Cody Casey
Enchiladas are traditionally made by rolling tortillas, but this can be a time-consuming process. A popular workaround is to assemble the enchiladas in a cake pan, layering the ingredients and baking them together. This method is faster and easier, and it still produces a tasty result. You can use a 9x13 cake pan or a 9-inch cake pan, and the enchiladas can be made ahead of time and frozen. This is a convenient way to prepare enchiladas, especially if you don't have the traditional glass baking pan typically used for this dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Using a cake pan saves time as it does not require rolling the enchiladas. |
| Ease | Cake pans are easy to use and can be used to layer ingredients to create enchilada casseroles or "enchilada cakes". |
| Availability | Cake pans are commonly available in homes or can be purchased from grocery stores. |
| Cost | Disposable metal cake pans are inexpensive and can be bought from thrift stores. |
| Make-ahead | Enchiladas can be made ahead in a cake pan and frozen for up to 3 months. |
| Portability | Cake pans are portable and can be used for potlucks or gatherings. |
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What You'll Learn
Layering ingredients in a cake pan
Enchiladas are traditionally made by rolling tortillas, but this can be time-consuming. A time-saving alternative is to layer the ingredients in a cake pan.
To make enchiladas in a cake pan, start by lining a 13x9-inch baking dish with foil. Spray the bottom of the pan. Then, lay 4 tortillas on the bottom of the pan, allowing them to overlap. Cover the tortillas with your chosen filling. A simple option is to brown meat with onions, drain it, and mix it with drained beans and salsa. You can also add vegetables, beans, and cheese to your filling. Sprinkle cheese over the filling and layer with 4 more tortillas.
Finally, cover the dish with additional foil and bake in the oven. If cooking from fresh, bake the enchiladas at 400°F for 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. If cooking from frozen, bake the enchiladas at 400°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
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Using a cake pan to save time
Enchiladas are a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal, but they can be time-consuming to prepare and assemble. A great time-saving alternative is to use a cake pan to make enchiladas. This method skips the step of rolling each individual enchilada, which can be quite labor-intensive.
The cake pan method involves layering the ingredients in a simple cake pan, creating a casserole-style dish. You can use a 9x13 inch cake pan, or even a 9-inch cake pan if you prefer a smaller portion. Start by lining your pan with foil, extending the ends over the sides of the dish. Layer salsa, tortillas, your choice of meat or vegetable filling, and cheese, repeating until the pan is piled high.
Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Then, uncover, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake for a further 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This method produces a rich, cheesy, and spicy dish that is sure to impress.
Using a cake pan to make enchiladas saves time and effort, without compromising on taste. It is a convenient way to enjoy the flavors of enchiladas with less preparation and cleanup. This one-pan dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, tasty, and easy-to-assemble meal.
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Cake pan enchilada bake recipe
Enchiladas are traditionally made by rolling tortillas, but this recipe uses a cake pan and skips the rolling, making it a great time-saving option. This recipe is also a good "garden dump" dish, as you can add extra vegetables, beans, and other ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas
- Meat (optional)
- Onions
- Beans
- Salsa
- Cheese
- Sour cream (optional)
- Fresh toppings (iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and sour cream)
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- On medium heat, brown the meat with onions and drain.
- Drain the beans.
- Stir in the salsa and beans into the meat mixture.
- Wrap the tortillas in a wet paper towel and microwave for 2 minutes until hot and soft.
- Spray the bottom of a 9x13 cake pan.
- Lay 4 tortillas on the bottom of the pan (overlapping).
- Cover with the meat mixture and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with cheese on the very top.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, covered with foil.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, bake the frozen casserole for 1 hour, covered, and then an additional 15-20 minutes uncovered, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with extra beans or vegetables.
- If you don't have a cake pan, you can use an oven-safe skillet or a metal baking sheet with a foil "boat".
Enjoy your easy and delicious cake pan enchilada bake!
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Using a cake pan instead of rolling tortillas
Enchiladas are traditionally made by rolling tortillas, but this can be a time-consuming process. A popular workaround is to use a cake pan to create a layered enchilada bake. This method is quicker and easier, and it only dirties one dish.
To make enchiladas using a cake pan, start by lining a 9x13-inch cake pan with foil. You can use a disposable metal pan or a glass pan, but a cake pan is preferable because everyone has one, and it's easy to clean. Layer the ingredients in the pan, starting with salsa to prevent sticking. Add layers of tortillas, chicken or meat mixture, salsa, and cheese. You can also add beans, corn, and other vegetables.
For a 9x13-inch pan, you'll need about 12 tortillas. If you're using a smaller 9-inch cake pan, you may only need 5 tortillas. Make sure the tortillas fit snugly inside the pan, and feel free to cut them to size if needed. You can use flour or corn tortillas, but corn tortillas are gluten-free.
Once you've layered all your ingredients, cover the pan with foil and bake at 350-400 degrees F for 30 minutes. Then, uncover the pan, sprinkle more cheese on top, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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Other alternatives to a glass baking pan
Glass pans are heavier and slower to heat than metal pans. They retain heat for much longer, making them perfect for dishes that need to be kept warm after being taken out of the oven. However, they are not ideal for intense heat and do not handle temperature transitions well. If you're looking for alternatives to a glass baking pan, here are some options:
Metal Baking Pans
Metal pans, especially those made of aluminum, are excellent alternatives to glass. They are lightweight and conduct heat well, resulting in even baking. Dark-coated aluminum pans will transfer heat more aggressively than light and shiny aluminum pans, so choose the type of metal pan depending on the desired level of browning or crispness. However, be cautious when using dark metal pans as they can easily overbake or burn your food.
Ceramic Baking Dishes
Ceramic baking dishes are another option, commonly used for recipes such as lasagna, cobblers, and casseroles. However, similar to glass, ceramic dishes conduct heat more slowly than metal, which can lead to uneven cooking. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the oven temperature by about 25°F when using ceramic or glass cookware to prevent over-browning.
Disposable Metal Pans
If you're looking for a more convenient option, disposable metal pans are a great choice. They are often used for cooking large quantities of food, such as enchiladas, and then covered with foil for freezing and later use.
Oven-Safe Skillets
An oven-safe skillet can be a good alternative to a glass baking pan, especially if you're cooking a smaller portion. It allows for even heating and can be used on the stovetop as well as in the oven.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a cake pan for enchiladas. This method is known as the "layer cake" and saves time by skipping the step of rolling the enchiladas.
A 9x13 cake pan is commonly used for enchiladas, but you can also use a 9-inch cake pan or a 6" wide x 6" deep cake pan.
Using a cake pan for enchiladas saves time and creates an impressive-looking dish with layers of tortillas, fillings, and cheese. It is also a convenient way to make enchiladas ahead of time and freeze them.
Start with a layer of salsa to prevent sticking, then add layers of tortillas, fillings, and cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with more cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly, about 15 minutes more.
