Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Gravy
Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Gravy is a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring soft corn tortillas filled with a melty blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, all smothered in a rich, smoky chili gravy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, this recipe combines simple pantry staples into a warm, satisfying meal that can be easily customized for dietary preferences.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour/cornstarch)
Enchiladas
- 12 soft corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Chili Gravy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chili Gravy: Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, then add red chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the gravy simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally until smooth and velvety.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes the tortillas flexible and easy to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spoon a generous amount of the cheese blend onto each warmed tortilla, then roll it tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in a single layer in a baking dish.
- Pour the Chili Gravy: Pour the hot chili gravy evenly over the enchiladas, making sure each one is thoroughly coated. This adds moisture and infuses the dish with bold flavor.
- Bake Until Bubbling: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the enchiladas for about 20 minutes, or until the chili gravy is bubbly and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Optional: sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking for a cheesy crust.
Notes
- Use fresh chili powder for the best smoky flavor and avoid stale taste.
- Warming tortillas prevents tearing and makes rolling smoother.
- The chili gravy can be made ahead and stored to save time on assembly day.
- Experiment with different cheese blends to vary texture and flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking to lock in moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 enchiladas)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cheese enchiladas, chili gravy, Mexican comfort food, gluten-free enchiladas, easy dinner, vegetarian enchiladas