Chili Cheese Enchiladas are a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these enchiladas deliver on taste and satisfaction. Topped with homemade chili and gooey cheese, they offer a unique twist on traditional Mexican cuisine that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness and mild flavors make it a hit with children of all ages.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the toppings and fillings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any chilly evening.
- Great for Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat well, so you can enjoy them for lunch the next day.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chili Cheese Enchiladas efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and enhance your culinary experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Baking dish (7×11)
- Microwave-safe plate
- Mixing bowl
- Small spatula
Why These Tools Matter
- Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and easy serving of your enchiladas.
- Microwave-safe plate: Helps warm up tortillas quickly without drying them out.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before filling the tortillas.
- Small spatula: Perfect for serving the enchiladas without breaking them apart.
Ingredients
This cheese enchilada recipe is topped with homemade chili and extra cheese for a delicious weeknight dinner!
For the Chili Mixture
- 1 cup prepared chili (canned or leftovers)
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup enchilada sauce
For the Enchiladas
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
- sliced jalapeno and diced onion (for topping)

How to Make Chili Cheese Enchiladas
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 7×11 baking dish. Swish the pan around to ensure that the bottom is lightly coated with sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Chili Mixture
Heat the prepared chili and cream cheese together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until combined. Once the mixture is hot and creamy, remove it from heat.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
Place the corn tortillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. Microwave for about 30 seconds until warm and pliable.
Step 4: Combine Cheeses
In a mixing bowl, combine both types of shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack). Set aside about half a cup of this mixture for topping later.
Step 5: Assemble Enchiladas
On a clean surface, lay out each tortilla. Place an even amount of cheese down the center of each tortilla, reserving some cheese for later. Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish.
Step 6: Add Chili Topping
Spread the heated chili mixture evenly over the rolled-up tortillas in the baking dish. Sprinkle with the reserved cheese on top. If desired, add sliced jalapenos and diced onions as toppings.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until all the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once cooked, let sit for about 5 minutes before using a small spatula to serve. Enjoy your delicious Chili Cheese Enchiladas!
How to Serve Chili Cheese Enchiladas
Chili cheese enchiladas are perfect for a cozy dinner. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a variety of sides and toppings to enhance the meal.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the flavors.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole brings a rich, creamy texture that complements the enchiladas.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color.
Pair with Tasty Sides
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices makes a great accompaniment.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide additional protein and flavor.
- Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad adds crunch and enhances the overall experience.
Spice it Up
- Hot Sauce: Drizzling hot sauce over the top can add an extra kick for spice lovers.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, pickled jalapeños make a great topping.
How to Perfect Chili Cheese Enchiladas
Creating the perfect chili cheese enchiladas requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve delicious results.
- Bold Flavor in Chili: Use well-seasoned chili for depth. Homemade chili can elevate the dish significantly.
- Warm Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before filling them. This prevents them from tearing and makes rolling easier.
- Layer Cheese Generously: Be generous with cheese both inside and on top for a gooey texture that everyone loves.
- Experiment with Spices: Add spices like cumin or paprika to your chili for added flavor complexity.
- Allow Rest Time: Letting the enchiladas sit for a few minutes after baking helps set them, making serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Chili Cheese Enchiladas
Pairing side dishes with chili cheese enchiladas can create a more complete meal. Here are some suggestions that complement this dish beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes and spices, this side is a classic choice.
- Refried Beans: Rich and creamy, they add heartiness to your plate.
- Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole provides a cool contrast to the warmth of the enchiladas.
- Corn Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up any leftover chili or toppings.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onion, and cilantro enhances flavor freshness.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn complements savory flavors and adds sweetness to each bite.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw offers crunch and balances the rich flavors of the enchiladas.
- Black Bean Salad: This protein-packed salad brings in additional nutrients while being refreshing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Chili Cheese Enchiladas is easy, but there are some common pitfalls you should be aware of.
- Overfilling tortillas: It’s tempting to add a lot of filling, but overstuffing can lead to tearing. Use just enough filling to keep the tortillas intact and easy to roll.
- Skipping the warming step: If you don’t warm the tortillas before rolling, they may crack. Always microwave the tortillas briefly to make them pliable.
- Not preheating your oven: Starting with a cold oven can affect cooking times and texture. Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Using too little sauce: Insufficient sauce can lead to dry enchiladas. Ensure you coat both the bottom of the baking dish and the tops of the enchiladas for moisture.
- Ignoring cheese distribution: Uneven cheese placement can result in some enchiladas being cheesy and others not. Distribute cheese evenly for consistent flavor throughout.
- Not letting them rest after baking: Cutting into enchiladas right away can cause them to fall apart. Let them sit for a few minutes for better slicing.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Chili Cheese Enchiladas in an airtight container.
- They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Chili Cheese Enchiladas
- Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container; they will last up to 3 months.
Reheating Chili Cheese Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover enchiladas with foil for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chili Cheese Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
What types of cheese work best in Chili Cheese Enchiladas?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are great choices, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for extra flavor.
How do I customize my Chili Cheese Enchiladas?
You can add beans, vegetables, or different meats such as chicken or turkey. Adjust ingredients based on your preferences!
Are Chili Cheese Enchiladas kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The cheesy goodness and mild flavors make them a hit with kids. You can adjust spice levels easily.
How can I serve Chili Cheese Enchiladas?
Serve with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and freshness.
Conclusion
Chili Cheese Enchiladas are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Try this recipe for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!

Chili Cheese Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 enchiladas per serving) 1x
Description
Chili Cheese Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, these enchiladas are easy to prepare and sure to please both kids and adults alike. With soft corn tortillas filled with a rich chili mixture and topped with gooey melted cheese, they offer a delicious twist on traditional Mexican cuisine. Enhance your meal with customizable toppings like fresh jalapeños and creamy guacamole, making each bite a delightful experience.
Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared chili (canned or leftovers)
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup enchilada sauce
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- sliced jalapeño and diced onion (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a baking dish with enchilada sauce.
- Heat prepared chili and cream cheese in a saucepan until combined.
- Warm corn tortillas in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- Mix shredded cheeses in a bowl, reserving half a cup for topping.
- Fill each tortilla with cheese, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the chili mixture over the enchiladas and sprinkle with reserved cheese, jalapeños, and onions if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg