Enchilada Pie is a delightful twist on traditional enchiladas, layering the rich and spicy flavors you love into a hearty, pie-like structure. This fusion of Mexican and Tex-Mex culinary styles makes for a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for those who adore the deep, vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine but crave the homely appeal of a baked casserole.
When serving Enchilada Pie, it’s wonderful to accompany it with a light, fresh side such as a tomato and avocado salad to cut through the richness, or with staples like Mexican rice and refried beans to round out the meal.
Enchilada Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 16 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 16 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 can (about 12 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 8 ounces cottage cheese, small curd
- 1 can black olives, sliced
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying tortillas
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder, to taste
- Optional for garnish: chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Prepare the Oven and Ingredients:
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
Cook the Meat:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and pork with the chopped onion. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic powder. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease from the pan.
Fry the Tortillas:
Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Gently fry each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side or until just soft. Place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
Combine the Cheeses and Creams:
In a bowl, mix together the sour cream, cottage cheese, and most of the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, reserving about a quarter of the cheese for topping.
Layer the Pie:
Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of fried tortillas over the sauce. Top with a layer of the meat mixture and a layer of the cheese mixture.
Continue layering with more tortillas, enchilada sauce, meat, and cheese mixture.
Final Touches:
Finish with a final layer of tortillas and sauce. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and sliced black olives on top. Add green onions or cilantro if using.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve:
Let the Enchilada Pie cool slightly before sprinkling with chopped tomatoes and additional cilantro for a burst of freshness.
This Enchilada Pie is sure to become a cherished dish in your dinner rotation, bringing a taste of Mexican flair to your table with all the comforts of a home-cooked meal. Enjoy the layers of gooey cheese, seasoned meat, and crisp tortillas that make every bite a delight.