Easy Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake to Try Tonight

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, then you absolutely have to try this Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake. This dish blends the best of two beloved comfort foods—pizza and enchiladas—into one cheesy, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a delicious way to spice up your weeknight routine, this Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake is the perfect choice that hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Simple: Comes together with minimal prep and basic pantry ingredients, perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy marinara, savory cheese, and zesty toppings for an unforgettable taste.
• Family-Friendly: Appeals to kids and adults alike, guaranteeing everyone at the table leaves happy.
• Customizable: Easily tweaked to accommodate dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
• One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes in one casserole, meaning less cleanup afterward.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create layers of cheesy, saucy goodness. Each element adds its own unique texture and flavor to this hearty casserole.

• Flour tortillas: The soft, flexible base that wraps around our delicious filling.
• Marinara sauce: Brings that classic pizza tang and richness with fresh tomato flavor.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to give you gooey, stringy cheesiness.
• Sliced pepperoni: Adds savory, slightly spicy notes that are iconic of pizza.
• Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy layer that balances out the bold flavors.
• Olive oil: For lightly greasing the baking dish to ensure no sticking and nice browning.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
• Fresh basil (optional): Adds a fresh herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.

Variations for Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake

Feel free to make this dish your own based on what you love or dietary needs. These variations are simple swaps or additions that pack a punch!

• Protein boost: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for extra heartiness.
• Veggie-loaded: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to sneak in some greens.
• Spicy kick: Include sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack or a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for different flavors.
• Gluten-free: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps to keep this dish accessible.

How to Make Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help brown the edges of your enchiladas.

Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella alongside a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This will be the creamy filling inside each tortilla.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of the dish. Lay one tortilla flat, spoon in a generous amount of the cheese mixture, and add a few pepperoni slices. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Top with the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese and additional pepperoni for a beautiful finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown, and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake

• Warm your tortillas: Softening them in a warm skillet or microwave prevents tearing while rolling.
• Use quality cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes superior compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Don’t overfill: Keep fillings moderate for easy rolling and even baking.
• Let it rest: After baking, allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes to set and make slicing easier.
• Try layering: For extra sauciness, you can layer ingredients rather than rolling all in tortillas.

How to Serve Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley bring a burst of color and freshness. A drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also enhance flavor.

Side Dishes

This bake pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or oven-roasted vegetables to round out the meal with some crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for a fun presentation or stack slices like lasagna for a family-style dinner. You could even turn leftovers into stuffed wraps for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well—wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and add your favorite vegetables or plant-based protein to keep it deliciously meat-free.

What type of cheese is best for this bake?

Mozzarella is key for that gooey melt, but combining it with ricotta for creaminess and a bit of parmesan for depth creates the best cheesy experience.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, using a quality store-bought marinara saves time and still yields fantastic flavor, but homemade sauce works beautifully if you prefer.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the bake before or after cooking, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option.

How spicy is the dish?

It’s generally mild, but you can easily add heat with jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or spicy sausage to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake is a sure crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make and delivers big on flavor. Whether you’re feeding family or looking for a comforting meal to brighten your week, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite. So grab your ingredients and dive into this cheesy, saucy delight tonight!

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