Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake
Cheesy Pizza Enchilada Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole that combines the best elements of pizza and enchiladas. This quick and easy recipe layers flour tortillas filled with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, pepperoni, and tangy marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to suit dietary preferences, this one-dish meal guarantees a family-friendly crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian-Mexican inspired)
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas as substitute)
Main Ingredients
- 6–8 flour tortillas (soft and flexible)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 20–25 sliced pepperoni
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and help brown the edges of the enchiladas.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Mix until well incorporated to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Lay one flour tortilla flat, spoon a generous amount of the cheese mixture in the center, and place a few slices of pepperoni on top. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, and add additional pepperoni slices for a beautiful finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Notes
- Warm your tortillas before assembling by softening them in a skillet or microwave to prevent tearing while rolling.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese for better melting and superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Do not overfill the tortillas to ensure easy rolling and even baking.
- Allow the finished bake to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to set and make slicing easier.
- For extra sauciness, try layering ingredients instead of rolling all in tortillas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 enchilada)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: cheesy pizza enchilada bake, pizza casserole, enchilada bake, family dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, cheesy casserole