This Red Enchiladas and Gordita Plate combines two beloved Mexican classics: tender corn tortillas filled with cheese or meat and covered in a rich red chile sauce, paired with homemade gorditas stuffed with savory fillings. Served with beans, rice, and fresh toppings, this plate is a complete and satisfying Mexican-style meal.
Red Enchiladas
Ingredients
For the Red Chile Sauce
- 8 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
- 3 garlic cloves
- ยฝ white onion
- 2 Roma tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Enchiladas
- 12โ14 corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese
(Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco) - 2 cups shredded chicken or cooked beef (optional)
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Make the Red Chile Sauce
- Toast dried chiles in a dry skillet for 20โ30 seconds per side.
- Soak chiles in hot water for 15โ20 minutes until softened.
- Blend chiles with garlic, onion, tomatoes, broth, vinegar, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Strain sauce for a smooth texture.
- Simmer sauce for 10โ15 minutes.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Warm tortillas in a little oil until soft.
- Dip each tortilla into the red chile sauce.
- Fill with cheese, chicken, or beef.
- Roll and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Cover with extra sauce and cheese.
- Bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for 15โ20 minutes until hot and melted.
Homemade Gorditas
Ingredients
- 3 cups masa harina
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
Gordita Fillings
Choose your favorite:
- Carne guisada
- Shredded beef
- Chicken tinga
- Chicharrรณn in salsa verde
- Refried beans and cheese
- Picadillo
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- Mix masa harina, salt, and warm water.
- Knead until a soft dough forms.
- Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Divide into balls and flatten into thick discs.
2. Cook the Gorditas
- Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook gorditas for 3โ5 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly.
- Slice open the side to create a pocket.
- Fill with your favorite meat, beans, cheese, and toppings.
Plate Assembly
Serve your Red Enchiladas and Gordita Plate with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Lettuce and tomato salad
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Queso fresco
- Fresh cilantro
- Pickled jalapeรฑos
- Salsa verde
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
Tips for the Best Red Enchiladas & Gorditas
- Use a mix of guajillo and ancho chiles for a balanced red sauce flavor.
- Strain the chile sauce for a smooth restaurant-style finish.
- Keep masa dough covered so it doesnโt dry out.
- Cook gorditas slowly so they develop a crispy outside and soft center.
- Fresh toppings add brightness and balance to the rich flavors.
Storage
Enchiladas:
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 3 months
Gorditas:
- Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
- Freeze cooked gorditas for up to 2 months
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Red Enchiladas and Gordita Plate Recipe (Authentic Mexican Dinner with Homemade Gorditas)
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