If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together in a snap, you’re going to love my easy enchilada bake! Seriously, this dish is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or when you’re just in the mood for something delicious without the fuss. I remember the first time I made this for friends; they couldn’t believe how simple it was, yet it packed a punch of flavor! With layers of tender tortillas, savory chicken, and gooey cheese, it’s a fiesta in every bite. Plus, it’s perfect for beginners—no fancy techniques or complicated steps required. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every mouthful and going back for seconds!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this easy enchilada bake a success! You’ll need:

• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded chicken (use rotisserie for convenience!)
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (your choice of mild or spicy)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works great)
• 1 cup diced onions (for a little crunch and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
• Salt and pepper to taste

That’s it! Simple, right? Let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Easy Enchilada Bake

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into preparing this delightful easy enchilada bake! Don’t worry; I’ll guide you through every step, making it as easy as pie. Or should I say, as easy as enchiladas? Here we go!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your enchilada bake cooks evenly and that the cheese gets all bubbly and golden. So, set that oven and let it work its magic while you prepare the rest!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, black beans, diced onions, cumin, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix with a spoon or spatula until everything’s well combined. You want those flavors to mingle! If you’re using rotisserie chicken, it saves you time, and it’s still super tasty!

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Then, place 4 tortillas on top, overlapping them slightly to cover the surface. Next, add half of your chicken mixture over the tortillas, followed by 1 cup of shredded cheese. Repeat the process with another 4 tortillas, the remaining chicken mixture, and another cup of cheese. Finally, top it all off with the last 4 tortillas, pouring the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top, and finish with the last cup of cheese. Yum!

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. This keeps everything nice and moist. After that, remove the foil and bake it for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. It’s going to smell amazing, and you’ll be so ready to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This easy enchilada bake comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for those busy nights!
• Easy Cleanup: With just one baking dish to wash, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of chicken, beans, and gooey cheese smothered in enchilada sauce creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Perfect for Beginners: No complicated techniques here! It’s straightforward and foolproof, making it ideal for novice cooks.
• Versatile: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or corn to customize it to your taste!

Tips for Success

To make your easy enchilada bake absolutely perfect, here are a few helpful tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it really helps with even cooking. If you notice your tortillas breaking when layering, you can warm them briefly in the microwave to make them more pliable. Also, adjust the seasoning to your taste—don’t be shy with the cumin and garlic powder! And if you like a bit of heat, try adding some diced jalapeños to the chicken mixture. Lastly, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving; it makes slicing easier and keeps those delicious layers intact!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this easy enchilada bake:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!

FAQ Section

Can I use different types of tortillas?

Absolutely! While I love using corn tortillas for that classic enchilada flavor, you can swap them for flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you’re looking to turn up the heat, you can use a spicier enchilada sauce or add chopped jalapeños or even diced green chilies to the chicken mixture. A sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper can also give it that extra kick!

Can I prepare this in advance?

You sure can! To prep ahead, assemble the enchilada bake up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), storing your easy enchilada bake is a breeze! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For a crispy top, you can also pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning! Enjoy every bite!

Easy Enchilada Bake: 4 Steps to a Tasty Delight!

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious easy enchilada bake recipe perfect for beginners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, black beans, onions, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
4. Place 4 tortillas on top of the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
5. Add half of the chicken mixture on top of the tortillas.
6. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with another 4 tortillas, remaining chicken mixture, and another cup of cheese.
8. Add the final layer of 4 tortillas on top and cover with remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
• Adjust the spice level by using mild or hot enchilada sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: easy enchilada bake, enchilada recipe, beginner recipes