Can I use corn tortillas instead of chips?

Yes! You can layer corn tortillas (torn into pieces) instead of chips for a more traditional texture. The result will be softer, more like traditional enchiladas.

How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Use mild enchilada sauce and omit the green chilies. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat. The basic recipe is actually quite mild and family-friendly.

Can I prepare this earlier in the day and bake it later?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients.

Why are my enchiladas soggy?

This dish is meant to have a softer texture than regular nachos, similar to traditional enchiladas. If you prefer more texture, bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes and use thicker tortilla chips.

Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe

Name: Tortilla Chip Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 pound ground beef (can be substituted with shredded chicken or ground turkey); 1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 ounces); 3 cups shredded cheese (divided); 28 ounce can of red enchilada sauce; 4 ounce can of diced green chilies, drained; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 cup salsa

This Tortilla Chip Enchiladas recipe transforms ordinary tortilla chips into a mouthwatering casserole that tastes just like your favorite enchiladas, but with half the work! The combination of crunchy chips, savory meat, tangy enchilada sauce, and melty cheese creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving Mexican flavors without all the rolling and stuffing of traditional enchiladas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Rolling Required: Skip the tedious enchilada assembly process! This deconstructed version gives you all the flavor without the fuss.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for this dish – it’s like nachos and enchiladas had a delicious baby.
Versatile: Easily customize with your favorite proteins and toppings to suit everyone’s preferences.
Great for Leftovers: The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and savory flavor. Browns up beautifully with the spices to create the perfect enchilada filling base.
Tortilla Chips: The genius substitute for tortillas! They soften slightly during baking while maintaining some texture, creating interesting layers throughout the dish.
Shredded Cheese: Brings everything together with melty goodness. A Mexican blend works wonderfully, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination is fantastic too.
Red Enchilada Sauce: The star flavor-maker that infuses every bite with authentic enchilada taste without any extra work.
Diced Green Chilies: Adds mild heat and authentic Mexican flavor without making the dish spicy.
Ground Cumin: Provides that distinctive warm, earthy flavor that’s essential in Mexican cooking.
Salsa: Brings acidity, additional flavor complexity, and a bit of vegetable content to the meat mixture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Proteins

Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saving option
Use ground turkey for a lighter version
Try seasoned black beans for a vegetarian take

Spice Adjustments

Add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture for extra heat
Mix in a tablespoon of chipotle peppers in adobo for a smoky kick
Use half green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist

Add-Ins

Mix in a can of drained black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition
Layer in sautéed bell peppers and onions for more vegetables
Add a layer of refried beans at the bottom of the dish for extra creaminess

How to Make Tortilla Chip Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a large mixing bowl. This is where the magic happens! Spray your baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving later.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat – this prevents your casserole from becoming greasy.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Add the drained green chilies, salsa, and ground cumin to the cooked beef. Mix thoroughly to ensure the flavors distribute evenly throughout the meat. The combination creates the perfect enchilada filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Chip Mixture

Pour the tortilla chips into your large mixing bowl and gently crush them slightly – you want pieces, not dust! The varying sizes create interesting texture in the final dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the seasoned meat mixture to the crushed chips, then pour in the entire can of enchilada sauce. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese and gently fold everything together until the chips are evenly coated with sauce and meat is distributed throughout.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining 2 cups of cheese (or more if you’re a cheese lover!). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50 minutes, until bubbling and heated through.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chip Selection: Use thicker, restaurant-style tortilla chips rather than thin ones – they hold up better during baking.
Cheese Strategy: Reserve about ¼ cup of cheese to add during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra gooey, browned top.
Sauce Distribution: Make sure each chip gets coated in sauce to prevent dry spots in your casserole.
Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set up slightly, making it easier to serve in portions.

How to Serve

Topping Ideas

Transform this dish into a spectacular meal with fresh toppings! Try diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or pickled jalapeños.

Side Dishes

Pair with Mexican rice and refried beans for a restaurant-style dinner experience. A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette makes a refreshing counterpoint to the rich casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Scoop portions with a large spoon rather than cutting squares – the texture is more like a hearty casserole than a neat lasagna.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the chips continue to absorb the sauce.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen before baking! Assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add an extra 20-25 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Reheating

The microwave works fine for individual portions, but to maintain some texture contrast, reheat covered in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of chips?

Yes! You can layer corn tortillas (torn into pieces) instead of chips for a more traditional texture. The result will be softer, more like traditional enchiladas.
How can I make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Use mild enchilada sauce and omit the green chilies. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for adults who want more heat. The basic recipe is actually quite mild and family-friendly.
Can I prepare this earlier in the day and bake it later?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it covered. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.
Why are my enchiladas soggy?

This dish is meant to have a softer texture than regular nachos, similar to traditional enchiladas. If you prefer more texture, bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes and use thicker tortilla chips.

Final Thoughts

These Tortilla Chip Enchiladas represent comfort food at its finest – familiar flavors reimagined in a fuss-free format perfect for busy lives. When you’re craving Mexican food but don’t have the patience for rolling individual enchiladas, this dish delivers all the flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try next Taco Tuesday and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!