Easy Pizza Enchiladas: Get Your Cheesy Fix Tonight!

Pizza Enchiladas – just the name itself sparks curiosity and excitement, doesn’t it? Prepare to have your culinary world delightfully turned on its head as we dive into a recipe that brilliantly fuses two of the most beloved comfort foods on the planet.

Imagine for a moment: the irresistible, cheesy, tomato-laden goodness of your favorite pepperoni pizza, perfectly married with the comforting, saucy, and tender embrace of classic enchiladas. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a gastronomic adventure that promises a truly unique and utterly delicious experience.

While pizza proudly hails from Italy and enchiladas are a cherished staple of Mexican cuisine, this innovative dish beautifully celebrates the spirit of culinary fusion. It’s a testament to how combining distinct, globally adored flavors can result in something remarkably fresh and exciting, honoring their individual heritages while creating an entirely new legacy.

People absolutely adore this dish because the magic of Pizza Enchiladas lies in its ability to satisfy a spectrum of cravings all at once. You get the rich, savory depth of pizza toppings, the tangy sweetness of marinara, and an abundance of gooey, bubbling mozzarella, all cocooned within soft tortillas and baked until golden and irresistible. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort and thrilling innovation, making it an ideal choice for a fun family dinner or a show-stopping dish for entertaining guests. Get ready to create something truly special!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Homemade Pizza Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (balances the acidity)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

• For the Flavorful Chicken Filling:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For Assembly and Topping Your Pizza Enchiladas:

  • 12 large flour tortillas (burrito size, about 10-12 inches)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup mini pepperonis (optional, but highly recommended for that classic pizza flavor!)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonade, for garnish

Preparing the Homemade Pizza Enchilada Sauce

1. First things first, let’s get that amazing sauce bubbling! Grab a large saucepan or a Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up for about a minute. We’re looking for it to shimmer slightly, indicating it’s ready for our aromatic vegetables.
2. Toss in the finely diced yellow onion. Sauté these lovely aromatics until they become beautifully soft, translucent, and incredibly fragrant, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any browning that might occur too quickly. This slow softening of the onion is crucial for building a truly deep and flavorful base for our delicious Pizza Enchiladas. The sweetness developed here will perfectly complement the acidity of the tomatoes.
3. Next up, add the minced garlic to the pan. Cook for just about 30 to 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until you can smell its intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen. Be careful not to let the garlic brown or burn, as it can turn bitter very quickly, and we definitely don’t want that unwelcome flavor in our wonderful sauce. Keep that heat medium-low to prevent scorching.
4. Now it’s time to introduce the stars of the sauce: the tomatoes! Carefully pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir to thoroughly combine the tomatoes with the softened onions and garlic, ensuring all those foundational flavors are well integrated.
5. Stir in the 1/2 cup of water or low-sodium chicken broth. This addition helps to thin the sauce just a touch, allowing it to simmer gently without becoming too thick too quickly, ensuring a smooth and pourable consistency that will coat our enchiladas perfectly.
6. It’s seasoning time, where we really bring out the “pizza” in our Pizza Enchiladas! Add the 2 tablespoons of dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a little warmth and a subtle kick in your bite. Don’t forget the 1 teaspoon of sugar, which is a fantastic secret weapon to balance the natural acidity of the tomatoes and truly make all the other savory and herbal flavors sing in harmony. Finally, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Give it all a thorough stir to evenly distribute these wonderful seasonings throughout the sauce.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This simmering time is incredibly important; it allows all those beautiful flavors to meld together and deepen, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, luscious sauce that will be the heart of our Pizza Enchiladas. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and adjust salt and pepper to your taste preference after simmering. If you find the sauce is too thick, a splash more water or broth can be added. If too thin, simply let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken slightly. The longer it simmers, the more profound the flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Preparing the Flavorful Chicken Filling

1. While our Pizza Enchilada sauce is happily simmering away and developing its rich character, let’s get to work on the delicious chicken filling. If you’re starting with raw chicken, this is where you’ll cook it. You can pan-fry, boil, or bake your chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked and easily shreddable. Once cooked, shred them using two forks, or for a really quick and easy method, you can use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment set to low speed for super easy and consistent shredding. We need about 1.5 pounds of cooked, shredded chicken for this recipe.
2. Once your chicken is beautifully shredded, grab a medium mixing bowl. Add the prepared shredded chicken to the bowl, making sure it’s broken down into nice, bite-sized pieces.
3. To the chicken, add the finely diced green bell pepper, the 1/2 cup of sliced black olives, the 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh basil, and the 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley. These fresh herbs and vegetables are not just for color; they add incredible layers of flavor, texture, and freshness that truly elevate our Pizza Enchiladas beyond the ordinary. The bell pepper provides a slight crunch, while the olives bring a briny, savory note.
4. Season the chicken and vegetable mixture with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. These powdered seasonings ensure an even distribution of flavor throughout the filling.
5. Now, pour about 1/2 cup of our freshly made Pizza Enchilada sauce over the chicken mixture. This isn’t just for flavor; it also helps bind the filling together, making it easier to roll into our tortillas without falling out. Give everything a really good stir until all the ingredients are well combined and the chicken is nicely coated in the sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if necessary; remember, a well-seasoned filling is absolutely key to spectacular Pizza Enchiladas! This is your chance to make sure every bite will be bursting with flavor.

Assembling Your Pizza Enchiladas

1. Preheat your oven to a comforting 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grab a large 9×13-inch baking dish. We’re going to create the perfect, saucy bed for our Pizza Enchiladas to snuggle into.
2. Spread about 1 cup of our delicious homemade Pizza Enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This crucial step prevents the tortillas from sticking and infuses the bottom of our enchiladas with incredible, juicy flavor right from the start.
3. Now, let’s set up an efficient assembly line. Have your large flour tortillas ready, your prepared chicken filling, the remaining Pizza Enchilada sauce, and your cheeses – shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated Parmesan. Also, if using, have your mini pepperonis handy for that essential pizza authenticity. Organization here makes the process a breeze!
4. Take one flour tortilla. Lay it flat on a clean, dry surface. Spoon about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the chicken filling down the center of the tortilla. It’s important not to overfill, as it’ll be tough to roll neatly and could cause the filling to spill out during baking.
5. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the chicken filling – a delightful mix of mozzarella and provolone is perfect here, maybe about 2 tablespoons total. If you’re using mini pepperonis, sprinkle a few over the cheese as well. This is truly where the “Pizza” really starts to shine through in our Pizza Enchiladas, building those classic flavors!
6. Carefully roll the tortilla up tightly, starting from one end. The goal is to create a snug, compact cylinder. Once rolled, place the tortilla seam-side down into your prepared baking dish. This helps to keep it from unraveling.
7. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in a single layer in the baking dish. You might need to adjust their positions slightly to fit all 12 tortillas perfectly. Think of it as building a cozy, delicious little pizza-enchilada community!
8. Once all your rolled enchiladas are neatly nestled in the dish, generously ladle the remaining Pizza Enchilada sauce over the top of them. Make sure every single enchilada is well covered with sauce. This ensures they stay wonderfully moist and incredibly flavorful throughout the baking process, absorbing all that tomato goodness.
9. Now for the grand finale of cheese! Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella, shredded provolone, and grated Parmesan cheese lavishly all over the sauced enchiladas. We’re talking a beautiful, decadent layer of cheesy goodness here. This is the layer that will get wonderfully melty, bubbly, and beautifully browned in the oven, creating that irresistible pizza-like crust.
10. If you chose to use them, scatter the rest of the mini pepperonis evenly over the top of the cheese. They’ll crisp up slightly in the oven, rendering some of their delicious fat onto the cheese, and add an irresistible burst of classic pizza flavor and texture to our outstanding Pizza Enchiladas.

Baking the Pizza Enchiladas to Golden Perfection

1. Once your magnificent baking dish of Pizza Enchiladas is fully assembled and looks absolutely ready for its close-up, it’s time for the oven! Your kitchen should already be smelling incredible from the sauce, but the best is yet to come.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is quite important as it helps to steam the tortillas, making them incredibly tender and soft, and ensures the cheese melts evenly and thoroughly without browning too quickly. It creates a humid environment inside the dish.
3. Carefully place the covered dish into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for exactly 25 minutes. This initial bake time allows all the flavors to really penetrate the tortillas and for the filling to heat through thoroughly.
4. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. The tortillas should be softened nicely, and the sauce should be bubbly around the edges, indicating everything is warming up beautifully. Now, return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is beautifully melted, intensely bubbly, and has achieved a lovely golden-brown hue in spots. You really want those edges of cheese to be slightly crispy and caramelized – that’s where some of the best flavor and texture comes from for these Pizza Enchiladas! Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
5. Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the Pizza Enchiladas from the oven. This is a critical step for perfect texture and ease of serving: Let them rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before attempting to scoop out individual portions. This resting time allows the sauce to settle, thickens it slightly, and allows the enchiladas to firm up just enough, making them much easier to lift out and serve without falling apart. Patience, my friend, truly leads to enchilada perfection! Your incredible Pizza Enchiladas will be worth the wait.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Your Pizza Enchiladas

1. To serve your spectacular Pizza Enchiladas, use a large, sturdy spatula to gently lift individual portions onto plates. The resting period should make this process quite smooth, ensuring each enchilada holds its shape.
2. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil chiffonade. The vibrant green and fresh aroma of basil not only adds a beautiful visual touch, making the dish look even more appealing, but also provides a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that perfectly complements the rich tomato sauce and savory cheese.
3. For an extra touch, you could offer a side of extra red pepper flakes for those who desire more heat, or even a small bowl of additional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory kick at the table. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a fantastic accompaniment to balance the richness of the dish, adding a fresh contrast. Garlic bread, of course, would also be a very welcome addition!
4. Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to customize your Pizza Enchiladas and truly make them your own:
   • Veggie Power: Incorporate finely diced mushrooms (sautéed to remove excess moisture), fresh spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), or even finely shredded zucchini into the chicken filling. This is a fantastic and subtle way to sneak in extra vegetables, boosting both nutrition and flavor.
   • Spicy Kick: If you love a serious heat, consider adding finely diced fresh or pickled jalapeños directly to the chicken filling, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the homemade Pizza Enchilada sauce. A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce over the top of the finished enchiladas before serving also works wonders for a customizable heat level.
   • Meat Lover’s Dream: Instead of just chicken, you could use a delicious mix of browned Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) and chicken, or even add crumbled cooked bacon to the filling for an even richer, more complex, and undeniably savory flavor profile.
   • Cheese Blend Bonanza: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese blends! Smoked provolone, nutty fontina, or even a touch of creamy ricotta cheese mixed into the filling could offer new and exciting dimensions of flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture to your Pizza Enchiladas.
   • Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap out the standard flour tortillas for your favorite brand of large gluten-free tortillas. Always ensure that all your other sauce ingredients, especially canned goods, are certified gluten-free as well to maintain dietary compliance.
5. Storage: Should you be fortunate enough to have any leftovers of these incredible Pizza Enchiladas, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave (for quick individual portions) or in a preheated oven (for a larger batch) until warmed through, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
6. This dish truly is a crowd-pleaser, combining the comforting familiarity of a classic pizza with the satisfying, hearty structure of an enchilada. It’s perfect for a bustling family dinner, a casual get-together with friends where you want to serve something unique and delicious, or even for meal prepping a week’s worth of incredibly flavorful lunches. Get ready to impress everyone who tries these incredible, fusion-inspired Pizza Enchiladas! They are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the end of our culinary journey for today, but the adventure is just beginning in your own kitchen! What we’ve explored isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience a dish that truly bridges two beloved comfort food worlds. I genuinely believe that this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking an innovative, delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal. You’re not just making dinner; you’re crafting an unforgettable experience that perfectly marries the tangy zest of pizza with the creamy, savory warmth of enchiladas. It’s a stroke of genius, if I do say so myself, offering all the delightful flavors and textures you crave from both classic dishes, seamlessly integrated into one glorious bake.

From the very first bite, you’ll understand why this dish has quickly become a standout in my own kitchen, and why I’m so excited to share it with you. The combination of rich, seasoned meat, vibrant tomato sauce, and an abundance of melted, gooey cheese, all rolled up in soft tortillas and baked to golden perfection, creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. It’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it manages to feel both familiar and excitingly new all at once. This recipe proves that you don’t have to choose between your favorites when you can have the best of both worlds. The convenience of preparation, combined with its undeniable crowd-pleasing appeal, makes it an absolute winner for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even a special family meal. It’s a truly revolutionary way to enjoy the flavors you love!

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions

Now, let’s talk about how to make this culinary masterpiece an even grander affair. While these delectable enchiladas are certainly robust enough to stand alone as a complete meal, I always recommend pairing them with a few complementary sides to round out the experience. A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic choice, offering a bright counterpoint to the richness of the enchiladas. The acidity and freshness cut through the cheese and sauce beautifully, making each bite feel invigorating. You could also serve them alongside a simple bowl of Mexican rice or some refried beans for a more traditional, hearty ensemble. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top just before serving adds a wonderful finish. A side of guac or salsa never hurts either, adding another layer of texture and zest. Don’t underestimate the power of a perfect pairing!

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Creative Variations

One of the things I adore most about this recipe is its incredible versatility. It’s a fantastic foundation for experimentation, allowing you to truly make it your own. If you’re a fan of different protein sources, consider swapping out the ground beef for seasoned ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian twist. For those who love a bit of heat, a dash of cayenne pepper in the filling or some sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled!) scattered over the top before baking will really kick things up a notch. Don’t be afraid to play with the cheese selection either; while mozzarella and cheddar are classic, a blend including Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can introduce exciting new flavor profiles. You could also try different pizza toppings integrated into the filling – sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, black olives, or even a handful of spinach would all be delicious additions. Imagine a Hawaiian version with ham and pineapple, or a ‘supreme’ loaded with various veggies! The possibilities truly are endless. Perhaps you prefer a white sauce base? Swap out some of the tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo or béchamel for a richer, milder take. This recipe is a canvas for your culinary imagination!

So, there you have it. My heartfelt recommendation for a dish that promises to deliver on flavor, comfort, and sheer enjoyment. These Pizza Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re an experience waiting to happen in your home. I’ve shared my secrets, my tips, and my enthusiasm, and now it’s your turn. I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try. You won’t regret it. Once you’ve had a chance to savor your creation, please come back and share your experience with me! I’d absolutely love to hear about your triumphs, your personal twists, and how this dish was received by your family and friends. Did you add extra veggies? Experiment with different cheeses? Your feedback and shared experiences are what truly make this culinary community so vibrant and inspiring. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious adventure!

Recipe

A delicious recipe

Prep Time
15 min

Cook Time
15 min

Total Time
15 min

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

Instructions

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.