Let’s face it—enchiladas are one of those dishes that make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re rolling up shredded chicken, beef, or even veggies, there’s something magical about that cheesy, saucy bite. But here’s the thing: all those flavours you love? They start with one crucial element—enchilada seasoning.
I’m about to break down everything you need to know about this little spice mix, from how to make it at home to why it’s such a big deal. Trust me, once you start using your own enchilada seasoning, you’ll never want to go back to the pre-made stuff. Let’s dive in.
What Is Enchilada Seasoning?
Enchilada seasoning is a blend of spices used to give your enchiladas that rich, flavorful kick. Think smoky, savoury, and just the right amount of heat—without being overpowering. While it’s primarily used in the sauce, you can also sprinkle it on your filling or even mix it into the meat or beans for extra flavour.
Most store-bought versions can be a bit… well, bland and filled with preservatives. But when you make it yourself? You control the flavours. You can adjust the heat level, toss in some extra garlic, or even give it a smokier profile. Plus, you can ditch the weird chemicals and fillers. And trust me, your enchiladas will taste way better.
Why Make Your Own Enchilada Seasoning?
Okay, I get it: convenience is key. But hear me out—there are so many benefits to making your own enchilada seasoning. It’s super easy, and once you have all the ingredients on hand, you can make a big batch and store it for the next few weeks (or months, if you’re a pro at this).
Here’s why homemade enchilada seasoning is a total game-changer:
- Better Flavor Control: You can adjust the heat to your liking. Want it extra spicy? Go for it. Like a milder kick? No problem.
- Fewer Chemicals: You won’t find any preservatives or artificial additives in your homemade mix.
- Customizable: Got a spice obsession? Add a pinch of cumin or chilli powder. Or, toss in something fun, like smoked paprika, for a deeper flavour.
- Economical: Buying individual spices might seem like a lot at first, but they last forever. And when you compare it to store-bought seasoning, it’s way cheaper in the long run.
The Best Enchilada Seasoning Recipe
Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for—the seasoning mix that’ll make your enchiladas stand out every time. I promise it’s easy!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chilli powder (this is your base, so don’t skimp!)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin (gives that earthy warmth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (trust me, this makes a difference)
- 1 tsp onion powder (adds savoury goodness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (if you want that smoky kick)
- 1/2 tsp oregano (gives it that subtle herby note)
- 1/2 tsp salt (to bring all the flavours together)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (just a touch of heat)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional—add more for heat!)
Instructions:
- Mix it all together: Grab a small bowl, toss in all your spices, and mix them together until it’s a nice, even blend.
- Store it up: Keep your homemade enchilada seasoning in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for about 3 months. (I know, it’s like a flavour treasure chest.)
- Use it: For everyone can of enchilada sauce, use about two tablespoons of seasoning (or more, depending on your spice preferences). If you’re making your own sauce from scratch, add the seasoning when you’re simmering your base.
And that’s it! The seasoning mix is ready to go. Honestly, I love making a big batch and just having it on hand for tacos, chilli, or anything else that could use a flavorful boost.
How to Use Enchilada Seasoning
Okay, so you’ve made your seasoning. But how do you actually use it? I’ve got you covered.
- In the Sauce: This is the classic way. You can either mix the seasoning directly into canned enchilada sauce or make a homemade version by combining tomato sauce, broth, and your seasoning mix. Bring it to a simmer, and let all those flavours meld together.
- In the Filling: Season your meat, beans, or even roasted veggies with the mix before you stuff your tortillas. It helps create a more uniform flavour in every bite.
- As a Topping, You can sprinkle a little extra on top of your enchiladas just before baking for that final burst of flavour. The extra flavour never hurt anyone, right?
- In Other Dishes: Don’t limit yourself to just enchiladas! This seasoning works wonders in tacos, burritos, and chilli, and even as a dry rub for grilled chicken. Seriously, your whole week’s worth of meals just got a major upgrade.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas Every Time
Okay, now that you have your seasoning, let’s make sure everything comes together perfectly. Here are a few tips for killer enchiladas:
- Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: It’s tempting, but overstuffed enchiladas can fall apart in the oven. Go for a moderate amount of filling—enough to taste, but not so much that it spills out everywhere.
- Tortilla Trick: Lightly fry your tortillas in a bit of oil before rolling them up. This helps them hold together and adds a bit of crispy texture that makes them extra delicious.
- Baking Tip: Cover your enchiladas with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to keep them moist, and then uncover for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and get bubbly.
Why Enchilada Seasoning is the Backbone of Great Mexican Food
When you think about Mexican cuisine, a few key ingredients come to mind: fresh cilantro, smoky chipotle, zesty lime, and, of course, a punchy seasoning mix. Enchilada seasoning ties all those flavours together in one simple blend. It’s like the secret handshake that makes the dish. Without a good seasoning mix, even the best-quality tortillas and fillings can fall flat.
The beauty of enchilada seasoning is that it’s not just for enchiladas. You can use it in a ton of other dishes that could use a little extra oomph. Think taco meat, quesadillas, or even a salad dressing for a Mexican-inspired vibe. So, when you’re stocking your spice cabinet, don’t forget to give enchilada seasoning a permanent home. It’s like a flavour MVP that makes everything taste better.
Customizing Your Enchilada Seasoning for Different Dishes
As mentioned, enchilada seasoning is incredibly versatile. While it’s traditionally used for the sauce, you can also sprinkle it on grilled meats, stir it into beans, or even toss it with roasted vegetables. For tacos, you can combine it with ground beef or chicken for a quick taco seasoning alternative that hits all the right notes.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, adding a little extra cayenne pepper or smoked chilli powder will amp up the heat and give your dishes a bold, smoky kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder version, try adding more oregano or onion powder for a savoury, herb-forward flavour that still delivers richness without too much heat.
How Long Does Enchilada Seasoning Last?
Once you’ve made your own batch of enchilada seasoning, you’ll want to know how long it stays fresh. The good news? Spices like chilli powder, cumin, and paprika have a long shelf life when stored properly. If kept in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dark place, your enchilada seasoning should stay fresh for up to six months.
Of course, the longer it sits, the less potent some of the spices may become, but that won’t stop the flavour train entirely. For maximum freshness, try to use your enchilada seasoning within a few months, and always give it a quick sniff or taste to check the flavour. If it smells a bit flat, it might be time to refresh the mix with new spices. But honestly, this seasoning is so good that you’ll likely use it up long before it has a chance to go stale!
FAQs About Enchilada Seasoning
Q: Can I make enchilada seasoning in bulk?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s a great idea. Just keep your homemade seasoning in an airtight jar, and you’ll have it ready to go for weeks. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep.
Q: Can I adjust the heat level during seasoning?
A: Definitely! If you like things spicier, add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of chipotle powder. If you’re not big on heat, skip the cayenne and keep it mild with extra cumin and garlic powder.
Q: Can I use this seasoning for other recipes?
A: 100%. This enchilada seasoning is perfect for tacos, chilli, roasted veggies, or even grilled meats. If you love bold flavours, this seasoning mix will be your new best friend.
Q: Can I make this seasoning without salt?
A: Yep! Just leave out the salt and adjust the rest of the seasonings to your taste. You can add salt when you cook, or just use low-sodium broth for the sauce.
How to Store Enchilada Seasoning
If you’ve made a big batch (which I highly recommend), store your seasoning in an airtight container—like a mason jar or a plastic spice container. Keep it in a cool, dark place, and it should stay good for up to three months. You’ll be surprised at how long those spices last!
Wrapping It Up: Your New Favorite Seasoning
Making your own enchilada seasoning is one of those simple things that make a huge difference. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on store-bought stuff. Plus, with this homemade seasoning, you can tweak the flavours to make your enchiladas exactly how you like them—extra spicy, extra smoky, or extra garlicky.
So go ahead, whip up a batch of this magic spice mix, and get ready for the tastiest enchiladas of your life. Your family will thank you, and your taste buds will never be the same.
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
Have questions or tips of your own? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you! If you make this recipe, let me know how it turns out.