: A classic Mexican-style sauce that brings rich, tangy flavor to the dish.

• Tortilla Chips: A crunchy foundation that replaces traditional tortillas and adds texture to the casserole.
• Shredded Cheese: A melty, creamy topping that covers the entire dish and provides a golden, gooey finish.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal and prevents sticking in the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture and prevent excessive browning during baking.

Easy Steps to Assemble Tortilla Chip Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C) and get ready for some delicious magic.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef

Grab a skillet and brown the ground beef over medium heat until it’s completely cooked through.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat

• Diced green chilies
• Zesty salsa
• Ground cumin

Stir everything together until the meat is beautifully seasoned.

Step 4: Crush the Chips

Dump your tortilla chips into a large mixing bowl and gently break them into bite-sized pieces.

Don’t pulverize them – you want some crunch!

Step 5: Mix and Mingle

• Seasoned beef
• Entire can of enchilada sauce
• Shredded cheese

Gently fold everything together until well mixed.

Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish

Spritz a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 7: Spread the Love

Pour the chip and beef mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 8: Cheese Shower

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake for 50 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Pull the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with pure joy!

Tips for Extra Crispy Tortilla Enchiladas

• Break tortilla chips into bite-sized pieces without turning them into dust, ensuring a perfect texture throughout the dish.
• Adjust cheese quantity based on preference, but don't skimp – cheese creates delicious melty goodness that binds the entire casserole.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy final dish and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary needs and taste preferences.
• After baking, add fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Flavor Ideas for Creative Enchilada Combos

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining the same seasonings and cooking method for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortilla chips instead of regular chips and verify enchilada sauce is gluten-free to create a celiac-friendly meal.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use hot salsa, and include pepper jack cheese for extra heat and bold flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortilla chips with crushed pork rinds or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the enchilada essence intact.

How to Serve Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Best

• Fiesta Feast Companions: Serve with a zesty side of fresh guacamole for creamy texture contrast.
• Freshness Boost: Top with chopped cilantro, diced green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor layers.
• Cool Down Partner: Pair with a crisp side salad dressed in lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy enchilada casserole.
• Spice Level Upgrade: Offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the side for heat-loving guests who want an extra kick.

Storing Tortilla Chip Enchiladas for Later

• Store leftover tortilla chip enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chips might lose some crispness, but the flavor remains delicious.
• Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even vegetarian meat alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the salsa and green chilies you use. Choose mild ingredients if you prefer less heat, or opt for spicier versions for more kick.

• What if I don't have enchilada sauce?

You can make a quick substitute by mixing tomato sauce with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, or use a can of red salsa as an alternative.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture and refrigerate in the baking dish. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator, top with cheese, and bake as directed.

Why Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Always Please

Crunch and Comfort: Unique Twist on Classic Enchiladas

• Reinvent Comfort Food: Transform traditional enchiladas into a crispy, chip-based casserole that delivers bold southwestern flavors with unexpected texture.
• Super Simple Preparation: Mix ingredients in one bowl, pour into baking dish, and let the oven do the work – perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious minimal-effort meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, and casual entertaining where everyone craves something hearty and satisfying with minimal cleanup.

Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Mexican Tortilla Chip Enchiladas blend crispy corn chips with rich, spicy sauce and melted cheese for a quick comfort meal. Guaranteed to satisfy cravings, this dish brings authentic southwestern flavors directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef (can be substituted for shredded chicken or ground turkey)

Cheese and Tortilla Base:

• 3 cups shredded cheese
• 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces / 340 grams)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 28 ounces (794 grams) can of red enchilada sauce
• 4 ounces (113 grams) can of diced green chilies, drained
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup salsa

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. In a skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium heat, ensuring complete cooking and draining excess fat.
3. Enhance the beef with diced green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin, stirring to create a robust flavor profile.
4. Crush tortilla chips in a large mixing bowl, breaking them into uneven pieces without reducing to fine crumbs.
5. Merge the seasoned beef mixture with the crushed chips, incorporating the entire enchilada sauce and one cup of shredded cheese. Gently fold ingredients until evenly distributed.
6. Prepare a 9″x13″ baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Distribute the tortilla chip and beef mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
8. Generously blanket the entire surface with remaining shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 50 minutes until the casserole becomes hot and bubbling.
10. Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Customize chips selection by using restaurant-style, thick-cut tortilla chips for extra crunch and heartier texture.
• Try lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to reduce fat content and create healthier version.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers or black beans for increased nutrition and additional flavor complexity.
• Top with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or sliced jalapeños for vibrant color and bright taste contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg