15 Empanada Recipes That Don’t Disappoint

Enchiladas are one of those meals that hit all the right notes, warm, cheesy, saucy, and endlessly adaptable. You can roll them up, layer them into a casserole, or turn them into soup, sliders, or even meatballs. They work just as well in a slow cooker as they do in an air fryer, and the fillings can go in any direction, from shredded chicken and beef to black beans and rice. Some versions keep things simple with cheese and sauce, while others bring in smoky chipotle or mix everything together into an easy bake. This list rounds up a wide variety of options, so whether you’re short on time, feeding a group, or just in the mood for something filling and flavorful, you’ll find something here that fits. You don’t need a special reason to make enchiladas; they’re the kind of dish that always gets the job done.

Beef Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

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Filled with seasoned beef and covered in sauce and melted cheese, this is the classic version most people know. The filling can be adjusted to include beans or onions. It’s hearty, flavorful, and always a solid choice. Serve with rice or chips on the side.
Get the Recipe: Beef Enchiladas

Chicken Enchilada Sliders

Stack of sliders on a wooden board.
Chicken Enchilada Sliders. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Mini sandwiches filled with shredded enchilada-style chicken and cheese. Baked in soft rolls until the tops are golden. They’re a hit at parties or when you want something handheld. A playful spin that’s still packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Sliders

Enchilada Meatballs

Cheesy mexican meatballs in a skillet.
Enchilada Meatballs. Photo credit: .

A twist that combines seasoned meatballs with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake or simmer them until tender and serve over rice or with tortillas. It’s a fresh take that brings big flavor. Easy to prep and fun to serve.
Get the Recipe: Enchilada Meatballs

Chicken Enchilada Recipe with Three Cheese Chipotle Sauce

Enchiladas in a casserole dish, with chicken and cheese and a serving spoon.
Chicken Enchilada Recipe with Three Cheese Chipotle Sauce. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

This version kicks things up with a smoky, creamy cheese sauce. The chicken filling stays simple while the sauce brings all the flavor. It bakes into a rich, layered dish with just enough spice. A good pick when you want to switch up your usual version.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Recipe with Three Cheese Chipotle Sauce

Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole

Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Layered like lasagna, this casserole is loaded with cheese and sauce between soft tortillas. No rolling needed and minimal prep. It bakes into a cheesy, bubbly pan of comfort. Great for when you want something filling and simple.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheese Enchiladas Casserole

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

A bowl of rice topped with creamy chicken, black beans, cherry tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, with a fork resting on the side.
Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Bowl Me Over.

Let the slow cooker do all the work in this set-it-and-forget-it version. Everything goes in layered or mixed, then simmers until hot and melty. It’s great for busy days when you want to walk into a ready meal. No need to watch the oven.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

These are filled with shredded chicken and cheese, rolled tight and cooked until the edges turn golden. The air fryer melts everything evenly while keeping prep simple. They come out hot and ready in minutes. A good way to use leftover chicken with less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas

Air Fryer Enchiladas

A hand holding a n empanada that is broken open so you can see the inside filling.
Air Fryer Enchiladas. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

This version crisps up in the air fryer without losing its saucy, cheesy filling. It’s a great way to get that baked texture fast. The tortillas get just enough crunch while the inside stays soft and full of flavor. A solid weeknight shortcut that doesn’t skip the good stuff.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Black Bean Enchiladas

An overhead image of black bean enchiladas in a baking dish.
Black Bean Enchiladas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A meatless option that still feels hearty, thanks to the protein-packed filling. These bake up just as cheesy and saucy as the meat versions. Add corn or bell peppers for extra texture. An easy way to go vegetarian without losing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Enchiladas

Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas

Mexican enchiladas in a baking dish.
Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Made with gluten-free tortillas and classic enchilada ingredients. The sauce and cheese stay the same, so you’re not missing out on taste. It’s a solid alternative for anyone avoiding gluten. Easy to adapt without changing the method.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gluten Free Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

A pan of baked chicken enchiladas casserole.
Chicken Enchiladas Casserole. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This layers the usual ingredients instead of rolling them, making it faster to assemble. Every bite has a mix of chicken, sauce, and melted cheese. It bakes into a bubbling dish that’s easy to slice and serve. It’s dinner with no fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas Casserole

Cheese Enchiladas

One cheese enchilada and rice and beans on a plate.
Cheese Enchiladas. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

These are all about the melted filling and the bold sauce on top. Just a few ingredients, but they come together into something rich and satisfying. They’re often the first to disappear at the table. Comfort food at its simplest.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Enchiladas

Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

A bowl of rice with corn and herbs on a striped cloth with garnishes on the side.
Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

This all-in-one dish mixes rice, chicken, sauce, and cheese into a baked casserole. No need to roll tortillas or prep sides. It’s hearty, cheesy, and works great for meal prep. A good go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole

Chicken Enchilada Soup – Chili’s Copycat

Chicken Enchilada Soup – Chili’s Copycat. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

This soup turns enchiladas into a spoonable comfort dish. Thick, cheesy, and full of shredded chicken, beans, and spices. It’s great with tortilla strips on top or a side of bread. Everything you like about enchiladas, now in soup form.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchilada Soup – Chili’s Copycat

Chicken Enchiladas

Chicken Enchiladas. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Shredded chicken gets wrapped in tortillas and baked in sauce until tender and cheesy. It’s one of the easiest meals to throw together and always comes out tasting great. Use store-bought or homemade sauce depending on what you have. This one’s always reliable.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Enchiladas

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