Entomatadas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes everyday ingredients and transforms them into something special. The tortillas soak up the tomato sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. I also like how versatile it is — I can enjoy it as a quick weeknight meal, serve it at a family dinner, or bring it to a gathering. Plus, it’s customizable, so I can add guacamole, salsa, or even some beans or chicken if I want to change it up.

Ingredients

10 corn tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups tomato sauce
1/2 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream (optional for topping)

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by heating vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. I lightly fry each tortilla for about 10–15 seconds per side, just until softened, then place them on a paper towel to drain.

3. In the same skillet, I sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent, about 2–3 minutes.

4. I stir in the tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

6. In a baking dish, I spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture at the bottom.

7. I dip each tortilla into the sauce, then layer them in the dish with cheese and cilantro, repeating the process until all tortillas are used.

8. I finish with a final layer of sauce and cheese, then bake for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Once baked, I garnish with more cilantro and, if I like, a dollop of sour cream.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook, and is ready in about 35 minutes. Each serving has around 300 calories.

Variations

I sometimes add shredded chicken or refried beans between the tortilla layers to make it heartier. If I want extra spice, I stir in jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the sauce. For a lighter version, I use whole wheat tortillas and reduced-fat cheese. And if I want it extra creamy, I drizzle crema mexicana instead of sour cream.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to keep the tortillas from getting soggy. The microwave works too, but I find the texture is best when reheated in the oven. I don’t recommend freezing since the tortillas can lose their structure after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make entomatadas ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them up to the point before baking, cover the dish, and refrigerate. Then I just bake when ready to serve.

What kind of tortillas work best?

I prefer corn tortillas for authenticity, but flour tortillas can be used if I want a softer texture.

Can I use homemade tomato sauce?

Absolutely, I sometimes make a fresh tomato sauce with roasted tomatoes, onion, and garlic for extra depth of flavor.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, I add jalapeños, serrano peppers, or extra chili powder to kick up the heat.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, as written, it’s vegetarian. I can also make it vegan by using dairy-free cheese and omitting the sour cream.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Definitely, shredded chicken, ground beef, or even chorizo works well layered inside the tortillas.

How do I keep the tortillas from breaking?

I lightly fry them in oil first, which helps them stay pliable and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but I prefer shredding cheese myself since it melts creamier without added starches.

What can I serve with entomatadas?

I like pairing them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.

Can I skip baking and serve them straight from the skillet?

Yes, if I want a quicker version, I just dip, fill, and roll the tortillas, then serve them right away with toppings.

Conclusion

Entomatadas are one of my favorite ways to enjoy a comforting, cheesy Mexican meal with simple ingredients. I love how easy it is to put together while still feeling special and satisfying. Whether I serve it for a casual dinner or bring it to a gathering, it always delivers on flavor and warmth.