Are you craving the bold flavors and vibrant colors of Mexican cuisine? Look no further than Old El Paso enchiladas, a classic dish that’s easy to make and fun to customize. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of cooking the perfect Old El Paso enchiladas, from preparation to presentation.
Understanding the Basics of Enchiladas
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a brief look at the history and basics of enchiladas. Enchiladas are a staple of Mexican cuisine, consisting of corn tortillas filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, rolled, and covered in a spicy sauce and melted cheese. Old El Paso is a popular brand that offers a range of enchilada products, including kits, sauces, and seasonings.
Choosing the Right Old El Paso Enchilada Kit
Old El Paso offers a variety of enchilada kits, each with its own unique flavor profile and ingredients. When choosing a kit, consider the type of filling you want to use, as well as any dietary restrictions or preferences. Some popular options include:
- Old El Paso Enchilada Kit with Seasoned Beef
- Old El Paso Enchilada Kit with Chicken
- Old El Paso Vegetarian Enchilada Kit
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Old El Paso Enchilada Kit
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Browning the Meat
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans) to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Adding the Seasonings
Once the meat is browned, add the contents of the Old El Paso Enchilada Kit seasoning packet. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the seasonings are fragrant.
Assembling the Enchiladas
Now it’s time to assemble the enchiladas. Here’s how:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the meat mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
- Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the meat mixture and roll the tortilla up tightly.
- Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in a baking dish and repeat with the remaining tortillas and meat mixture.
Covering the Enchiladas in Sauce and Cheese
Once the enchiladas are assembled, it’s time to cover them in sauce and cheese. Here’s how:
- Pour the contents of the Old El Paso Enchilada Kit sauce packet over the top of the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top of the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving and Customizing Your Enchiladas
Once the enchiladas are cooked, it’s time to serve and customize. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.
- Add some diced onions, shredded lettuce, or diced tomatoes on top of the enchiladas for extra flavor and texture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Queso Fresco or Feta, for a unique flavor profile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking Old El Paso enchiladas, there are a few common mistakes to avoid. Here are a few:
- Overfilling the tortillas, which can cause them to burst open during cooking.
- Not warming the tortillas before assembling the enchiladas, which can make them difficult to roll.
- Not covering the baking dish with aluminum foil, which can cause the cheese to burn or the sauce to dry out.
Conclusion
Cooking Old El Paso enchiladas is a fun and easy way to enjoy the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. By following these simple steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So go ahead, get creative, and start cooking!
What is the best way to prepare Old El Paso Enchiladas?
To prepare Old El Paso Enchiladas, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, gather all the necessary ingredients, including the Old El Paso Enchilada Kit, your choice of protein (such as ground beef, shredded chicken, or refried beans), and any additional toppings you like. Follow the instructions on the kit to prepare the enchilada sauce and tortillas.
It’s essential to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best results. Make sure to cook the protein according to your preference and prepare any additional toppings, such as diced onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious Old El Paso Enchiladas.
How do I assemble the enchiladas?
Assembling the enchiladas is a straightforward process. Start by laying a tortilla flat and spooning some of the prepared enchilada sauce onto the center of the tortilla. Add your chosen protein and any additional toppings, making sure to leave a small border around the edges. Then, roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Make sure to leave some space between each enchilada to allow for even cooking. You can also add additional toppings, such as shredded cheese or diced tomatoes, on top of the enchiladas before baking. By assembling the enchiladas carefully, you’ll ensure that they cook evenly and are filled with flavor.
What is the best way to cook the enchiladas?
The best way to cook Old El Paso Enchiladas is in the oven. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tortillas are soft and the filling is hot and bubbly. You can also cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from getting too brown.
It’s essential to check the enchiladas regularly to ensure they don’t overcook. If you prefer a crispy top, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. By cooking the enchiladas in the oven, you’ll achieve a delicious, evenly cooked meal that’s sure to please.
Can I customize the Old El Paso Enchiladas with my favorite toppings?
One of the best things about Old El Paso Enchiladas is that you can customize them with your favorite toppings. Whether you like diced onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced tomatoes, you can add them to the enchiladas to suit your taste. You can also experiment with different types of protein, such as ground beef, shredded chicken, or refried beans.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and make the enchiladas your own. Some other ideas for toppings include diced bell peppers, sliced black olives, or chopped fresh cilantro. By customizing the enchiladas with your favorite toppings, you’ll create a meal that’s tailored to your taste preferences.
How do I store leftover Old El Paso Enchiladas?
If you have leftover Old El Paso Enchiladas, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply place the leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate them at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below. You can also freeze the enchiladas for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to reheat the enchiladas, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re hot and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them. By storing leftover enchiladas properly, you can enjoy them for days to come.
Can I make Old El Paso Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Old El Paso Enchiladas ahead of time. In fact, preparing the enchiladas ahead of time can save you time and effort when it’s time to cook them. Simply assemble the enchiladas as instructed, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
When you’re ready to cook the enchiladas, simply remove them from the refrigerator and bake them in the oven as instructed. By making the enchiladas ahead of time, you can enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal whenever you want.
Are Old El Paso Enchiladas suitable for a crowd?
Old El Paso Enchiladas are perfect for a crowd. The Old El Paso Enchilada Kit makes 6-8 enchiladas, depending on the size of the tortillas and the amount of filling. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply assemble the enchiladas as instructed and bake them in batches if necessary.
Old El Paso Enchiladas are also a great option for a potluck or buffet. You can serve them with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced tomatoes, and let everyone create their own enchiladas. By making Old El Paso Enchiladas for a crowd, you’ll be sure to please even the pickiest eaters.