The Special Method For Creamier Enchiladas

What's better on a chilly day than a plate of warm enchiladas accompanied by a side of rice and beans at your local Mexican restaurant? Whether you like them with corn or flour tortillas, or stuffed with chicken or beef, the heartiness always satisfies. And believe it or not, you can recreate this comforting dish at home. 

Tasting Table recipe developer Kate Shungu shares her simple secrets for achieving the ultimate texture and flavor in her Loaded Beef Enchilada Recipe. "Enchiladas are my version of comfort food! These are creamy, cheesy, and satisfying (especially on a chilly day)," Shungu shares. She chose beef for this dish, but gives advice when it comes to swapping protein, stating "I usually have ground beef in my freezer, so that's what I used. You could also use ground turkey or shredded chicken." That's not where the pro tips end, Shungu incorporates a few special ingredients into the dish in order to achieve a much creamier texture. 

Sour cream and salsa are common accompaniments for enchiladas, but Tasting Table recipe developer Kate Shungu gives the condiments a more prominent role in her loaded beef enchilada recipe. Instead of serving them on the side, she mixes salsa and sour cream in a bowl and spreads the mixture onto each tortilla, coating the surface completely and adding necessary creaminess to each meaty bite. Then, she adds the meat, rolls it up, and places it into the enchilada sauce-coated baking dish. 

This creamy element also helps quell the spice of the green chiles that she sautes with the beef and onions. Shungu also states that store-bought enchilada sauce is great for this recipe and that the bottom of the casserole dish only needs a few tablespoons, allowing you to coat the tops more generously at the end before baking. Check out this video to see how she assembles this delectable dish.

While rice and beans are a traditional side dish to enchiladas, Shungu prefers a big green leafy side salad to add some color and really balance out the meal. If you have leftovers, feel free to chill them in the fridge for no more than 4 days.