New Mexico-Style Layered Red Chile Enchiladas
Experience the bold flavors of New Mexico with these simple yet delicious layered red chile enchiladas. Unlike traditional rolled enchiladas, this deconstructed version allows for quick assembly and maximum flavor without the hassle. The corn tortillas are generously dipped in rich New Mexico red chile sauce, layered with vibrant onions and a melty blend of mild white or goat cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, these enchiladas are not only satisfying but also versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite meats, cheeses, or vegetables. For an extra treat, top your serving with a fried egg. Just remember: assemble and bake immediately to maintain the perfect texture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
New Mexico red chili sauce
3 cups (Prepared or homemade)
Corn tortillas
12 (Softened in sauce)
Onion
3/4 cup (Finely chopped)
Mild white cheese or goat cheese
2 1/2 cups (Shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Lightly oil a 9-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
In a shallow dish, dip each corn tortilla briefly in the red chile sauce until pliable.
4
Arrange 4 dipped tortillas in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the finely chopped onions evenly over the tortillas.
6
Next, evenly distribute 1/3 of the cheese over the onions.
7
Repeat the layering process—add another 4 tortillas, followed by another 1/4 cup of onions, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
8
For the final layer, place the last 4 tortillas on top, sprinkle with the remaining onions, and finish with the last 1/3 of the cheese.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
11
Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes New Mexico-Style enchiladas unique?
They are layered instead of rolled, which allows for quick assembly and maximum flavor without the hassle.
What type of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of New Mexico red chile sauce.
How many corn tortillas are needed?
You will need 12 corn tortillas for this recipe.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What kind of cheese is recommended for these enchiladas?
A mild white cheese or goat cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can customize these enchiladas by adding your favorite meats to the layers.
How many layers does the recipe have?
The dish is constructed in three distinct layers of tortillas, onions, and cheese.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9-inch square baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
How do I soften the tortillas for assembly?
Dip each corn tortilla briefly in the red chile sauce until it becomes pliable.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the base recipe is vegetarian as it uses cheese and onions.
What is a popular traditional topping for this dish?
Topping your serving with a fried egg is a highly recommended extra treat.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 30 minutes: 20 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
Why should I oil the baking dish?
Lightly oiling the dish prevents the tortillas and cheese from sticking to the pan.
How is the cheese distributed throughout the dish?
The 2.5 cups of shredded cheese are divided into three equal parts, one for each layer.
Can I use store-bought red chile sauce?
Yes, you can use either prepared store-bought sauce or homemade New Mexico red chile sauce.
What is the benefit of the deconstructed layered style?
It provides all the bold flavors of traditional enchiladas with much faster assembly.
Should I let the enchiladas rest after they come out of the oven?
Yes, let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving for better texture.
How many tortillas are used per layer?
Each of the three layers uses 4 corn tortillas.
Can I add other vegetables to the layers?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and allows for the addition of various vegetables.
What is the goal of baking the dish uncovered for the last 10 minutes?
Baking uncovered allows the cheese to fully melt and turn golden brown.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a comfort food and a one-dish meal.
How should the onions be prepared for the recipe?
The onions should be finely chopped to ensure they cook properly within the layers.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
It is best to assemble and bake immediately to maintain the ideal texture of the tortillas.
What region's cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is a classic representation of New Mexico-style cuisine.
How much cheese is needed in total for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2.5 cups of shredded cheese.
What is the first step of the assembly process?
The first step is to arrange 4 sauce-dipped tortillas in a single layer at the bottom of the dish.
Are corn or flour tortillas used?
The recipe specifically requires corn tortillas for an authentic texture.
What makes up the very top layer of the dish?
The final layer consists of the last 4 tortillas, the remaining onions, and the final portion of cheese.