These Homemade Enchiladas and Rice are a delicious Mexican-inspired dinner featuring soft tortillas filled with seasoned meat or chicken, covered in a flavorful enchilada sauce, topped with melted cheese, and served with perfectly seasoned Mexican rice. Itโs a comforting, restaurant-style meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 12 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken, beef, or seasoned ground beef
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- ยฝ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mexican Rice
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ยฝ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ยฝ cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Enchilada Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 3โ4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add shredded chicken, beef, or ground meat.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes until well combined.
2. Make the Enchilada Sauce
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Slowly whisk in tomato sauce and broth.
- Simmer for 10โ15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in a baking dish.
- Warm tortillas until soft and flexible.
- Fill each tortilla with meat mixture and cheese.
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20โ25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
4. Make the Mexican Rice
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- Heat oil in a saucepan.
- Add rice and toast for 3โ5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add onion and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in tomato sauce, broth, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18โ20 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Stir in peas and carrots if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Enchiladas and Rice with:
- Refried beans
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeรฑos
- Lime wedges
- Tortilla chips and salsa
Tips for the Best Enchiladas & Rice
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt.
- Rotisserie chicken makes a quick and flavorful filling.
- Toasting the rice before cooking gives it a classic Mexican restaurant flavor.
- Make the enchilada sauce from scratch for a richer taste.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze enchiladas and rice separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
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Enchiladas and Rice Recipe (Easy Homemade Mexican Dinner with Cheese & Sauce)
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