Best Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

This article details a cheese onion enchilada recipe, providing a comprehensive guide to its preparation, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, helpful tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. The recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Understanding the components and techniques ensures successful execution and enjoyable culinary results. This recipe balances savory and cheesy flavors creating a comforting and delicious dish. The preparation is straightforward, accessible to home cooks of varying skill levels.

The cheese onion enchilada recipe presented here prioritizes simplicity and deliciousness. Careful selection of ingredients contributes to the overall taste and texture. The process involves layering seasoned fillings within corn tortillas, baking until golden brown, and then serving hot. The recipe can be easily adapted to personal preferences, allowing for customization with various cheese types and added vegetables. Mastering this recipe unlocks the ability to create a satisfying and adaptable dish for any occasion. The versatility of this recipe lends itself well to experimentation with different spices and toppings.

Ingredients for the Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 dozen corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Instructions for the Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

1. Saut the onion and garlic in a large skillet until softened.
2. Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
4. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the onion mixture and a sprinkle of both cheeses.
6. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-down in the baking dish.
7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Estimated Cooking Time and Servings for this Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

This cheese onion enchilada recipe provides a delicious and satisfying meal. The preparation time, including ingredient preparation and assembly, is approximately 30 minutes. The baking time is another 25 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering. The table below summarizes this information. Proper timing ensures perfectly cooked enchiladas with melted cheese and a flavorful filling. Adjust baking time as needed depending on your oven.

Nutritional Information for this Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

This recipe provides a balanced meal with carbohydrates from the tortillas, protein from the cheese, and various vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. It’s recommended to use a nutrition calculator to obtain precise values for individual ingredients. A balanced intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) ensures a satisfying and energy-providing meal. The primary sources of nutrition are the cheese, onions, and tortillas. The overall nutritional profile is fairly standard for a similar dish.

Note: The following table provides an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes. It is recommended to use online nutrition calculators for precise analysis based on your exact ingredients.

Tips for Cooking this Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

These tips ensure a successful outcome and elevate the culinary experience. Attention to detail in each step maximizes flavor and texture. Experimentation is encouraged, but adhering to basic guidelines ensures a consistently delicious result. Mastering these techniques enhances the overall satisfaction of the dish. These simple suggestions can transform this recipe from good to exceptional.

1. Use Fresh Ingredients:

   Employing fresh onions and garlic significantly enhances the flavor profile of the filling. The aromatic compounds in fresh produce contribute depth and complexity to the overall taste. High-quality ingredients contribute to a better final product. Ensure the onions are finely chopped to ensure even cooking and prevent large pieces from overpowering the other flavors. Mincing the garlic properly releases its aromatic oils for a more potent flavor.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:

   Avoid overcrowding the baking dish. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and soggy tortillas. Proper spacing allows for even heat distribution and optimal browning. The enchiladas should not touch each other excessively. Leave some space between each roll to allow for even baking and prevent sticking.

3. Warm the Tortillas:

   Warming the tortillas before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to break. This prevents cracking and ensures easy rolling. Warming can be achieved by briefly microwaving, steaming, or warming in a dry skillet. This simple step significantly improves the integrity of the tortillas.

4. Use a Good Quality Enchilada Sauce:

   The enchilada sauce forms the flavor base for the entire dish. High-quality sauce elevates the final product. Consider using homemade sauce for optimal flavor control and freshness. The selection of sauce significantly impacts the overall flavor profile of the dish.

5. Let it Rest:

   Allowing the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the filling to set and makes them easier to serve. The resting period allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm slightly. This enhances both the presentation and the ease of serving.

This cheese onion enchilada recipe allows for creative adjustments. Experimentation with different cheese types, additions of other vegetables, or alterations to the spice level can personalize this dish to individual preferences. Understanding the fundamental aspects of the recipe empowers cooks to adapt and create variations. The recipe’s simplicity allows for diverse modifications while maintaining its core flavors.

Furthermore, the versatility of this recipe ensures it remains a culinary favorite. Its adaptability to dietary restrictions (such as using gluten-free tortillas) makes it a flexible and inclusive choice for various palates and needs. The recipe’s simple preparation and adaptable nature make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. This versatile dish remains enjoyable even with substitutions and modifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Cheese Onion Enchilada Recipe

This section addresses common concerns and questions regarding the preparation and execution of this recipe. Understanding these frequently asked questions ensures success and enhances the overall cooking experience. Addressing these points preemptively improves the chances of a positive culinary outcome. This section aims to clarify any uncertainties before embarking on the preparation process.

1. Can I use different types of cheese?

   Absolutely! Experiment with various cheese types, such as pepper jack, queso fresco, or a blend of Mexican cheeses. The choice of cheese significantly alters the overall flavor and texture of the dish. The melting properties of the cheese should be considered when selecting alternatives. This allows for significant customization based on individual preferences.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them later. Simply cover the assembled dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time. This option allows for preparation in advance and simplifies meal timing. It’s advisable to check for doneness, adjusting baking time as needed. Proper refrigeration ensures food safety.

3. What if my tortillas break?

   Don’t worry if a tortilla breaks while rolling. Simply continue assembling the enchiladas; the sauce will help hold everything together. Slight imperfections are common and do not significantly affect the final product’s taste or presentation. Minor breakage is inconsequential to the overall culinary outcome. Focus on taste and enjoyment.

The cheese onion enchilada recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The preparation is relatively simple, making it an ideal choice for home cooks of all skill levels. This dish is not only delicious but also easily customizable to suit individual preferences.

In conclusion, this detailed guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the cheese onion enchilada recipe. By following these instructions and tips, one can confidently create a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy this versatile and flavorful culinary creation.