Enchiladas - yum!

I love Mexican cuisine - it's no secret and I'm not ashamed to admit it - it's absolutely my favorite kind of food! Seriously. Who could possibly turn down chips and fresh salsa & guacamole - delicious grilled fish - refried beans - chile relleno - fresh homemade tortillas - all so very yummy! It just so happens that I'm married to a wonderful man who would prefer to not partake of this delish cuisine.... Isn't that how it works? I mean, if I get hungry for Mexican, I have to either cook it for myself or go out to eat with my daughter (she loves it!). All that brings me to a fun and yummo recipe I came up with. I like to call it Baked Enchilada, for lack of a better name... (And no, my hubby doesn't really like it...)

Faith's Baked Enchilada

1 pkg small corn tortillas
1 can refried beans
1 can diced tomatoes, mexican style (with green chilies)
1 large can enchilada sauce
2 lbs ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 small onion, chopped
1 lb cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup sour cream

Brown hamburger, drain and add onion and taco seasoning.
Add refried beans and tomatoes and cook for about 5 more minutes.
Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into bottom of 9x13 pan.
Layer as follows:
corn tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, enchilada sauce - add sour cream to the second layer only. Finish with cheese over the final layer of enchilada sauce.
Bake at 375 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until cheese is nice and bubbly.

I like to serve this with chips & fresh salsa and guacamole - yummo!

A couple variations:
Add a Spanish rice layer
Add salsa or green chilies to the beef mixture


I don't have a picture, but I've discovered how to make a fabulous fresh guacamole! It's much cheaper than buying it ready-made - and I think it tastes better, too! This is how they made it for us in Mexico.

Fresh Guacamole

2-3 ripe avocados
1/2 small onion, diced
1 small jalapeno, diced
1 roma tomato, diced
1/2 tsp lime juice (also helps to prevent darkening)
dash of salt
splash of olive oil

Slice the avocados, remove the pits and scoop out the flesh. Mash well with a fork, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Serve with tortilla chips.