Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish known for their rich flavors and versatility.
Whether filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, enchiladas can be customized to suit any taste.
From traditional recipes to modern twists, there’s an enchilada for everyone.
This blog will explore 20 different types of enchiladas, highlighting their unique ingredients and flavors.
Explore Different Types of Enchiladas
1. Chicken Enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas are a classic favorite.
They feature tender shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas and smothered in a savory sauce.
They are often topped with cheese and baked until bubbly.
These enchiladas are perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Filling: Shredded chicken
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Classic Mexican meal
2. Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are made with seasoned ground beef, offering a rich and flavorful filling.
The beef is often mixed with onions, spices, and sometimes beans, then wrapped in tortillas and covered with sauce and cheese.
- Filling: Ground beef, onions, spices
- Sauce: Red enchilada sauce
- Best For: Hearty and flavorful dinners
3. Cheese Enchiladas
Cheese enchiladas are a simple yet delicious option.
They feature a gooey cheese filling that melts beautifully in the oven.
They are often topped with extra cheese and served with a side of rice and beans.
- Filling: Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Comfort food lovers
4. Vegetarian Enchiladas
Vegetarian enchiladas are packed with a variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and corn.
They are a healthy and flavorful option for those looking to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing taste.
- Filling: Mixed vegetables
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Meatless meals, healthy eating
5. Seafood Enchiladas
Seafood enchiladas feature shrimp, crab, or fish as fillings, offering a coastal twist on the traditional dish.
They are often paired with a creamy sauce and can be topped with fresh herbs like cilantro.
- Filling: Shrimp, crab, or fish
- Sauce: Creamy white sauce or green sauce
- Best For: Seafood lovers
6. Green Chile Enchiladas
Green chile enchiladas are known for their tangy and mildly spicy flavor.
They feature a sauce made from roasted green chiles.
The filling can vary from chicken to cheese, making this dish versatile and flavorful.
- Filling: Chicken, cheese, or vegetables
- Sauce: Green chile sauce
- Best For: Fans of tangy, spicy flavors
7. Red Sauce Enchiladas
Red sauce enchiladas are a staple in Mexican cuisine.
They are made with a rich and slightly spicy red sauce, typically made from dried red chilies, tomatoes, and spices, giving it a deep, robust flavor.
- Filling: Beef, chicken, or cheese
- Sauce: Red enchilada sauce
- Best For: Traditional Mexican meals
8. Sour Cream Enchiladas
They feature a filling of chicken or beef smothered in a tangy sour cream sauce.
They are often topped with cheese and baked to perfection, making them a comforting and satisfying dish.
- Filling: Chicken or beef
- Sauce: Sour cream sauce
- Best For: Creamy, comforting meals
9. Mole Enchiladas
Mole enchiladas are made with a rich mole sauce, a complex blend of chilies, chocolate, spices, and nuts.
This sauce gives the enchiladas a deep, earthy flavor that is unique and delicious.
- Filling: Chicken or pork
- Sauce: Mole sauce
- Best For: Rich, flavorful dinners
10. Bean Enchiladas
Bean enchiladas are a hearty and nutritious option.
They feature a filling of black or pinto beans.
They are perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a protein-packed meal without meat.
- Filling: Black or pinto beans
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Vegetarian meals, protein-packed dishes
11. Shrimp Enchiladas
Shrimp enchiladas are a seafood lover’s delight.
They are filled with succulent shrimp and often paired with a creamy or spicy sauce.
These enchiladas bring a fresh, coastal flavor to the traditional enchilada.
- Filling: Shrimp
- Sauce: Creamy white or spicy red sauce
- Best For: Seafood fans, coastal flavors
12. Pork Enchiladas
Pork enchiladas feature tender, slow-cooked pork as the filling, offering a rich and savory option.
The pork is often seasoned with spices and herbs, making these enchiladas flavorful and satisfying.
- Filling: Slow-cooked pork
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Savory, hearty meals
13. Enchiladas Suizas
Enchiladas Suizas are a Swiss-inspired variation featuring a creamy sauce made from tomatillos and cream.
The filling is typically chicken, and the dish is topped with cheese before baking, resulting in a rich and creamy meal.
- Filling: Chicken
- Sauce: Creamy tomatillo sauce
- Best For: Creamy, rich flavors
14. Turkey Enchiladas
Turkey enchiladas are a great way to use leftover turkey, especially after the holidays.
The turkey is shredded and combined with spices, then wrapped in tortillas and covered with sauce.
They are a lighter alternative to traditional beef or pork enchiladas.
- Filling: Shredded turkey
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Holiday leftovers, lighter meals
15. Spinach Enchiladas
Spinach enchiladas are a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian option.
They are filled with sautéed spinach and often combined with cheese.
They are a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet while enjoying a tasty meal.
- Filling: Sautéed spinach, cheese
- Sauce: Green or white sauce
- Best For: Vegetarian, healthy eating
16. Chorizo Enchiladas
Chorizo enchiladas feature spicy, flavorful chorizo sausage as the filling, adding a kick to the traditional dish.
The chorizo is often mixed with potatoes or beans, creating a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Filling: Chorizo sausage, potatoes or beans
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Spicy, hearty meals
17. Black Bean Enchiladas
Black bean enchiladas are a healthy and protein-rich option.
They feature black beans as the main filling, often combined with corn, peppers, and spices, making them flavorful and nutritious.
- Filling: Black beans, corn, peppers
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Vegetarian, protein-rich meals
18. Avocado Enchiladas
Avocado enchiladas are a fresh and creamy option.
They are filled with sliced or mashed avocado and often combined with other vegetables or beans.
They are a delicious way to enjoy the rich flavor of avocado in a warm, comforting dish.
- Filling: Avocado, vegetables or beans
- Sauce: Green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Fresh, creamy flavors
19. Tofu Enchiladas
Tofu enchiladas are a great plant-based option.
They feature seasoned tofu as the main filling, often sautéed with spices and vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish for vegetarians and vegans.
- Filling: Seasoned tofu, vegetables
- Sauce: Red or green enchilada sauce
- Best For: Vegan, plant-based meals
20. Breakfast Enchiladas
Breakfast enchiladas are a unique twist on the traditional dish.
They are filled with breakfast ingredients like scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese.
They are often topped with a mild sauce, making for a hearty and delicious morning meal.
- Filling: Scrambled eggs, sausage, cheese
- Sauce: Mild enchilada sauce
- Best For: Hearty breakfasts, brunch
Conclusion
Enchiladas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized in countless ways to suit any taste.
Whether you prefer the classic flavors of chicken or beef, the fresh taste of avocado, or the rich indulgence of mole, there’s an enchilada for everyone.
Exploring these different types of enchiladas can inspire new recipes and bring various flavors to your table.
