Census-Style Latin American Enchiladas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting dish with layers of masa, cheese, and a smoky tomato sauce, inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of the U.S. population. This latin american-inspired mediterranean ready in about 55 minutes pairs pcs enriched flour tortillas, ground beef, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.2 (9 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in ground beef; cook for 5 minutes until browned, breaking into small pieces.
  2. Step 2: Add diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup cheese mixture in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer tortillas, then top with beef mixture and remaining cheese.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Census-Style Latin American Enchiladas take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Census-Style Latin American 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 pcs enriched flour tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Census-Style Latin American 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 Census-Style Latin American 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 Census-Style Latin American Enchiladas?

Latin American mediterranean 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.

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