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Make Ahead Enchilada Casserole

Make Ahead Enchilada Casserole recipe image
This Make Ahead Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate weeknight hack for busy families. It features a creamy, homemade filling of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses mixed with fresh onion and herbs, rolled into soft flour tortillas. The dish is smothered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce simmered with garlic, cumin, and oregano for deep, authentic Mexican flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake until hot and bubbly. It’s a satisfying, hearty vegetarian main that brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal to your table with minimal last-minute effort.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 410.4
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This Make Ahead Enchilada Casserole is the ultimate weeknight hack for busy families. It features a creamy, homemade filling of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses mixed with fresh onion and herbs, rolled into soft flour tortillas. The dish is smothered in a rich, spicy tomato sauce simmered with garlic, cumin, and oregano for deep, authentic Mexican flavors. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before baking. When ready to serve, simply bake until hot and bubbly. It’s a satisfying, hearty vegetarian main that brings the warmth of a home-cooked meal to your table with minimal last-minute effort.
Ingredients
  • 2 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 15 oz Tomato sauce
  • 2/3 cup Water
  • 1/3 cup Green peppers, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Ground cumin
  • 1 clove Garlic, minced
  • 8 large Flour tortillas
  • 1/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • optional Sliced black olives for garnish
Directions
  1. 1
  2. 2
    In a large bowl, combine 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup cheddar cheese, chopped onion, sour cream, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
  3. 3
    In a medium saucepan, combine tomato sauce, water, chopped green peppers, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and minced garlic.
  4. 4
    Heat the sauce mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil.
  5. 5
    Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. 6
    Pour about 1/2 cup of the hot sauce into the bottom of a 13x7 inch baking dish.
  7. 7
    Dip each tortilla briefly into the remaining sauce in the saucepan to coat both sides.
  8. 8
    Lay a dipped tortilla flat and spoon about 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture onto the center.
  9. 9
    Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  10. 10
    Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas.
  11. 11
    Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  12. 12
    Bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  13. 13
    Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream and sliced black olives if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 410.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 40.8g63%
Saturated Fat 25.2g126%
Cholesterol 104.4mg35%
Sodium 385.2mg17%
Total Carbohydrate 3.7g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 2.2g
Protein 7.1g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Make Ahead Instructions: After assembling the enchiladas and sprinkling with the top layer of cheese, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, uncover, and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, adding an extra 5-10 minutes if needed to ensure the center is hot.

Ingredient Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheeses and sour cream with vegan alternatives. You can also swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas, but you may want to soften them in warm water first to prevent cracking.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Keywords: enchilada, casserole, vegetarian, mexican, make-ahead, cheese, tortillas, tomato sauce, dinner, family-friendly, baking, comfort food, easy, meal prep, cheesy, spicy
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/make-ahead-enchilada-casserole/