Description
Tortilla Chip Enchiladas are a comforting, cheesy twist on a Mexican favorite. With layers of crushed chips, seasoned meat, and tangy enchilada sauce, this easy casserole comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Inspired by nostalgic church cookbook recipes, it’s a crowd-pleaser with pantry staples and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or 2 cups shredded chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed for sautéing)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup salsa
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups red enchilada sauce
3–4 cups crushed tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or Mexican blend)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ons:
Black beans
Jalapeños
Sliced olives
Fresh cilantro
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Lime wedges
Avocado slices
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef (or shredded chicken). Add diced onion and garlic; cook until soft.
Stir in salsa, green chilies, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
In a 9×13” baking dish, layer crushed tortilla chips, meat mixture, and a drizzle of enchilada sauce. Repeat layers.
Top with shredded cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with toppings of choice.
Notes
Great make-ahead meal—assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
To avoid soggy chips, avoid overmixing them with wet ingredients before layering.
Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lean or vegetarian option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Keywords: tortilla chip enchiladas, cheesy enchilada casserole, lazy enchiladas, quick Mexican dinner, ground beef enchiladas, chicken enchilada bake, weeknight comfort food