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

Please ensure Safari reader mode is OFF to view ingredients.

  • 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? ›

While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas.

What cheese melts the best for enchiladas? ›

Use a shredded Mexican cheese blend for the best melting and flavor. A rustic cut blend of 4 cheese is the best all-around cheese for enchiladas. Look for one that includes Montery Jack, Cheddar, Asadero and Queso Quesadilla Cheese. Avoid using all cheddar as it can be too oily.

How to stop enchiladas from being soggy? ›

According to Kitchen Seer, classic enchiladas should be fried a little before stuffing and baking. This toughens up an otherwise soft tortilla which would become drenched in whatever sauce is used.

Should you bake enchiladas covered or uncovered? ›

Roll up tortillas; place seam sides down and widthwise in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish. Spread with salsa; sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

Why do flour tortillas get soggy in enchiladas? ›

The thing with enchiladas is that they're going to become mushy, that's because of the liquid you prepare them with. But if you want that process to be slower, all you have to do is deep fried corn tortillas first (not to the point to get tostadas).

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 I fry flour tortillas before making enchiladas? ›

Frying them gently in a little oil greatly enhances the flavor of the tortillas.

What is the white cheese Mexican restaurants use in enchiladas? ›

Queso fresco: This spongy white cheese is grainy and mildly acidic. It's usually made with a combination of cow's milk and goat's milk. It is often crumbled over salads, refried beans, tacos, enchiladas and soups. It can also be sliced and eaten with fruit.

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.

Can you pre make enchiladas or will they get soggy? ›

If you would like to make a pan of enchiladas in advance, follow the recipe instructions through step 3 (assembling the enchiladas). Wrap the pan tightly with foil. Then you can either refrigerate the enchiladas for up to 3 days, then bake as directed.

What are the best tortillas for enchiladas? ›

Crispy corn tortillas dipped in sauce are best for enchiladas. Enchiladas are laden with sauce and fillings, and you need a tortilla that will hold up to all the moisture, so you should always opt for corn over flour.

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? ›

The simplest would be to make a thin paste of 1 teaspoon of cornflour or corn starch and water, add it to the sauce, and simmer it for 3 minutes.

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