If you're looking to break from tradition and bring bold flavor to your holiday table, Christmas-style stacked enchiladas are a vibrant, satisfying choice. Inspired by New Mexican cuisine, this dish layers corn tortillas with rich red and green chile sauces — a nod to the local custom of ordering enchiladas “Christmas style.”
Unlike rolled enchiladas, stacked enchiladas are assembled like a savory layer cake. Each tortilla is toasted or lightly fried, then stacked with meat, cheese, and alternating sauces. The red sauce, made with New Mexico chile powder and garlic, delivers smoky depth, while the green sauce — featuring diced green chiles, tomatoes, and pork — adds brightness and heat. Together, they create a festive palette and a flavor-packed experience.
Servings: 4 Prep Time: 45 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Ingredients
Green Sauce:
-
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
-
8 oz pork blade steak, diced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
3 (4-oz) cans green chile peppers, drained and diced
-
1 cup canned diced tomatoes
-
1½ tsp red pepper flakes
-
¼ cup all-purpose flour
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Red Sauce:
-
1 cup New Mexico red chili powder
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ cup all-purpose flour
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
8 oz beef top sirloin, diced
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Enchiladas:
-
12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, toasted or lightly fried
-
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
-
4 large eggs
-
Nonstick cooking spray
-
Kosher salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the sauces: For each sauce, sauté the meat in olive oil until browned. Add garlic, chiles, tomatoes (for green), and seasonings. Stir in flour to thicken. Simmer until rich and smooth.
-
Toast tortillas: Lightly fry or toast tortillas until golden and pliable.
-
Assemble stacks: On a greased baking sheet, layer tortilla → sauce → cheese → meat. Repeat for 2–3 layers per stack.
-
Top with egg: Fry eggs sunny-side up and place one on top of each stack.
-
Bake and serve: Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Serve with lettuce, sour cream, and avocado.
This dish is bold, comforting, and festive! Whether you're in the Southwest or just craving something different, stacked enchiladas offer warmth, comfort, and a splash of holiday cheer.
