Red cheese enchiladas have always been one of my favorite orders when dining out, so naturally I wanted to master them at home. After plenty of trial (and delicious error), I found the sweet spot — simple ingredients, creamy sauce, and just the right tortilla prep so everything rolls beautifully. This is the cheese enchilada recipe I reach for when I want lip-licking flavor with very little fuss.

Not only is this recipe delicious but it’s also super simple with only a few ingredients, it's a true 30 minute meal and as a busy Mom, I appreciate that, especially on those crazy busy week day nights.
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Ingredient Roll Call ~ Cheese Enchiladas

- Tortillas - Flour or Corn. Flour tortillas roll easily and stay soft; corn tortillas give that classic enchilada taste but need warming first.
- Cheese - A Mexican Cheese Blend or Queso Cheese is ideal with sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack and melts beautifully.
- Sour Cream - Mix into the sauce for extra creaminess and a subtle tang
- Red Enchilada Sauce - Choose Mild, Medium or Hot depending on your preferences
- Onions - Yellow onions provide a mild bite while green onions add fresh color and a soft onion taste. Both add to this recipe!
- Additional Toppings - Tomatoes, avocado, extra sour cream - make your plate your own.
The Must-Haves
- 9x13 Baking Dish - Holds everything snug so the sauce surrounds the enchiladas
- Mixing Bowl - To blend sauce and sour cream
- Microwave & Damp Paper Towels - Soften Corn Tortillas to prevent cracking
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board - Prep onion
- Foil - Handy for covering leftovers
Let's Make it ~ Corn Tortilla Enchiladas with Cheese
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl combine Red Enchilada Sauce and Sour Cream and mix until smooth. Place about 1 to 1 ½ cups of sauce in bottom of baking dish.

Fill each tortilla with ¼ cup of shredded cheese and 1 Tbs diced onions. I also added about 1 Tbl of sauce inside too. Roll tightly and place in baking dish. Roll until you have filled pan.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce on top making sure to cover all tortillas and top with ½ cup cheese.
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.
Kitchen Secrets
- Flour Tortillas will roll easily without cracking or breaking. They are easy to use. Corn Tortillas will need a little TLC.
- I prefer to wrap 8 corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 15 to 30 seconds. This softens the tortilla nicely making it easy to roll without cracking. The key is in the damp paper towel. The moisture will steam the tortillas.
- Feel Free to heat/steam in batches and Fill and Roll as you go!
- Corn Tortillas are typically smaller than a flour tortilla so I found I was able to make a few extra with this recipe. My family wasn't upset at all about it either.
Make ahead Enchiladas
Making this recipe ahead of when you need them is ideal in my busy schedule. This recipe works perfectly to make ahead. Then Bake when you are ready to serve. Easy!

Fridge & Freezer Magic
Make ahead and referate unbaked enchiladas up to 24 hours: Add 5-10 minutes to baking time as enchiladas are chilled. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cheese Enchiladas is easy and I highly recommend. I like to use an aluminum baking tin. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or bake from frozen. Enchiladas thaw easily and can be baked as needed.

Flavor Fixes & Swap it Out
- Add Cooked Chicken or Beef for a hearty Enchilada. Rotisserie Chicken works nicely.
- I also love to add some Diced Green Chilies. Choose Mild, Medium or Hot to add additional Spice/heat to the recipe.
- Black Beans, Pinto Beans, or Kidney Beans
- Diced Jalapeños
- Rice ~ Plain or Spanish
5-Star Review
"I love that these enchiladas can be made ahead of time and I'm loving that creamy cheese sauce, too!"
~Sheila
Kitchen Q&A's for Cheese Enchiladas
Absolutely, just treat corn tortillas gently and heat before rolling
It's all about the sauce! Choosing Mild, Medium, or Hot depending on your level of comfort.
Try Lightly Dipping tortilla in warm sauce before filling. Sometimes old tortillas just crack.
Yes, I encourage it! Add some cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or adding black beans, pinto, or white beans for extra protein

Final Thoughts
Easy Cheese Enchiladas have earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation - fast enough for a weeknight, satisfying enough to serve friends. With a creamy red sauce, gooey cheese, and just the right tortilla tips, you'll be plating restaurant worthy enchiladas at home in no time.
Cheese Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 Flour Tortillas - OR 10-12 Corn Tortillas
- 3 Cup Mexican Cheese
- 1 Cup Sour Cream
- 20 oz Red Enchilada Sauce - Mild, Medium or Hot
- ¼ Cup Yellow Onions - Diced
- ¼ Cup Green Onions - Diced
Toppings of Your Choice
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Sour Cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
- In a bowl combine Enchilada Sauce and Sour Cream. Mix until smooth
- Pour 1 to 1 ½ Cups Sauce in bottom of baking dish
- Wrap Corn Tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat for approximately 30 seconds in microwave. This is to help soften tortilllas for rollling.
- You do not need to heat flour tortillas
- Place 1 Tbs Sauce on Tortilla and add ¼ Cup Mexican Cheese with 1 Tbs Diced Yellow onion
- Roll tightly and place in baking dish. Fill and Roll Enchiladas
- Pour remaining Enchilada Sauce on top making sure to cover all tortillas
- Top with remaining cheese
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes
- Serve Hot. Garnish with Toppings of your choice.
Notes
What to Serve with Cheese Enchiladas:
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
Nutrition
Let me introduce you to Kathryn from Kathryns Kitchen Blog. This recipe came from her! She loves to focus on Simple, Heath Inspired Go To Recipes that ANYONE can make! Today I'm sharing her recipe for Cheese Enchiladas.
Michaela from An Affair From The Heart organized this fun Freaky Friday Blog Hop #freakyfridayrecipes and I’m thrilled to be apart of it. It’s a fun opportunity to meet other foodies and share their recipes. So take a look and enjoy some of these other amazing bloggers and their delicious recipes.
Take a look at all of our 2021 Freaky Friday Winter Edition Recipes:
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Brandi Burgess
Nothing beats a great cheese enchilada! These are perfect!
Devour Dinner
I agree! And they are so simple to make too
Sheila Thigpen
I love that these enchiladas can be made ahead of time and I'm loving that creamy cheese sauce, too!
Devour Dinner
It's great to find a recipe that you can make ahead of time. Especially for us busy moms!
Sam
I love a good enchilada and these are perfect! I love the idea of adding beans or rotisserie chicken too!
Devour Dinner
I'm all about keeping it simple! Adding Rotisserie Chicken is heaven sent to add to these enchiladas
Sandra Shaffer
I'm on a roll this week with Mexican recipes, and have enough red sauce to make this dish too. Love the addition of sour cream mixed with the sauce. Great recipe pick for FF!
Devour Dinner
We love Mexican Recipes. They are so good and versatile too.
Jennifer Stewart
I can't get enough Mexican food and I could eat these all day long!! I love all the cheese!
Devour Dinner
I couldn't agree more. It's a great recipe!
Jill Baird
Thanks on your tips and tricks with the corn tortillas. I don't know why I've never thought about that! We love cheese enchiladas at our house. We can't wait to try these. They look so good. Keep all the great recipes coming. We love everything you make!
Devour Dinner
You are welcome Jill. I love using Corn Tortillas but Flour Tortillas are also great too.
Kathryn Donangelo
Thank you for making my cheese enchilada recipe! These look delicious and your photos are stunning! Wish I had a plate of these now! I'm so happy you loved them 🙂
Devour Dinner
You are very welcome! Such a great recipe and it was so fun to spotlight you and your recipe.
Chrissie
Cheese enchiladas are also one of my favorite things to order at a restaurant! I am looking forward to making them for myself at home.
Devour Dinner
I love to order an extra on the side just because. They are so good!
Amy Nash
These cheese enchiladas were so satisfying and easy to throw together for a quick dinner after swim practice for my kids! I made cornbread to go with them (my mom always served cornbread with enchiladas) and it was so good!
Devour Dinner
Thanks Amy! I love the idea of adding Cornbread. I love cornbread but never thought to pair them together. Great tip!
Erin
Gosh, these enchiladas are the REAL DEAL! Who doesn't love a delicious cheesy enchilada? Thank you for the tips and tricks on the corn tortillas, too. I've always run into issues with them with enchiladas and now feel a lot more confident working with them!
Devour Dinner
Hi Erin, you are very welcome. Using corn tortillas can be tricky but with a few tips they are so easy to use. Hope you enjoy!
Kathleen Pope
I love enchiladas and these were fantastic!! Thank you for a great recipe!
Devour Dinner
So glad you enjoyed them Kathleen!
Angela
I LOVE enchiladas and homemade are always so much better. I can't wait to give this recipe a try because my family I know will love it.
Devour Dinner
I sure hope everyone loves them! They are so quick and easy to make too
Nikki
Enchiladas are my favorite! I am making for the family this week!
Devour Dinner
Love it! Hope you enjoy them like we do!
michele
These were so easy to make but were so full of flavor! My family devoured them!
Devour Dinner
The flavor is great and you can spice them up or down depending on the Enchilada sauce you choose to use. Perfect for every family!
Lisa
These enchiladas look SO good! I love how easy they are to make. I'm definitely adding it to our meal plan next week!
Devour Dinner
Hi Lisa! Making Cheese Enchiladas are so easy and make a perfect meal for sure. Hope you enjoy them.
Michaela Kenkel
Enchiladas are my FAVORITE!! They are so versatile too -- I am saving your no-meat recipe to enjoy during Lent!
Devour Dinner
Hi Michaela! What a great idea! These Enchiladas are so easy to make too. Hope you enjoy them!