enchiladas with gravy

Delicious Enchiladas with Gravy: Classic Comfort Food Recipe

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Growing up in Texas, I remember the warm kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of Mexican enchiladas with gravy. Those memories of family gatherings and shared meals sparked my passion for this incredible dish that brings people together.

Enchiladas with gravy represent more than just a meal – they’re a culinary journey through Tex-Mex cuisine. This best enchilada recipe captures the heart of traditional Mexican cooking while offering a delicious twist that will tantalize your taste buds.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, these Mexican enchiladas promise to transform your dinner routine. With just 55 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that serves six people and packs a whopping 509 calories of pure comfort.

Rated 3.68 out of 5 by 183 passionate home cooks, this enchiladas with gravy recipe has stood the test of time since 2009. Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that celebrates flavor, tradition, and the joy of sharing a remarkable meal.

What Are Enchiladas with Gravy?

Enchiladas with gravy are a delicious Tex-Mex dish. They mix rich flavors with comforting textures. This dish turns simple ingredients into a spectacular meal, showing the heart of southwestern cuisine.

The enchilada sauce recipe is the dish’s core. It gives a unique flavor that makes it different from traditional Mexican enchiladas. Tex-Mex cuisine combines the best of both worlds in this special version.

A Brief History of Enchiladas

Enchiladas have a long history, dating back centuries. They started in ancient Mesoamerica, where people wrapped corn tortillas around small fish. Today, homemade enchilada gravy is a modern twist on those early practices.

  • Originated in Mexico over 2,000 years ago
  • Evolved through Spanish colonial influences
  • Became a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine in the 19th century

The Gravy Component Explained

“The secret to great enchiladas is in the sauce – it’s the soul of the dish!”

Traditional enchiladas stand out because of their special gravy, known as chili gravy. This sauce is made from a flour-based roux mixed with Mexican chile seasonings. It makes the dish smooth and rich, enhancing every bite.

Gravy IngredientQuantity
Vegetable Oil3 tablespoons
Flour2 tablespoons
Chili Powder1/4 cup
Cumin1 tablespoon

This mix of ingredients makes a homemade enchilada gravy that turns simple ingredients into a memorable meal. Each serving is packed with 716 calories, 51g of carbs, and 29g of protein.

Ingredients for Perfect Enchiladas

Creating the best enchilada recipe starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Your homemade enchiladas with gravy will shine when you choose the right components for both the filling and the delicious sauce.

Essential Ingredients for the Enchiladas

To craft mouth-watering enchiladas, you’ll need these key ingredients:

  • 30 white corn tortillas
  • 1 pound ground beef or 3 cups shredded chicken
  • 2 10-ounce cans of red enchilada sauce
  • 2 10-ounce cans of green enchilada sauce
  • Combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Making the Homemade Enchilada Gravy from Scratch

The secret to an exceptional enchilada gravy lies in crafting a rich, flavorful sauce. You’ll want to create a roux using oil and flour, then blend in spices to develop depth of flavor.

“A great enchilada gravy transforms a good dish into an extraordinary meal.” – Chef’s Tip

For your homemade enchilada gravy, gather these ingredients:

  • Vegetable oil or lard
  • All-purpose flour
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Beef or chicken broth

Nutritional insights for your enchiladas reveal a hearty meal with approximately 460 calories per serving. The dish provides a balanced nutritional profile with 33g of protein and 31g of carbohydrates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Enchiladas

Making the best enchilada recipe is all about preparation and detail. This easy enchilada dinner will bring authentic Mexican flavors to your home. Everyone will love it.

Preparing the Filling

To begin your enchilada journey, focus on a tasty filling. Prepare your ingredients carefully:

  • Ground beef (2 1/2 cups)
  • Chopped onions
  • Canned diced green chilies
  • Salt to taste

Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Mix in onions and green chilies. Season with salt and let it cool slightly.

Assembling the Enchiladas

  1. Warm corn tortillas in oil (30 seconds per side)
  2. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture
  3. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in baking dish
  4. Cover with homemade enchilada sauce
  5. Sprinkle freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese

Cooking Options: Oven vs. Stovetop

Cooking MethodTemperatureCooking Time
Oven350°F20-30 minutes
StovetopLow-Medium Heat15-20 minutes

Pro tip: For the best enchilada recipe, use freshly grated cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

“The secret to great enchiladas is in the details and love you put into preparation!” – Mexican Cooking Expert

Variations of Enchiladas with Gravy

Enchiladas open up a world of flavors and ingredients. You can try cheesy or spicy enchiladas to excite your taste buds.

Mexican Enchiladas Variations

The magic of mexican enchiladas is their flexibility. You can make them fit any diet or taste preference.

Vegetarian Enchilada Options

Vegetarians have plenty of options for enchiladas:

  • Black bean and corn filling
  • Roasted vegetable medley
  • Spinach and mushroom combination
  • Plant-based meat alternatives

Protein Choices for Enchiladas

There are many protein choices for enchiladas:

  1. Chicken Enchiladas: Using 2 cups of shredded, cooked chicken
  2. Beef Enchiladas: Prepared with lean ground beef
  3. Cheese Enchiladas: Perfect for cheese lovers

“Enchiladas are like a canvas – you can paint them with any flavor you desire!” – Chef Maria Rodriguez

Try different proteins, cheeses, and spices to make your ideal enchiladas. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Enchiladas with Gravy

Making a great easy enchilada dinner is more than just cooking. Serving enchiladas with gravy needs care and creativity. The right sides and how you present them can make your meal special.

Best Accompaniments for Your Dish

Enhance your enchiladas with gravy by adding classic Tex-Mex sides. These sides match the rich flavors:

  • Charro beans with a smoky bacon undertone
  • Mexican rice seasoned with tomatoes and herbs
  • Fresh pickled jalapeños for a zesty kick
  • Crisp green salad with cilantro-lime dressing

Presentation Tips for a Feast

Make your enchiladas look amazing with these tips:

  1. Use a warm ceramic plate to keep enchiladas at the perfect temperature
  2. Generously cover enchiladas with chili gravy and melted cheese
  3. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and diced white onions
  4. Sprinkle additional cheese around the plate for extra appeal

Pro tip: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can transform your easy enchilada dinner from good to unforgettable!

Nutrition lovers will be happy to know. A serving of enchiladas with gravy has about 716 calories. It’s packed with 29g of protein and full of nutrients like calcium and vitamin A.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Enchiladas

After enjoying your homemade enchiladas with gravy, you’ll want to keep their flavor and texture. Proper storage and reheating can help. This way, you can enjoy them again later.

Proper Storage Techniques

Storing your enchiladas with gravy needs careful attention. Follow these tips to keep them fresh:

  • Store enchiladas in an airtight container
  • Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking
  • Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days
  • Separate the homemade enchilada gravy from the enchiladas

Smart Reheating Methods

Reheating enchiladas with gravy can be tricky. But, these methods will help keep their flavor and texture:

Reheating MethodTemperatureTimeBest For
Oven350°F10-15 minutesCrispy tortillas
MicrowaveMedium power1-2 minutesQuick reheating
Air Fryer350°F5-7 minutesCrisp texture

“The key to great leftover enchiladas is maintaining their original moisture and flavor.” – Culinary Expert

Pro tip for reheating enchiladas with gravy: Always cover your dish with aluminum foil. This prevents drying out. For microwaving, use 50% power and rotate the dish halfway through.

Freezing Options

Freezing is a great option for longer storage:

  1. Wrap enchiladas individually in plastic wrap
  2. Place in freezer-safe containers
  3. Freeze for up to 3 months
  4. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Remember, the quality of your reheated enchiladas with gravy depends on proper storage and gentle reheating techniques.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mastering the best enchilada recipe means avoiding common mistakes. These mistakes can turn your cooking into a challenge. Understanding the details of preparation and cooking is key.

The Overfilling Trap

Overfilling tortillas is a common mistake. It can ruin your enchilada experience. Traditional Mexican recipes teach a balance of ingredients.

Too much filling causes problems:

  • Difficulty rolling the tortillas
  • Potential tearing of the tortilla
  • Uneven cooking
  • Messy serving presentation

“The secret to perfect enchiladas is restraint in filling,” says Chef Maria Rodriguez.

Getting the gravy right is crucial. Here are tips for the perfect enchilada sauce:

Gravy MistakeSolution
Over-saltingUse low-sodium broth and taste before adding salt
Inconsistent thicknessAdjust with additional broth or water
Bland flavorToast spices before adding to develop deeper taste

Remember, practice makes perfect when making enchiladas. Each try gets you closer to the best recipe. Don’t get discouraged by early setbacks – skills grow with time and effort.

Healthier Alternatives

Creating delicious enchiladas with gravy doesn’t mean you have to give up on health. Smart swaps and cooking tricks can make this classic dish lighter. It will please your taste buds and meet your health goals.

Healthy Enchiladas with Gravy

Lightening Up the Ingredients

When making homemade enchilada gravy, try these healthier options:

  • Swap lard for vegetable oil or olive oil
  • Choose lean proteins like chicken breast or turkey
  • Add more veggies to cut down on calories
  • Go for low-fat cheese

“Eating healthier doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor – it’s about making smart choices!” – Nutrition Expert

Gluten-Free Options for Enchiladas

For those with gluten sensitivities, enchiladas can still be a tasty treat. Here are some gluten-free tips:

  1. Use corn tortillas instead of wheat ones
  2. Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour or cornstarch in the gravy
  3. Always check labels for hidden gluten

With these easy changes, you can make enchiladas with gravy healthier. It’s a dish that’s good for you and everyone can love.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Enchiladas with Gravy

Mexican enchiladas with gravy are more than food. They bring families together. Your journey to make the best enchilada recipe starts now, with every dish you make.

Try new things in the kitchen. Mix cheeses like pepper jack and cheddar. Or, use dairy-free options to keep the flavors rich. Your recipe can be a blank canvas for your creativity.

Enchiladas with gravy are more than just a meal—they’re a comforting, flavor-packed experience that brings people together. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or a festive celebration, their rich, savory taste never fails to impress. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create this dish at home and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors anytime.

From the velvety gravy to the customizable fillings, enchiladas with gravy offer endless possibilities to suit your taste. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative in the kitchen, and savor every bite of this Tex-Mex favorite. Your table is about to become everyone’s favorite spot!

The best part? You can customize this dish to match your preferences, experimenting with different fillings and toppings to make it uniquely yours. Preparing these enchiladas is not just about creating a meal—it’s about crafting an experience that brings joy to your family and guests. Gather around, dig in, and let the magic of this Tex-Mex classic transform your dining experience.

Making It a Family Tradition

Make enchiladas with gravy a special family tradition. Each serving has 25-30 grams of protein and 400-500 calories. It’s both nutritious and comforting. Invite your family to help cook on weekends.

Encourage Experimentation in the Kitchen

Your kitchen is a place for fun and learning. Feel free to change ingredients, adjust spices, or mix different flavors. Cooking is about trying new things and honoring tradition.

FAQ

What is the difference between Tex-Mex enchiladas and traditional Mexican enchiladas?

Tex-Mex enchiladas have a thicker, flour-based gravy. This gravy is made with cumin, chili powder, and more flavor. Traditional Mexican enchiladas use a lighter chile-based sauce. Tex-Mex enchiladas started in Texas about 150 years ago.

How long can I store homemade enchilada sauce?

Store homemade enchilada gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Freeze it in resealable bags for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet. Shake well before use.

Can I make gluten-free enchiladas?

Yes, use corn tortillas and gluten-free flour like rice flour or cornstarch. Make sure all ingredients are gluten-free for a gluten-free dish.

What are some popular filling variations for enchiladas?

Enchiladas can have many fillings. Traditional ones are cheese, chicken, and beef. For vegetarians, try black beans, roasted veggies, or plant-based proteins. Modern fillings include huitlacoche, epazote, and mixed veggies for extra flavor and nutrition.

How can I make my enchiladas less spicy?

Use mild chili powder, reduce chili powder, or remove chile seeds. Add more broth or dairy like sour cream or cheese to balance the heat.

What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas?

Reheat enchiladas in a low oven (350°F) to keep tortillas and cheese soft. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Cover with foil and heat until it reaches 165°F.

Can I prepare enchiladas in advance?

Yes, you can assemble enchiladas a day before and refrigerate. Let them come to room temperature before baking. The gravy can be made several days ahead and stored in the fridge, which can improve flavors.

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