2020 Census Mole Enchiladas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Rich, complex mole sauce slow-simmered with toasted chiles and spices, draped over corn tortillas and baked until bubbly with melted cheese. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 80 minutes pairs corn tortillas, chicken broth, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (8 ratings) Prep: 45 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 620 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast 2 dried ancho chiles and 2 dried guajillo chiles for 2-3 minutes per side until fragrant and softened, then transfer to a bowl. Add 1/4 cup sesame seeds and 1/4 cup almonds to the same skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes until golden, stirring constantly; transfer to a separate bowl to cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add 2 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup dark chocolate, stirring until melted and combined.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the toasted chiles, sesame seeds, almonds, and 1/4 cup raisins to a blender. Add 1/4 cup ground almonds and 1/4 cup vegetable oil, then blend on high for 2 minutes until smooth. Pour the mixture into the pot and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of the mole sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer 6 corn tortillas on top, then spread 1 cup shredded chicken and 1/2 cup mole sauce over the chicken. Top with another 6 tortillas, then cover with the remaining mole sauce and 2 cups shredded cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving, then top with 1 cup sour cream just before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does 2020 Census Mole Enchiladas take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (45 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 2020 Census Mole Enchiladas?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 2020 Census Mole Enchiladas?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 2020 Census Mole Enchiladas for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 2020 Census Mole Enchiladas?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying