Green Chile Cast Iron Enchiladas: A Comforting Mexican Classic 🌮🔥
Few things say comfort food like a bubbling skillet of enchiladas fresh out of the oven. This cast iron version uses roasted Hatch green chiles, gooey cheese, and layers of tortillas to create a rustic, family-style dish that’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
The beauty of cast iron enchiladas is their simplicity: no rolling required—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love These Enchiladas ❤️
- One-pan meal – assembled and baked right in your cast iron skillet.
- Big Hatch chile flavor – smoky, spicy, and authentic.
- Comforting & cheesy – cheddar and Monterey Jack melt into a golden, bubbly topping.
- Customizable – add shredded chicken, beef, or beans to make it heartier.
Ingredients 🛒
- One 8-inch cast iron pan
- 10–12 white corn tortillas, lightly fried
- 1 cup roasted, peeled, and chopped Hatch green chile
- ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup chopped white onion
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- Mexican oregano, black pepper, garlic salt – to taste (about ¼–½ teaspoon each)
Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Prep the Tortillas
- Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet.
- Lightly fry each corn tortilla until just pliable (not crispy).
- Place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
👉 This step prevents the tortillas from soaking up too much moisture and falling apart.
Step 2: Prepare the Layers
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses (reserving a handful for topping).
- In another bowl, mix roasted green chiles, onion, garlic, oregano, pepper, and garlic salt.
Step 3: Assemble in the Cast Iron Pan
- Place a layer of fried tortillas on the bottom of the cast iron skillet.
- Spread a layer of the green chile mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a drizzle of Mexican crema.
Serving Ideas 🍽️
These enchiladas are a standalone comfort meal, but you can also pair them with:
- Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Refried beans or charro beans
- A crisp side salad with lime dressing
- Fresh salsa or guacamole on the side
Tips & Variations 🌟
- For a heartier dish: Add shredded chicken, ground beef, or beans between layers.
- Cheese swap: Try Oaxaca, queso fresco, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
- Extra saucy: Spoon a little green enchilada sauce between layers.
- Spice level: Use mild Hatch chiles for a family-friendly version, or hot ones for extra kick.
Final Thoughts 💭
These Green Chile Cast Iron Enchiladas are everything we love about Mexican home cooking—simple, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.