The Best Healthy Enchilada Recipes - Ambitious Kitchen (2024)

We’re talkin’ all things ENCHILADA today. Or “enchies” as I’ve lovingly called them for as long as I can remember.

Enchiladas are a true AK staple — they’re a type of recipe I’ve made over and over again since starting my blog back in 2011 because they’re so comforting, easy to customize, and FUN.

I wanted to put together a little roundup of my best healthy enchilada recipes, which just so happens to include enchilada skillets, casseroles, and even soups, dips, and other fun comfort foods! I’ve added plenty of tips and tricks before you get the recipes, too, so you’ll be an enchilada expert in no time. Enjoy!

Tips for choosing & rolling tortillas

I like to use corn tortillas in many of my enchilada recipes for the flavor and easy rolling capability. If you want to use a different type of tortilla, keep these notes in mind:

• For flour tortillas: you may need to use 8-10 instead of 12 tortillas and will need to slightly increase the filling, cheese & sauce in each tortilla.
• For grain free tortillas:be careful with these as they may be harder to roll depending on the brand and what they are made of.

If your tortillas are hard to roll for you, try wrapping them in wet paper towels and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds to soften so that they are perfect for rolling.

How to assemble perfect enchiladas

Making homemade enchiladas can seem a bit intimidating at first, but with a few simple tips you’ll have perfect enchiladas every time:

• Warm your tortillas.You can do this in the microwave for about 20 seconds so they are easier to roll. You can splash a little water on them before microwaving to make them more pliable.
• Don’t overfill. Make sure to leave enough room to roll each tortilla up so that they’re not bursting in the pan.
• Lay them correctly.Remember to place them seam-side down so that the filling stays inside, and arrange them tightly next to each other in your pan to help them stay together.

Delicious toppings & sides for enchiladas

Don’t forget to serve up these enchiladas or skillets with:

• Homemade Pickled Jalapeños
• Tony’s Ridiculously Easy Homemade Salsa
• The Best Guacamole You’ll Ever Eat
• (it’s just like a delicious corn salsa!)
• My Favorite Coconut Rice
• Arroz con Gandules (rice with pigeon peas)

Pass the hot sauce, too! Get all of my side dish recipes here, and delicious, easy sauce recipeshere(better than sour cream!)

Make & freeze enchiladas for later

Enchiladas can be frozen two different ways for the perfect meal prep dinner! Such a great meal to prepare for new parents or anyone who could use a home-cooked meal. Here’s how to freeze them:

1. Bake first, then freeze. You can either bake them first, then cool to room temperature, divide them in freezer safe containers, and then freeze them. Or you can bake them, bring them to room temp, and then freeze the entire pan. Just make sure you double wrap the pan so the enchiladas do not dry out. This is assuming you are freezing the entire pan. Once ready to reheat, thaw it out. Then bake, covered at 350 degrees F for 30-45 minutes or until heated through.
2. Freeze before baking:To freeze before baking, simply assemble the enchiladas as written in the instructions, then double wrap with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Once ready to bake, thaw out then bake according to instructions.

Dreamy Refried Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce: amazing chicken enchiladas with creamy refried beans, protein-packed chicken, and a homemade enchilada sauce. This delicious, easy chicken enchilada recipe is freezer-friendly and a crowd-pleasing dinner staple!

Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchilada Skillet: flavorful butternut squash and black bean enchilada skillet filled with fiber and protein for a delicious dinner the whole family will love. This easy vegetarian enchilada skillet comes together in 30 minutes and is great for meal prep!

Spicy Black Bean Chicken Enchiladas with Pumpkin Sour Cream Sauce: incredible black bean chicken pumpkin enchiladas with a sweet and spicy pumpkin enchilada sauce. These savory pumpkin enchiladas are packed with protein and make the best weeknight dinner. The perfect way to use up extra pumpkin!

Chipotle Black Bean Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole: delicious chipotle black bean roasted veggie enchilada casserole with layers of veggies snuggled between black beans, corn tortillas, a homemade chipotle enchilada sauce and cheese. This easy vegetarian enchilada casserole is protein-packed and makes the perfect weeknight dinner for a family or incredible leftovers for meal prep!