Authentic Mexican Entomatadas Recipe: A Comforting Classic

Entomatadas are a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, offering the perfect combination of soft corn tortillas drenched in a rich tomato sauce and filled with cheese, chicken, or beans. If you’ve ever wanted to bring the flavors of Mexico into your kitchen, this Entomatadas recipe is your go-to guide. Made from scratch, these entomatadas are easy to prepare, yet they carry the depth and warmth of traditional home-cooked Mexican meals.

In this recipe, we focus on using fresh ingredients to make a vibrant tomato sauce that coats the tortillas perfectly, keeping them moist while enhancing every bite. You’ll learn how to prepare the filling, assemble the entomatadas, and cook them just right so they are tender, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or impressing guests with authentic flavors, these entomatadas are quick, easy, and utterly satisfying. By following this guide, you’ll master a classic dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Preparation is straightforward, making this a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The best part? You can customize the filling to your taste, making it versatile for vegetarian or protein-packed meals.

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
Difficulty level: Easy
Serving size: 4

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What Makes This Entomatadas Recipe Special?

• Authentic flavor – Uses traditional Mexican tomato sauce with just the right balance of spices.

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Versatile fillings – Chicken, cheese, beans, or even beef for personalized flavor.

• Soft, tender tortillas – Achieved by lightly frying and then soaking in tomato sauce.

• Make-ahead friendly – Sauce and filling can be prepared in advance to save time.

This recipe is ideal for anyone craving authentic Mexican comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The techniques are simple, yet the results are impressive.

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Ingredient Notes

• Corn tortillas – Use fresh, soft tortillas for best results. Avoid store-bought stiff tortillas. They soften perfectly when dipped in tomato sauce.

• Tomato sauce – Fresh, ripe tomatoes give the richest flavor. Canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative.

• Garlic and onion – Essential for building the base flavor of the sauce.

• Cheese – Queso fresco or Monterey Jack works best; you can substitute with feta in a pinch.

• Chicken – Shredded, cooked chicken is the classic protein choice. For a vegetarian option, use black beans or sautéed vegetables.

• Oil – Lightly frying the tortillas adds flavor and prevents them from tearing. Use vegetable or canola oil.

• Spices – Cumin and chili powder enhance the traditional Mexican flavor profile.

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How To Make Entomatadas

1. Prepare the tomato sauce

   • Roast 4 medium tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, and 1/4 onion until soft.

   • Blend with 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cumin until smooth.

   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, pour in blended sauce, and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.

2. Cook the filling

   • For chicken: Boil 2 chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred.

   • For beans: Mash 1 cup cooked black beans with a pinch of salt and cumin.

3. Prepare the tortillas

   • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat.

   • Lightly fry each tortilla for 10–15 seconds per side.

   • Immediately dip in warm tomato sauce to coat.

4. Assemble the entomatadas

   • Place 2–3 tbsp of filling in the center of each sauce-coated tortilla.

   • Roll the tortilla around the filling and place seam side down on a serving plate.

   • Spoon additional tomato sauce over the top.

5. Top and serve

   • Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco, diced onion, and fresh cilantro.

   • Serve warm with Mexican crema or a side of rice.

Tip: For extra flavor, heat tortillas in the sauce rather than plain oil for a softer texture.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Best eaten immediately for optimal texture.

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave until warm.

• Freezing: Wrap individual entomatadas tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Entomatadas – Fill with a mix of queso fresco and Oaxaca cheese.

• Vegetarian – Use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of meat.

• Spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the tomato sauce.

• Beef Entomatadas – Use shredded beef seasoned with cumin and garlic.

• Seasonal Twist – Add roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes in the filling for autumn flavors.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the tomato sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. What type of tortillas work best?
   Fresh, soft corn tortillas are ideal. Avoid thick, dry ones.

3. Can I freeze entomatadas?
   Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.

4. Can I make them vegetarian?
   Absolutely. Beans, mushrooms, or sautéed vegetables make great meat-free fillings.

5. How do I prevent tortillas from tearing?
   Lightly fry or dip them in sauce before rolling. Handle gently.

6. What cheese works best?
   Queso fresco or Monterey Jack are traditional. For stronger flavor, try Oaxaca or feta.

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