Slow Cooker Magic: Deliciously Easy Enchiladas

I love to cook, but I don’t always have a lot of time. That’s why I’m so excited about this slow cooker enchiladas recipe! It’s an easy and delicious way to make a classic Mexican meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen. I’ve made this recipe countless times and it never fails to impress! The enchiladas come out perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and they always leave my guests asking for seconds. So get your slow cooker ready and let’s get started!

Slow Cooker Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 packet of enchilada seasoning mix
• 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
• 1 (4 ounce) can of diced green chilis
• 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of diced onion
• 1/2 cup of diced bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, diced
• 3 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

• Start by preparing the ingredients; combine the enchilada seasoning mix, black beans, diced tomatoes, diced green chilis, chicken broth, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and olive oil into a medium bowl and mix until evenly incorporated.
• Next, dice the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno pepper and add them to the mixture.
• Add the cooked chicken and mix until evenly distributed.
• Grease the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray and spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Place the corn tortillas on top of the mixture, overlapping them slightly.
• Pour the remaining enchilada mixture over the tortillas.
• Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the tortillas.
• Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low heat for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.
• Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the enchiladas and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 355
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 44mg
• Sodium: 909mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 19g

What are the essential ingredients for making slow cooker enchiladas?

The essential ingredients for making slow cooker enchiladas are tortillas, enchilada sauce, cheese, and a filling of your choice.

To make tasty slow cooker enchiladas, the first step is to prepare the filling. You can use pulled chicken, ground beef, or a vegan option such as black beans or sweet potato. For extra flavor, consider adding onions, peppers, garlic, and other spices to the filling. Once the filling is prepared, it’s time to assemble the enchiladas.

Lay a layer of tortillas at the bottom of the slow cooker. Spread a layer of enchilada sauce over the tortillas, followed by a layer of the filling. Sprinkle with cheese and top with more tortillas. Repeat until the slow cooker is full and top with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese.

Cook the enchiladas on low for 4-6 hours, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, and diced tomatoes. Enjoy!

By using these essential ingredients, you can easily make delicious slow cooker enchiladas that will be sure to delight your family and friends.

What are the benefits of making enchiladas in a slow cooker?

Making enchiladas in a slow cooker can be a great way to save time and energy, as well as make a delicious meal. Here are some of the benefits of making enchiladas in a slow cooker:

• Convenience: Slow cookers allow you to prepare a meal without having to watch over it, as all the ingredients are placed into the pot and left to cook slowly. This convenience makes it an ideal choice for busy families or busy people who might not have the time to stand over a stove or in front of a hot oven.
• Cost Savings: Slow cookers can be used to make large batches of food, meaning that you can save money by buying in bulk and making enough to last a few meals.
• Healthier: Slow cookers retain the natural flavor of the ingredients, and often do not require added oils or fats to be cooked, making them a healthier option than other methods of cooking.
• Versatile: Slow cookers can be used for a variety of recipes, from enchiladas to soups and stews, meaning that you can easily cook a variety of meals in one appliance.
• Time-Saving: Slow cookers allow you to spend less time in the kitchen as the ingredients cook slowly over a longer period of time, so you can have a delicious, ready-made meal at the end of the day.

What are some tips for making delicious slow cooker enchiladas?

Use fresh ingredients. Whenever possible, choose fresh vegetables, meat, and cheese to make your enchiladas. This will ensure that they are flavorful and have the best texture.

• Make sure to use the right type of tortillas. Avoid using flour tortillas, as they can become soggy in the slow cooker. Instead, opt for corn tortillas, which will retain their shape and texture.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. Feel free to add your favorite spices, hot sauce, or other ingredients to give your enchiladas an extra kick.
• Cook the enchiladas on low heat. Slow cooking the enchiladas on low heat will ensure that the ingredients are cooked properly and evenly.
• Use multiple layers of tortillas. This will help to keep the layers of the enchiladas from getting too soggy.
• Don’t overfill the slow cooker. When filling the slow cooker, make sure to leave some space between the enchiladas and the sides of the slow cooker.
• Don’t forget to top the enchiladas with cheese. Adding cheese to the top of the enchiladas will help to seal in the flavors and give them a delicious cheesy crust.
• Serve the enchiladas with fresh garnishes. Topping your enchiladas with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or other garnishes will add extra flavor and texture.

How long should slow cooker enchiladas cook?

Slow cooker enchiladas should cook for approximately 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low.

When making slow cooker enchiladas, it is important to use precooked ingredients since the cooking time is so long. Precooked ingredients, such as pre-shredded cheese, already-cooked chicken, and pre-cooked rice, will make the recipe easier and faster to put together. To ensure that the ingredients are cooked through and the dish is heated to a safe temperature, it is best to use a food thermometer when checking the center of the enchiladas for doneness.

The ingredients used in the enchiladas can also affect the cooking time. For example, frozen vegetables may need to cook longer than fresh vegetables, and chunks of meat will take longer to cook than shredded or ground meat. If the enchiladas are too dry after the recommended cooking time, adding extra liquid can help to keep them moist.

It is also important to check the slow cooker periodically while the enchiladas are cooking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, it may be necessary to turn the heat down or cover the slow cooker with a lid to prevent burning. Additionally, stirring the enchiladas halfway through cooking can help to ensure even cooking.

By following these simple tips, slow cooker enchiladas should cook for approximately 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low.

What types of enchiladas can be made in a slow cooker?

There are many types of enchiladas that can be made in a slow cooker. The possibilities are limited only by the imagination and the ingredients at hand. Popular enchilada recipes that can be made in a slow cooker include vegetarian, beef, chicken, and pork enchiladas.

Vegetarian enchiladas can be made with a variety of ingredients, including beans, corn, peppers, and onions, as well as various spices and sauces. Cheese can also be added for a creamy texture and extra flavor. Slow cookers make it easy to create enchiladas that are packed with flavor and nutrition.

Beef enchiladas are a classic and easy to make in a slow cooker. Traditionally, beef enchiladas are filled with a mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices. Slow-cooked beef enchiladas can be topped with a variety of sauces, such as tomatillo sauce, enchilada sauce, or salsa verde.

Chicken enchiladas are a great option for a slow cooker. Chicken can be cooked in the slow cooker with beans, peppers, onions, and a variety of spices and sauces. The slow cooker will allow the chicken to simmer in the flavorful ingredients, creating a delicious and hearty meal.

Pork enchiladas are a flavorful and hearty option for a slow cooker. Pork can be cooked in the slow cooker with green chiles, onions, and a variety of spices and sauces. The slow cooker makes it easy to cook the pork until it is tender and infused with flavor.

No matter what type of enchiladas you’re looking to make, a slow cooker can be an invaluable tool. With the slow cooker, you can create tasty and nutritious enchiladas in no time.

What are some creative ways to serve slow cooker enchiladas?

Slow cooker enchiladas can be served in a variety of creative ways that make them extra delicious and fun to eat. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Topping Buffet. Create a topping buffet with a variety of items like sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, diced onions, and jalapenos. Let each person customize their enchiladas to suit their taste.
• Loaded Tortilla Chips. For a crunchy take on enchiladas, crumble up some tortilla chips and top with the cooked enchiladas. This approach is especially great for serving large crowds.
• Quesadilla Stackers. Slice the cooked enchiladas into thin strips and layer them between two flour tortillas with cheese. Grill until the cheese melts and enjoy melted quesadillas.
• Taco Bowls. Create individual taco bowls with cooked enchiladas, diced tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
• Salad Toppers. Chop the enchiladas into small pieces and use as a topping for a Mexican-style salad. Top with shredded cheese, black beans, and diced tomatoes for a delicious and healthy meal.

No matter how you serve slow cooker enchiladas, they are sure to be a hit. Get creative and have fun with your presentation to make them extra special.