Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole – Discover the comforting blend of flavors. In this Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole. Perfect for family dinners. Or a festive gathering. This casserole combines the earthy taste of fresh spinach. With the rich, tangy zest of enchilada sauce. And cheese. Featuring simple ingredients. Like spinach, cream cheese, and Mexican blend cheese. This recipe promises. A deliciously cheesy delight. In every bite.

I remember the first time I whipped up this casserole. It was a chilly evening. And I wanted something warm. And satisfying. Without spending hours in the kitchen. To my delight. Not only was it incredibly easy to make. But it also became an instant hit. With my family. My husband. Always a bit skeptical about new dishes. Asked for seconds. And my little one gobbled it up. Greens and all! It’s now a beloved dish. That brings comfort. And smiles. To our dinner table.

What makes this Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole truly special?

What sets this Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole apart? Firstly, it’s a versatile dish. That can serve. As a hearty main course. Or a side dish. At large family dinners. The blend of spices. With fresh spinach. And creamy cheese. Creates a balance of flavors. That are bold. Yet not overwhelming. It’s also incredibly forgiving. And customizable. Whether you add more cheese. Or throw in extra veggies. It’s sure to turn out great!

What You Need To Make This Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole Recipe?

Olive Oil: Use it for sautéing. It adds a subtle, fruity flavor.

Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness. And depth as it cooks. Forming a flavorful base.

Garlic: Essential for a fragrant kick. That enhances all the other flavors.

Fresh Spinach: Opt for fresh over frozen. For the best texture and taste. It adds color and nutrients.

Lime Juice: Brings a zesty freshness. That balances the richness of the cheeses.

Cilantro: Fresh and citrusy. Cilantro complements the lime. And adds a burst of flavor.

Green Chiles: These provide a mild, smoky heat. That deepens the dish’s overall flavor.

Spices (Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Cumin): A warm, slightly spicy mix. That adds character. Without overwhelming.

Cream Cheese & Sour Cream: These make the filling luxuriously creamy and tangy.

Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully. Adding a gooey, cheesy topping. That’s irresistible.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors in your casserole.

Green Enchilada Sauce: The main flavor of the casserole. Choose a good quality sauce. For best results.

Flour Tortillas: Hold all the tasty filling. Ensuring a satisfying, hearty bite.

Optional Toppings: Add color and texture with cilantro, green onions, olives, and avocado.

Steps To Make Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole:

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it becomes soft and fragrant, then stir in the garlic for a minute or two until golden. Toss in the spinach, wilting it down before mixing in the lime juice, cilantro, chiles, and spices. Off the heat, blend in the cream cheese, sour cream, and half the cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Spread a portion of the enchilada sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Divide the spinach mixture among the tortillas, roll them up, and lay them seam down in the dish. Drizzle with the remaining sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve hot, garnished as you like.

Tip:

To elevate the flavors. And textures of your Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole. Consider sautéing the onions. Until they’re just beginning to caramelize. Before adding the garlic and spinach. This extra step. Deepens the sweetness of the onions. Adding a rich, almost buttery undertone. That beautifully complements the spicy. And tangy elements of the dish. This little tweak. Can turn a great dish. Into an extraordinary one. Enhancing every bite. With a more complex flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole. Up to a day in advance. And refrigerate. Just add about 5-10 minutes. To the baking time. If you’re starting from cold.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply use gluten-free flour tortillas. Instead of regular flour tortillas. To make this dish gluten-free.

How can I add more protein to this dish?

For an extra protein boost. Consider adding cooked shredded chicken. Or ground beef to the spinach mixture. Before rolling up the enchiladas.

Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole

Imagine tucking into a dish. Where every bite oozes with melted cheese. Tangy green enchilada sauce. And a heartwarming mix of spinach and spices. All wrapped up. In a soft tortilla. That perfectly holds together. The flavorsome filling. This Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole. Is a family favorite. That brings everyone to the table. With smiles. It’s not just a meal. It’s a comforting hug on a plate. Promising a delightful culinary escape. With each forkful. Whether it’s a chilly evening. Or a casual dinner with friends. This casserole turns any gathering. Into a warm celebration of good food. And great company.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Keyword: Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 enchiladas

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 12 c fresh spinach
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 1/4 c cilantro chopped
• 1 4.5 ounces can chopped green chiles
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 c sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 28 ounces can green enchilada sauce
• 8 burrito-size flour tortillas
• 4 c Mexican blend shredded cheese divided
• Optional toppings: additional cilantro green onions, olives, avocado

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a large skille. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions. And cook until they’re soft and fragrant. About 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic. And cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
• Add Spinach and Seasonings: Stir in the spinach. And cook until it wilts. Then, add the lime juice, chopped cilantro, green chiles, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and cumin. Mix everything well.
• Mix in Cheeses: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream. And half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt. And pepper to taste.
• Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread about one-third of the enchilada sauce evenly. In the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Fill and Roll the Tortillas: Lay out a tortilla. And spoon about 1/3 cup of the spinach mixture onto the center. Roll the tortilla tightly. And place it seam-side down. In the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
• Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
• Bake: Place the dish in the oven. And bake for 25-30 minutes. Or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve: Remove from the oven. Garnish with any optional toppings like cilantro or green onions. And serve warm.

Notes

To enjoy a gluten-free version of this Cheesy Spinach Enchilada Casserole. Simply swap out the regular flour tortillas. For gluten-free tortillas. Available at most grocery stores. These tortillas can handle the hearty filling. Without breaking. Ensuring that you can savor the same delicious flavors. And textures. Without the gluten. This easy substitution lets everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting meal. No matter their dietary needs!