Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (2024)

by Maya Last Updated on 6 Comments

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (1)

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ENCHILADASSSSS! You though these were T-TOTALLY out on Paleo didn’t you?? Well, they’re not! With a few simple tweeks you’ll have yourself some Paleo Enchiladas and be back to enjoying your Mexican nights, margarita and all.

I’ve been making these enchiladas for awhile now. I go between two different sauces, the one I’m sharing today and this one that is a truly authentic recipe but takes a little too long to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner. If you ever have the extra time PLEASE try making that recipe though. It’s SO good! My quick recipe is reminisicnt of my local Mexican joint so it’s not like you’ll be missing out if you take the shortcut 😉

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (2)

Of course for this recipe I use my One Ingredient Paleo Tortillas. They’re super easy and hold up well when you smother them in sauce and cheese. No cheese isn’t “Paleo” but some folks still find a place for it in their Paleo template. If you’re someone who doesn’t tolerate cheese (I didn’t until I cut it out completely for over a year) then just leave it off! I’ve made this a million times without cheese and it’s still just as good. Promise.

For the filling….The sky is the limit. My favorite is shrimp and I always add some sauteed peppers, onions, and canned green chiles. This time around I used Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit Carnitas! Here’s some other ideas:

  • Pulled Pork (Carnitas)
  • Tofu (If you eat soy and are vegetarian)
  • Butternut Squash
  • Black Bean (Again, not Paleo but delicious if you tolerate beans)
  • Shredded Chicken
  • Ground Beef
  • Steak

Add in some peppers and onions with any of those and you’re good to go!

If you want a low carb version, you could replace the tortillas with deli meat, like this low carb manicotti recipe does.

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (3)

Be sure to serve them with some salsas and guac! Tomatillo salsa is my favorite along with my Pico de Gallo! Sliced jalapeños are a nice spicy addition too!

Don’t forget the margarita!

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (4)

Complete the fiesta!

  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice
  • Mexican Pomegranate Slaw
  • Paleo Churros

RECIPE CARD

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (5)

4.5 from 2 votes

Paleo Enchiladas

With a few simple tweeks you’ll have yourself some Paleo Enchiladas and be back to enjoying your Mexican nights, margarita and all.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword dinner, family, party, summer

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Author Maya Krampf from WickedSpatula.com

Servings 4

★ Review Print

Ingredients

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  • Paleo Tortillas (you'll need 3 plantains for this recipe)

Filling

  • 1 lb meat or veggie of choice
  • 1 medium white onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium bell pepper (thinly sliced)
  • 1 4-oz can diced green chiles

Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 13.5-oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • sea salt (to taste)
  • Coconut sugar (to taste)

Toppings, optional

  • Guacamole
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Jalapeños (sliced)
  • Tomatillo salsa

Click to convert between US & metric measurements:

Instructions

More TIPS about this paleo recipe in the post above!

  1. Make the Tortillas: Use 3 plantains to make about 8 tortillas using this recipe.

  2. Make the Sauce: Heat a medium dutch oven or sauce pot over medium high heat. Mix the spices together in a small bowl. Add the olive oil to the pot and add in the spices. Toast for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and water along with the arrowroot. Bring to a simmer until reduced and thickened, about 20 minutes. Taste and season with salt and a pinch of sugar if too bitter.

  3. Make the Filling: Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat and add in the peppers and onions. Saute until soft. Add in your choice of meat or veggie and cook until cooked through.

  4. Assemble: Preheat broiler to high. Place an 8th of the filling in each tortilla with a bit of diced green chile and roll. Place in a baking dish. Cover with sauce and cheese if desired. Pop the pan in the broiler for 5-7 minutes or until bubbly. Remove and garnish with desired toppings.

© Copyright Wicked Spatula. We'd LOVE for you to share a link to this recipe, but please DO NOT COPY/PASTE the recipe instructions to social media or websites. You may share a photo with a link back instead.

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (7)

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Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (8)

Reader Interactions

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    6 Comments

  1. Joanie @ ZagLeft

    Reply

    These enchiladas look absolutely delicious – perfect for dinner tonight!

  2. Angie | Big Bears Wife

    Reply

    I love making enchiladas! I use to make them all the time and I kind of drifted off from making them. I can’t wait to make these!!

  3. Marye

    Reply

    These enchiladas look absolutely delicious!

  4. Christie

    Reply

    Your sauce looks awesome. I’ve been trying to find a really good enchilada sauce for my 9yr old who adores cheese enchiladas. Got to give yours a try.

  5. Heather Kinnaird

    Reply

    I don’t know how you do it, but you make Paleo look so darn delicious!!

  6. Becky Winkler (A Calculated Whisk)

    Reply

    Yes! These enchiladas sound so perfect. I love how we both posted Mexican recipes featuring a little bit of cocoa today! Great minds 🙂

Primal/Paleo Enchiladas Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to make enchiladas with corn or flour tortillas? ›

Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas also work. Choose 7- or 8-inch flour tortillas or 6-inch corn tortillas—they fit best in most pans. Recipes vary, but for a 3-quart rectangular casserole dish, you will need about eight flour or corn tortillas. Get colorful!

What is the difference between enchiladas and enchiladas poblanas? ›

Enchiladas placera are Michoacán plaza-style, made with vegetables and poultry. Enchiladas poblanas are soft corn tortillas filled with chicken and poblano peppers, topped with oaxaca cheese. Enchiladas potosinas originate from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and are made with cheese-filled, chili-spiced masa.

How do you make enchiladas crispy and not soggy? ›

To prevent your tortillas from tearing or becoming soggy, quickly fry each corn tortilla in any oil you like for about 10 seconds on each side, until it starts to get crispy but is still pliable. This will add a barrier that will keep the tortilla from absorbing too much sauce, and also adds a little extra flavor.

Should you bake enchiladas covered or uncovered? ›

Most enchiladas are baked covered with foil until heated through. Oven temperatures and baking times vary per recipe, but on average they cook in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the enchiladas after they are heated through.

What kind of tortillas do Mexican restaurants use for enchiladas? ›

Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditionally used in Mexican-style enchiladas, but I typically use flour tortillas (which are more commonly used in Tex-Mex and American-style enchiladas) since they are much easier to roll. That said, just about any style of tortillas will work in this recipe.

Should flour tortillas be fried before making enchiladas? ›

It's important to pre-cook the tortillas because not only does cooking them help soften them for rolling, cooking them in a little fat helps develop the flavor of the tortillas. As the tortillas brown a little, remove them to a plate.

Which sauce is better for enchiladas? ›

If you prefer a creamy enchilada sauce, La Victoria Creamy Chili premade enchilada sauce is the best enchilada sauce at the grocery store. This premade enchilada sauce, which comes in a jar rather than a can, isn't spicy at all, even though it has the word “chili” in its name.

What can I use instead of enchilada sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is a good way to replace enchilada sauce if you're looking for a milder alternative. It's easy to take a pre-made tomato sauce and spice it and add other ingredients to get closer to a real enchilada sauce.

What is the most popular cheese for enchiladas? ›

Highly likely it is Monterey Jack cheese, which is white. It melts beautifully and can be both creamy and stringy when the enchiladas are hot. If the enchiladas become cold and they need reheating, the Monterey cheese becomes creamy and stringy once again.

Why are they called divorced enchiladas? ›

They are called 'divorced' enchiladas because one is covered in green salsa and the other in red salsa! Subscribe to our free CTP download, to be kept up to date with all cookery items.

What is an authentic enchilada made of? ›

This Mexican enchiladas recipe is the real thing. Corn tortillas are dipped in a homemade sauce, fried, filled with Mexican queso fresco, then topped with sour cream, lettuce, and tomato. My mother-in-law is from Mexico and taught me to make this delicious dish.

What is the difference between American enchiladas and Mexican enchiladas? ›

Dishes such as enchiladas can be authentic or of the Tex-Mex variety. Authentic Mexican enchiladas have a variety of ingredients wrapped and often fried. They can be topped with cheese, chicken, lettuce, or sauces. Tex-Mex enchiladas are typically baked and are made with beef and cheese.

How do you keep corn tortillas soft for enchiladas? ›

Wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels or a damp kitchen towel, then wrap in plastic wrap or place in a microwave-safe resealable plastic bag (keep the bag open to vent). Microwave until warm and flexible, about 1 minute.

How do you fix watery enchilada sauce? ›

Mix a small amount of the starch (about 1 tablespoon per cup of liquid) with a little cold water to form a slurry, then whisk the slurry into the hot sauce. Cook and stir for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Cooking the sauce for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.

Should you heat flour tortillas before making enchiladas? ›

Heating up the tortillas before you fill them makes every taco recipe that much more savory and delicious, so don't skip this step! Tacos, quesadillas and enchiladas are too delicious for a cold tortilla. That's why we've got the details to help you bring the heat (the right way) when you warm tortillas up.

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