Whether you’re meal prepping on a Sunday or just had an extra-large enchilada dinner, odds are you have some leftover enchilada filling.
So, now what?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Here are some ideas for what to do with that delicious enchilada filling.
Use leftover enchilada filling as a taco filling
You can use your leftover enchilada filling as a taco filling.
Just simply warm some corn tortillas, make a taco with them, and top it off with some shredded lettuce.
If you want to turn up the spice level on your tacos, add some salsa or jalapeno slices.
Add it to quesadillas
Who doesn’t love a good quesadilla? Well, now you can make it even better by adding some of that leftover enchilada filling.
Simply warm up some tortillas and add the enchilada filling on one side.
Top it with cheese and let the fun begin.
Make a breakfast burrito
With eggs and the leftover enchilada filling for a hearty, protein-packed start to your day
Just like with a taco, you can use your leftover enchilada filling as a burrito filling.
Simply warm the tortillas and add your eggs and enchilada filling to one side.
Top it with cheese and salsa, roll it up, and enjoy.
Layer it in lasagna or other casseroles
One way to make your leftover enchilada filling extra flavorful is by adding it to lasagna or other casseroles.
Just layer some cooked noodles, the enchilada filling, and cheese over and over again until you have enough for everyone.
It’s that easy.
Use it as a dip
You can also use your leftover enchilada filling as a dip.
Just put the enchilada filling on top of nachos or chips and add some sour cream, salsa, and jalapeno slices for dipping.
Put leftover enchilada filling in a burrito with rice and cheese
Just put some of your leftover enchilada filling in a flour tortilla, add some rice and cheese, roll it up, wrap it in foil, and bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.
That’s all there is to it.
Add the leftovers to an omelet with eggs, ham, and spinach
This idea is perfect for those mornings when you just want to shove food into your mouth as fast as possible before heading out the door.
Just put some leftover enchilada filling, chopped ham, and spinach into an omelet with some cheese.
And if you need it, toast up a piece of bread on the side.
Mix it into spaghetti sauce for tacos or chili
All you need to do is add some of your leftover enchilada filling to spaghetti sauce, stir it in, and let the mixture simmer for about an hour.
Once that’s done, just add it to tacos or chili or eat it with a spoon.
Serve as a topping
Especially on nachos, or you can make enchilada lasagna or enchilada quesadillas with it.
Just put a little bit of your leftover enchilada filling onto some tortilla chips and top it with cheese.
Or, make an enchilada lasagna by layering some cooked noodles, the enchilada filling, and cheese over and over again until you have enough for everyone.
It’s that easy.
Add to mac ‘n’ cheese for extra flavor and protein
Macaroni and cheese are already a kid favorite.
Now, just add some of that leftover enchilada filling to the mix and get ready for the happiest of stomachs.
Can you freeze enchilada filling?
Yes, you can do that.
It is a popular way to make food ahead of time.
It is simple to do and it is easy to have food for later.
Why are my tortillas soggy in enchiladas?
When you make enchiladas, the tortillas are covered in sauce.
This can make them soggy.
To reduce this problem, place your enchiladas seam side down in a baking dish as you go. (source)
How long is enchilada sauce good in the refrigerator?
Enchiladas will keep for 5 days if they are stored properly in the fridge.
You can store them for 3 months at maximum in the freezer.
Is it required to cover enchiladas when baking them?
The answer to this question depends on the recipe.
However, most people cover their enchiladas with foil while baking.
This usually takes about 25 mins at 350 degrees F.
Once they are heated through, put cheese on top before serving them. (source)
How do you keep corn tortillas from falling apart in enchiladas?
Before frying your tortillas, put a layer of sauce down the center.
After frying the tortillas, dip each side in the sauce to make sure it covers everything.
This helps to make them less likely to fall apart. (source)
What side goes with enchiladas?
Enchiladas are best served with salsa and chips.
Other side dishes that go well are Mexican coleslaw, pico de gallo, black beans, corn, salad, and rice.
Why are restaurant enchiladas so good?
Restaurant enchiladas are usually good because the tortillas are fried in oil before the filling is added.
Most home cooks don’t know this or can’t do it without getting burned.
Do you fry tortillas for enchiladas?
Yes, you should fry the tortillas before using them in an enchilada casserole.
Soaking them in oil makes them softer and also gives them a better flavor. (source)
How do you make enchiladas that don’t fall apart?
To make enchiladas that stay together, wrap them with a tortilla.
Add your favorite stuffing, then space them out before serving.
Make sure to warm up the dish if it is not hot enough already.
Do not put it in the oven because baking will cause the tortillas to fall apart.
Conclusion
When it comes to leftover enchilada filling, there’s no such thing as too much.
Whether you want a hearty breakfast burrito or some extra flavor in your macaroni and cheese, we’ve got 5 easy recipes for what to do with that delicious leftovers.
So go ahead and indulge.