Cast Iron Skillet Green Chile Cheese Enchiladas

Indulge in a Southwestern delight with our Cast Iron Skillet Green Chile Cheese Enchiladas recipe. This dish combines the bold flavors of green chiles, spicy jalapenos, and aromatic spices, all layered with creamy Greek yogurt and tangy lime juice.

Baked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, these enchiladas are both comforting and satisfying. With optional garnishes like avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, you can customize each bite to your liking.

Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or craving a cozy weeknight meal, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Get ready to elevate your enchilada game with this easy-to-make, flavor-packed recipe!

Cast Iron Skillet Green Chile Cheese Enchiladas

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons avocado or olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

2 teaspoons kosher salt

1 (4-oz) can diced green chiles

1 (8-oz) can or package of green enchilada sauce

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (I like 2%)

Juice of 1 lime

8 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips

2 cups grated sharp cheddar, jack, or pepper jack cheese (or a combo of these)

OPTIONAL GARNISHES:

Avocado slices (or guacamole)

Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

Hot sauce

Sliced jalapenos

Scallions

Red onion

Cilantro

Lime wedges

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2:

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.

Add the onion, jalapeno, and garlic and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the diced green chiles, enchilada sauce, yogurt, and lime juice until well combined and smooth.

Pour the enchilada sauce mixture into the pan, along with ⅓ cup water, and stir to combine.

Step 4:

Stir in the tortilla strips until they are evenly coated in the sauce and all the ingredients are well combined.

Carefully taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning, as needed (more salt, pepper, etc).

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Step 5:

Top the mixture with the cheese and transfer the skillet to the oven.

Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly around the edges.

Serve immediately while hot, garnished however you prefer.

Notes:

Customizable Garnishes: One of the beauties of this recipe is its versatility in garnishes. From creamy avocado slices to zesty lime wedges, you can tailor the toppings to suit your taste preferences and add extra flair to the dish.

Spice Level: Adjust the spice level according to your preference by controlling the amount of jalapeno used. For a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the jalapeno altogether. Conversely, if you enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of jalapeno or leave some seeds in.

Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese or a combination of cheeses to add depth of flavor to your enchiladas. Sharp cheddar, jack, or pepper jack cheese work well, but you can also try other varieties like Monterey Jack, Colby, or Mexican blend cheese.

Texture Enhancement: To enhance the texture of the dish, consider adding ingredients like black beans, corn kernels, or cooked shredded chicken to the filling mixture. These additions can provide extra protein and create a heartier meal.

Tortilla Preparation: Cutting the corn tortillas into strips and coating them in the sauce ensures that each bite is infused with flavor. This method also helps the tortillas soak up the sauce, resulting in a moist and delicious enchilada.

Oven-Safe Skillet: Using an oven-safe skillet simplifies the cooking process by allowing you to transfer the dish from stovetop to oven seamlessly. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and baking in the oven.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use vegetable oil instead of avocado or olive oil?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil for avocado or olive oil in this recipe.

What can I use if I don’t have a jalapeno pepper?

You can omit the jalapeno pepper if you prefer a milder taste, or you can substitute it with another mild pepper of your choice.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for this recipe?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess to the enchilada sauce, but you can substitute it with regular yogurt if preferred.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.

Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

How spicy are these enchiladas with the green chiles and jalapenos?

The spiciness can vary depending on personal taste and the specific brands of green chiles and jalapenos used.

Adjust the amount of jalapeno or omit it entirely to control the heat level.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking.

Simply cover the skillet with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What is the purpose of adding water to the enchilada sauce mixture?

Adding water helps to thin out the sauce slightly and ensures that the tortilla strips are evenly coated.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas for longer storage.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a freezer-safe container.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What other garnishes can I use besides the ones listed?

Feel free to customize the garnishes based on your preferences.

Other options include diced tomatoes, sliced olives, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.