Enchiladas Cream Cheese

Enchiladas Cream Cheese Recipe - Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Enchiladas Cream Cheese is a delicious and creamy twist on traditional enchiladas. This recipe combines the flavors of ground beef, cream cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Enchiladas have been a popular dish in Mexican cuisine for centuries. The origins of enchiladas can be traced back to the Aztecs, who would wrap corn tortillas around small fish and then cover them in chili sauce. Over time, the dish evolved to include a variety of fillings, sauces, and toppings, including the addition of cream cheese in some modern recipes.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) hamburger
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can mild red enchilada sauce
1 small can diced green chilis
2 tsp cumin
2 cloves diced garlic
1 medium chopped onion
1 package cream cheese
1 package 10 count fajita flour tortillas
2 cups grated colby and jack cheese mixture

How to prepare

Brown the hamburger, garlic, and onion, then drain.
Add the tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, and green chilis.
Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 45 minutes.
Use a 9x11 baking pan.
Cover the bottom of the pan with a layer of sauce.
Spread cream cheese on a tortilla, roll it up, and place it in the pan.
Cover with the remaining sauce.
Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Cover with a mixture of Colby/Jack cheese and return to the oven until melted.
Serve with sour cream, fresh diced tomatoes, lettuce, or any other toppings you prefer.
These reheat wonderfully in the microwave.
You can also prepare them in advance and freeze them for baking at a later time.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain the excess grease from the browned hamburger to prevent the enchiladas from becoming too greasy.

- Be sure to simmer the sauce for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and develop a rich, complex taste.

- To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, lightly fry them in a skillet before rolling them up with the cream cheese filling.

- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as sliced olives, jalapenos, or avocado.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Enchiladas Cream Cheese with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the hamburger adds depth of flavor to the dish.

- Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to develop and intensify.

- Baking the enchiladas melts the cheese and creates a gooey, delicious topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist.

- Swap out the jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

- Use store-bought enchilada sauce if you're short on time.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake them. This is a great make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Enchiladas Cream Cheese with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Enchiladas Cream Cheese with a refreshing margarita or a cold Mexican beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the enchiladas until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Enchiladas Cream Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Enchiladas Cream Cheese contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Enchiladas Cream Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Enchiladas Cream Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Enchiladas Cream Cheese is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Enchiladas Cream Cheese is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Enchiladas Cream Cheese is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. With a rich and creamy filling, a zesty tomato sauce, and a gooey cheese topping, these enchiladas are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. I was just a young girl, barely tall enough to reach the kitchen counter, watching my mother prepare dinner. She was flipping through an old, tattered cookbook that had been passed down through generations of our family. As she turned the pages, I caught a glimpse of a recipe for Enchiladas Cream Cheese.

The ingredients were simple yet intriguing: corn tortillas, cream cheese, green chilies, shredded cheese, and a homemade enchilada sauce. My mother explained that this recipe was a twist on traditional enchiladas, adding a creamy and rich element to the dish.

I watched in awe as my mother expertly filled each tortilla with a spoonful of cream cheese and green chilies, rolling them up tightly and placing them in a baking dish. She then poured the spicy enchilada sauce over the top, sprinkling a generous amount of shredded cheese to finish it off.

As the enchiladas baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma. The cheese bubbled and melted, creating a golden crust on top of the enchiladas. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When my mother finally pulled the enchiladas out of the oven, I eagerly took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the creamy richness of the cream cheese, the tanginess of the green chilies, and the spicy kick of the enchilada sauce. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my mother to teach me how to make Enchiladas Cream Cheese, and she gladly obliged. Together, we spent hours in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe and making it our own.

Over the years, I have continued to make Enchiladas Cream Cheese for my family and friends. I have shared the recipe with anyone who has asked, passing on the tradition that was started by my mother so many years ago.

Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of my childhood and the love and care that went into preparing it. The memories of watching my mother cook in the kitchen, the smells of spices and cheese filling the air, will always hold a special place in my heart.

And so, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will continue to cherish it and make it your own. Let it serve as a reminder of the bond that we share, and the love that has been passed down through our family for generations. And most of all, enjoy every bite of these delicious Enchiladas Cream Cheese – a recipe that will surely leave a lasting impression on you, just as it did on me.