PIZZA ENCHILADAS EASY BEST

Imagine the best of both worlds colliding: the cheesy, saucy goodness of pizza embraced by the comforting warmth of enchiladas. These Pizza Enchiladas are pure genius – a quick, family-friendly meal that’ll have everyone begging for seconds, and I promise you, they’re easier to make than you think!

Gather Your Pizza Enchilada Arsenal (Ingredients)

Here’s what you’ll need to create these cheesy masterpieces. Don’t worry if you don’t have *exactly* the same toppings; feel free to customize!

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage, cooked and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can pizza sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped pepperoni
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Enchiladas:

• 10-12 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• Cooking spray

Let’s Talk Substitutions & Tweaks

Listen, I’m all about making recipes work for *you*. Here are some ideas:

• Meat: Ground beef, turkey sausage, or even shredded chicken would be fantastic! Vegetarian? Use crumbled plant-based sausage or add more veggies.
• Veggies: Mushrooms, black olives, spinach, or jalapenos – go wild!
• Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and provolone would be yummy.
• Sauce: If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara will absolutely work in a pinch. You can even stir in a little tomato paste for extra richness.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, friend, let’s walk through this together. Don’t be intimidated – it’s all about layering flavor!

Prep Work:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This is crucial for easy cleanup later!

Making the Filling:

3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked sausage, pizza sauce, pepperoni, green bell pepper, onion, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where the magic happens!

Assembling the Enchiladas:

4. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
5. Spoon about 1/3 cup of the sausage mixture onto the center of the tortilla.
6. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese over the filling.
7. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the baking dish.

Baking to Perfection:

9. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
10. Spray the top of the enchiladas lightly with cooking spray. This helps them brown nicely.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary!
12. Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. This will prevent you from burning your mouth (trust me, I’ve been there!).

Tips & Tricks for Pizza Enchilada Success

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to ensure your Pizza Enchiladas are a total hit:

• Don’t Overfill: Resist the urge to stuff the tortillas too full. It will make them difficult to roll and they’ll likely burst open during baking.
• Warm the Tortillas: If your tortillas are cracking when you roll them, warm them slightly in the microwave (about 15-20 seconds) to make them more pliable. A stack of warm tortillas is much easier to manage!
• Seam Down: Placing the enchiladas seam-side down helps them stay closed during baking.
• Prevent Sticking: Make sure your baking dish is well-greased. Nobody wants enchiladas stuck to the bottom of the pan!
• Customize the Sauce: For an extra layer of flavor, stir a tablespoon of pesto or a dash of hot sauce into the pizza sauce.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas earlier in the day and store them covered in the refrigerator. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Feast!

These Pizza Enchiladas are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple sides.

• Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy enchiladas.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cooling creaminess.
• Guacamole: Because guacamole makes everything better, right?
• Salsa: A vibrant salsa adds a fresh, zesty kick.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Seriously, these Pizza Enchiladas are a lifesaver. They’re:

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will gobble them up.
• Customizable: Easily adapt to your favorite pizza toppings.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
• Absolutely Delicious: Cheesy, saucy, and oh-so-satisfying!

If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Taco Casserole or even Chile Relleno Casserole for another family-friendly meal. And if you’re craving more pizza inspired dishes, be sure to try out Pizza Tot Casserole. On a cold day, nothing beats a bowl of Lasagna Soup to warm you up. For a fun twist, try Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole. Lastly, don’t forget about Homemade Stromboli for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main course.

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

• Storing: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may get a little soggy.

Pizza Enchiladas: Your New Go-To Meal

These Pizza Enchiladas are more than just a recipe; they’re a solution to those nights when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, crank up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a meal that will become a family favorite. Happy cooking, my friend!