Here’s a classic, authentic recipe for Mexican Cheese Enchiladas with Onion — the kind you might find at a family-run Tex-Mex or Mexican diner. Simple ingredients, deep flavor, and pure comfort on a plate. 🌶️🧀🌽

🧅 Mexican Cheese Enchiladas with Onion

🕒 Prep: 20 min | Cook: 20 min

🍽️ Makes: 8 enchiladas (serves 4)

🧂 Ingredients

🔸 For the Enchiladas:

8 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
½ cup finely chopped white onion
2 tbsp vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)

🔸 For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce (optional but recommended):

2 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt, to taste
Optional: 1 tsp dried oregano or a splash of vinegar for brightness

🔥 Instructions

1. Make the Red Enchilada Sauce

In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano.
Slowly whisk in the broth and simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
Season with salt to taste. Set aside, keeping warm.

Shortcut: Use a can of good-quality red enchilada sauce if short on time.

2. Soften the Tortillas

Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Lightly fry each tortilla for 5–10 seconds per side to make them pliable. Drain on paper towels.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly coat the bottom of a baking dish with enchilada sauce.
Dip each tortilla in the warm sauce to coat.
Fill each with a handful of cheese and a pinch of chopped onion.
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Once all are assembled, pour remaining sauce over top and sprinkle with extra cheese.

4. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 5–7 minutes until cheese is bubbly and melted.

🌿 Serve With:

Refried beans or Mexican rice
Sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream
Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra onions if you like it raw and bold

✅ Tips

For a richer flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.
Want it spicy? Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce.
These freeze and reheat very well — great for leftovers or meal prep.

Want a printable version or ideas for adding meat (like ground beef or shredded chicken)?