Entomatadas
Let’s talk comfort food—with a kick of tradition and a whole lot of flavor. Entomatadas are like the tomato-loving cousin of enchiladas, and they’re here to steal your heart (and maybe a little space on your weekly dinner rotation). Imagine soft corn tortillas, filled with savory goodness, drenched in a vibrant tomato sauce that’s rich, slightly tangy, and spiced just right. Yeah, it’s as good as it sounds.
This dish brings the cozy warmth of Mexican home cooking to your table in the easiest way. It’s unfussy, soul-soothing, and totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding your family or cooking solo and craving something nostalgic, Entomatadas are always the right choice. Trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Entomatadas
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Fill them with cheese, beans, shredded chicken—whatever you have on hand. They’re endlessly adaptable.
Budget-Friendly: Simple pantry staples come together in a big way without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: On the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights or lazy Sundays.
Customizable: Adjust the spice, fillings, and toppings to suit your mood or what’s in the fridge.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Entomatadas
This dish keeps it simple, but every component packs flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this saucy classic:
Corn Tortillas: The foundation of this dish. They soak up the tomato sauce beautifully while staying soft and delicious.
Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they create the base of the flavorful red sauce.
Garlic: Adds depth and that comforting aroma we all love.
Onion: Gives the sauce a subtle sweetness and richness.
Dried Chiles (like guajillo or ancho): Optional, but they bring smokiness and mild heat to the party.
Salt and Pepper: Basic, but essential for balancing flavors.
Oil: For lightly frying the tortillas to make them pliable and irresistible.
Filling of Choice: Cheese, shredded chicken, mashed beans—whatever your heart desires.
Toppings: Crumbled queso fresco, crema, chopped onions, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Get your blender ready and heat a pan over medium heat. Also preheat your oven or keep a warming drawer handy to keep the filled tortillas warm.
Combine Ingredients
Blend tomatoes, garlic, onion, and optional chiles until smooth. If needed, add a bit of water to help it blend into a silky sauce.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel
Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet and pour in the tomato sauce. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Dish
Lightly fry each tortilla in a bit of oil—just a few seconds per side—to soften them. Dip each tortilla into the tomato sauce until fully coated.
Cook to Perfection
Fill the saucy tortillas with your chosen filling, fold or roll them, and arrange them on a warm plate or baking dish. If desired, you can heat them briefly in the oven to meld everything together.
Finishing Touches
Top with extra sauce, queso fresco, a drizzle of crema, and fresh herbs or onions. Don’t be shy—pile it on!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy immediately! These are best eaten fresh, when the tortillas are soft and everything is perfectly saucy.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~280 calories
(Note: these values are approximate and may vary with fillings or toppings.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Entomatadas
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans on the side.
- Add a fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette for a light contrast.
- Top with avocado slices or guacamole for creamy richness.
- Pair with a cold drink like agua fresca, horchata, or a refreshing beer.
- Serve family-style for an easy, fun meal everyone can dig into.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Lightly frying the tortillas keeps them from falling apart.
- Use day-old tortillas for better texture—they’re sturdier.
- For a spicier version, blend in a chipotle pepper or jalapeño.
- Don’t overstuff the tortillas—a little goes a long way.
- Make the sauce in advance to save time on busy nights.
- Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- Double the batch and freeze extra sauce for future meals.
- If using chicken, season it well for extra flavor.
- Add sautéed veggies for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Try topping with pickled onions or radishes for a zesty crunch.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work if that’s what you have. Just expect a slightly different texture.
2. What’s the best cheese for filling Entomatadas?
Queso fresco, mozzarella, or even cheddar all work great. Use what you love.
3. Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen.
4. Are Entomatadas spicy?
They’re typically mild, but you can spice them up with chiles or hot sauce.
5. How do I keep the tortillas from cracking?
Lightly frying or heating them before dipping in sauce prevents breaking.
6. Can I bake Entomatadas instead of frying the tortillas?
You can warm the tortillas in the oven or microwave, but they won’t be as pliable as when lightly fried.
7. What fillings can I use besides cheese or chicken?
Refried beans, sautéed veggies, or ground beef all make delicious options.
8. Can I freeze leftover Entomatadas?
It’s best to freeze the sauce and fillings separately. Assembled Entomatadas may get soggy when thawed.
9. How do I make them vegan?
Use plant-based fillings like beans and veggies, skip the cheese or use vegan cheese, and leave off dairy toppings.
10. Are Entomatadas served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Anytime! They’re super flexible and can be enjoyed morning, noon, or night.
Conclusion
Entomatadas are the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re trying them for the first time or bringing back memories from childhood, these tomato-soaked beauties are guaranteed to bring joy to your table. So grab some tortillas, whip up that sauce, and get ready to fall in love with every bite.
Print
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 entomatadas per person) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Entomatadas are a traditional Mexican dish made of corn tortillas dipped in a savory tomato-based sauce, filled with cheese or meat, and often topped with cream, onion, and cheese. They’re similar to enchiladas but use a tomato sauce without chili heat.
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1/4 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more for frying tortillas)
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese (like Oaxaca or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup Mexican crema or sour cream (optional for topping)
- 1/4 small onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in water for about 8 minutes until soft.
- Transfer boiled ingredients to a blender. Add salt and cumin (if using), then blend until smooth.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat. Pour in the blended tomato sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, lightly fry each corn tortilla in oil for about 10 seconds per side until soft but not crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Dip each tortilla in the warm tomato sauce to coat it fully.
- Fill each tortilla with cheese, fold or roll it, and place it on a serving plate.
- Once all tortillas are prepared, spoon additional tomato sauce over the top.
- Garnish with crema, sliced onions, cilantro, and more cheese if desired.
- Serve warm with a side of beans or rice if preferred.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a chili (like guajillo or chipotle) to the tomato sauce.
- Use rotisserie chicken or beans as a filling instead of cheese for variety.
- To save time, use canned tomato sauce, though fresh is more authentic.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 entomatadas
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: entomatadas, Mexican entomatadas, tomato enchiladas, easy Mexican recipe, vegetarian Mexican food