Green Chile Cast Iron Enchiladas: A Comforting Mexican Classic
Green Chile Cast Iron Enchiladas bring the bold flavors of roasted Hatch green chiles, gooey cheese, and warm spices together in a rustic, comforting dish. This recipe is straightforward, allowing the natural smokiness of the chiles to shine while the cast iron pan ensures a perfectly baked enchilada stack. Here’s how to create this delightful meal:
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy & Flavorful – Minimal ingredients with maximum taste! The roasted Hatch chiles add a smoky depth that makes this dish irresistible.
- Perfect Texture – Lightly frying the tortillas keeps them from becoming soggy, ensuring every bite has just the right consistency.
- Cast Iron Magic – Baking in a cast iron pan creates an even heat distribution, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Great for Gatherings – Whether you’re serving family or friends, this dish is an excellent crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare ahead of time.
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, pepper, garlic salt, to taste (approximately ¼–½ teaspoon of each)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Tortillas
Lightly fry the corn tortillas in a small amount of oil. This step is essential to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy when layered with the chile and cheese. Set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Layers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Reserve some for the top layer.
- Mix the roasted green chiles, chopped white onion, and minced garlic in a separate bowl. Add a dash of Mexican oregano, black pepper, and garlic salt to season.
Step 3: Layer in the Cast Iron Pan
- Start by placing a single layer of fried tortillas at the bottom of the cast iron pan.
- Add a layer of the green chile mixture, followed by a sprinkle of the cheese blend.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous topping of cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas
Place the cast iron pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from the oven and allow the enchiladas to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These Green Chile Cast Iron Enchiladas pair beautifully with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Add a dollop of guacamole or salsa verde for extra flavor.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Its rustic presentation and robust taste are sure to please everyone at the table!