Enchiladas with Mike

 A Perfect Enchilada Recipe for Frugal Chefs

Enchiladas are a classic comfort food, but many people assume they are an expensive dish to make from scratch. The truth is, with a few clever tricks and a focus on simple, budget-friendly ingredients, you can create a tray of perfect, delicious enchiladas for under $10. The secret isn't in expensive meats or exotic spices, but in making your own components from scratch and leveraging the power of pantry staples. This guide will show you how to build a flavorful and satisfying meal that is both incredibly cheap and genuinely delicious.

  • Master the Sauce with Pantry Staples. The foundation of a great enchilada is the sauce, and a homemade version is not only cheaper but also far more flavorful than anything you can buy in a can. You can create a rich, authentic red sauce with ingredients you likely already have. Start with a simple base of tomato sauce or paste. To this, add a mix of inexpensive spices such as chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a pinch of salt. A little chicken or vegetable bouillon dissolved in water can add a deep savory flavor without the cost of a can of broth. For a slightly different take, you can use green chiles and a little chicken stock to create a vibrant green enchilada sauce. By making your own sauce, you not only save a few dollars but gain full control over the flavor and spice level.

  • Choose Your Fillings Wisely for Maximum Savings. The filling is where you can make the most impact on your budget. Instead of expensive cuts of beef, opt for a more affordable and equally delicious protein. Seasoned black or pinto beans are an excellent, high-protein, and incredibly cheap option. You can also mix them with bell peppers for added flavor and texture. If you want meat, a small amount of ground chicken or turkey can be seasoned with the same spices as the sauce to provide a savory, satisfying filling. For an even more frugal approach, a simple blend of cheese and canned corn can be surprisingly delicious. The key is to choose one or two simple, high-impact fillings that won’t break the bank.

  • The Assembly: A Final Touch of Perfection. Once your sauce and filling are ready, the assembly is what brings it all together. To prevent your corn tortillas from breaking, you must briefly warm them in the microwave or a dry pan to make them pliable. Next, dip each tortilla into the warm sauce to coat it evenly. This step is crucial, as it adds flavor and moisture to the tortilla itself. Place a spoonful of your filling in the center of the tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process until your dish is full. Pour the remaining sauce over the top, cover it with a generous layer of shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack are great budget options), and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

In conclusion, making perfect enchiladas for under $10 is not just possible - it’s a delicious way to eat well on a budget. By using inexpensive pantry staples to make your own sauce, choosing your fillings wisely, and taking the time to assemble the dish with care, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love. This recipe proves that you don't have to sacrifice taste to save money in the kitchen.

Here is a detailed recipe with ingredient amounts, temperatures, and time ranges to help you create delicious, budget-friendly enchiladas for a family, ensuring the total cost is well under $10. This recipe is designed to serve 4-6 people.

Budget-Friendly Enchiladas

Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 25-30 minutes Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the Homemade Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or tomato paste

  • 1.5 cups water or vegetable broth

  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to cut acidity)

For the Filling:

  • 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)

  • 1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper (optional)

  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

For Assembly:

  • 8-10 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican cheese blend (for topping)

Instructions

1. Make the Budget-Friendly Sauce:

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.

  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a paste (a roux).

  • Whisk in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Slowly pour in the tomato sauce and water/broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

  • Bring the sauce to a low boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir in the optional sugar.

2. Prepare the Filling:

  • While the sauce is simmering, prepare your filling.

  • In a medium bowl, combine the rinsed black beans, frozen corn, and diced bell pepper (if using).

  • Mix in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese with the bean mixture.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  • To make the tortillas pliable, you have a few options:

    • Microwave: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds.

    • Dry Pan: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 15 seconds per side.

  • Once warm, dip one tortilla at a time into the warm sauce, coating it lightly.

  • Place about 1/4 cup of the filling down the center of the tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

  • Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in a single layer.

  • Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas.

  • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of the dish.

4. Bake to Perfection:

  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

  • Let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes before serving to help them hold their shape.

Location: Kinston, NC, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Car Buying with Mike

 First Car, Used Car, New Car: A Buyer's Blueprint Buying a car is one of the most significant financial decisions many people make. It's a process filled with potential pitfalls, from hidden fees to tricky negotiations. Whether it’s your very first car, a new vehicle, or a reliable used one, a successful purchase depends on preparation, not impulse. By understanding the critical factors to consider, knowing what to look out for, and employing smart negotiation tactics, you can secure the best value for your money and drive away with confidence. Before You Shop: The Crucial First Steps. The moment you start looking at cars is not the moment to start planning. Before you even visit a lot or browse online, do your homework. First, determine your total budget, not just the monthly payment. Account for the full cost of ownership, including insurance, maintenance, fuel, and registration fees. Financial experts often recommend that your total transportation costs - including your pa...
Read more

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with Mike

 Your Guide to Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole In the world of comfort food, few dishes are as universally beloved and easy to make as a chicken bacon ranch casserole. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight, combining a handful of simple ingredients into a dish that is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. This isn’t a recipe that requires a culinary degree; it’s a straightforward, satisfying meal that’s guaranteed to please the entire family. By following a few simple steps, you can create a delicious casserole that will quickly become a go-to in your dinner rotation. Prep Your Proteins for Maximum Flavor. The foundation of this casserole is the chicken and bacon. For the best result, you’ll want to cook them before you add them to the dish. First, cook your bacon in a skillet until it is crisp. Once done, remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Reserve a small amount of the bacon grease for added flavor. Next, cook your chicken. You can u...
Read more

Financial Literacy with Mike

  Financial Literacy with Mike      Have you ever wanted to earn more on your money? Have you wondered how to go about doing it? Don't know where to start? Well in this post, I'm going to explain some of the easiest ways to have your money earn for you, suggest the options I would use to get started, and explain the important tools to have in your arsenal in order to take full advantage of getting your money to earn more.     Let's start off by listing some of the more common ways to earn more money:  High Yield Savings (HYS) - these can be great options because they afford you the option to retain your money in a savings account that you can access. They can grow the money that you contribute typically between a 3.00% - 4.00% rate per month. (There are higher rates such as 5.00% and up - however - these are few and far between.) (Saving) Stocks (Stock Market) - having stock in a company gives you part ownership in that prospective company (like Amaz...
Read more