14 Enchilada Recipes Perfect for a Restaurant-Caliber Meal

Beef Enchiladas
Photo: Carson Downing

Tortillas rolled around a hearty filling and smothered in sauce, enchiladas are a favorite Mexican entrée dating back to the Mayans. We've gathered some seriously amazing recipes—expect classic chicken and beef enchiladas, as well as vegetarian recipes stuffed with beans, cheese, and vegetables. The original versions used corn tortillas, but we've included some recipes featuring the flour version. You'll even find some enchilada casseroles fit to feed a crowd.

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Chicken Enchiladas

chicken enchiladas
Jason Donnelly

Leftover rotisserie chicken would be an excellent shortcut ingredient for our tried-and-true chicken enchiladas. The secret to making these stand out is the addition of cream cheese and buttery, toasted almonds. Topped with a hearty helping of shredded cheese, this is one of the best enchilada recipes you'll ever make.

02 of 14

Pulled Pork Enchiladas

Pulled Pork Enchiladas
Blaine Moats

A succulent pork shoulder is slow-cooked to juicy perfection for 10 hours with onion, garlic, cumin, and chipotle powder. The pork is shredded and combined with cheese and green chiles for this divine meal. For a creamy tang, serve the enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream.

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03 of 14

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas
Carson Downing

This delicious beef enchilada recipe is a keeper. Lean ground beef is expertly seasoned with garlic, cumin, and jalapeño (optional for those who like a little bit of heat). Not only do we include directions for beef enchiladas, but there are variations for chorizo-refried bean and three-cheese enchiladas.

04 of 14

Turkey Enchiladas in Creamy Green Sauce

Turkey Enchiladas Creamy Green Sauce
Andy Lyons

This turkey enchilada recipe is about to be a regular comfort dinner request from the family. Our tickle-your-tastebuds creamy green sauce is a blend of chile peppers, tomatillos, and Mexican crema (you can purchase it or use our included recipe).

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05 of 14

Two-Bean Enchilada Casserole

Two-Bean Enchilada Casserole
Adam Albright

Two types of beans (black and pinto) bring the protein count in this healthy enchilada casserole up to 19 grams per serving. Use no-salt-added canned beans and tomato sauce to keep the recipe light on sodium. If you're not up for the heat from poblanos, simply swap in green bell pepper.

06 of 14

Seafood Enchiladas

Seafood Enchiladas
Scott Little

Succulent shrimp and your favorite fleshy white fish (halibut, cod, tilapia, or sea bass) bring this seafood enchilada recipe to life. We opt for some healthier low-carb whole wheat tortillas and light sour cream to keep the calorie count down for this seafood dinner.

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07 of 14

Mushroom and Poblano Vegetarian Enchiladas

Mushroom and Poblano Vegetarian Enchiladas
Andy Lyons

Say hello to your new favorite meatless Monday dinner. Cremini mushrooms bring a "meaty" umami flavor to these enchiladas, and tofu adds extra plant-based protein. You can easily turn the recipe vegan by substituting nondairy shreds for the cheese.

08 of 14

Chicken Enchiladas Adobo

Chicken Enchiladas Adobo
Blaine Moats

Enjoy the irresistibly smoky flavor of chipotle chiles in adobo sauce in your next round of chicken enchiladas. The peppers have a bit of spice, and the adobo sauce is tangy. Prep your enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, so dinner is ready to go as soon as you're home from work.

09 of 14

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Jason Donnelly

Our top-rated creamy chicken enchilada recipe is hard to beat. Spinach and chicken breasts combine with a rich cream sauce that gets a little heat from green chiles. Feel free to prep this casserole ahead and store it in the freezer for busy weeknights.

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Enchilada Casserole

Enchilada Casserole
Blaine Moats

Rice, chicken, cheese, and beans create the irresistible layers of this enchilada casserole. Purple corn tortillas bring a nice contrast to your enchiladas, but any color will do. For a unique finish, top your casserole with a colorful blend of spiralized vegetables.

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Turkey Mole Enchiladas

Turkey Mole Enchiladas
Jacob Fox

Mole (pronounced mo-lay) sauce simmers bold flavors, such as chocolate and chile peppers, for a long period of time before blending. Our quick Mexican-inspired recipe combines warm spices, cocoa powder, onion, and more for a sweet, tangy, and spicy enchilada sauce. Use leftover shredded turkey in this recipe—or easily substitute beef or chicken.

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Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole

Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole
Blaine Moats

This enchilada casserole is so good, one five-star reviewer says they've "had this on my casserole rotation for several years now." Use your favorite store-bought enchilada sauce to get this easy dinner on the table even faster.

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Pork Enchiladas in Mulato Pine Nut Sauce

Pork Enchiladas in Mulato Pine Nut Sauce
Jacob Fox

Mulato is a dark dried chile pepper similar to ancho chiles (which you can easily substitute here) popular in Mexican cuisine. Combined with buttery pine nuts, garlic, and fresh rosemary, the flavor of the enchilada sauce is outstanding. One bite of the shredded pork and cheese filling will quickly bring smiles.

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Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Jason Donnelly

Sneak some extra vegetables onto the kids' plates with this amazing enchilada casserole recipe. Beans, carrots, corn, onions, and edamame are layered between the cheesy, saucy tortillas before they're baked to perfection. Add some fresh avocado slices for a creamy, cooling finish.

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