Some of our regular customers at El Chubby’s Fresh Mexican Grill in Aurora are all about the enchilada. Do you like cheese, beef, beef and bean, chicken, or steak? We have them all, along with all your Mexican food favorites. Give your taste buds a treat with one of each enchilada and don’t forget a side of carne asada fries!

So, let’s talk all about the enchilada, which originated in Mexico as a traditional dish that has meat and other ingredients stuffed inside a corn tortilla. They are then rolled up, covered with a spicy chili pepper sauce, and then baked. Enchilada means: to add chili pepper.

Many believe the idea of filling and wrapping a tortilla came from the ancient Aztecs, but it was first called an enchilada in the mid to late 19th century. History aside, there’s an endless variety of enchiladas and methods of making them.

You can start with a tortilla that’s fried and then dipped in chile sauce, filled, rolled, and baked. Some prefer to dip it first and then fry the tortilla. Both ways make it come out delicious.

Let’s talk meat. You can use beef, chicken, pork, or fish, and it can be shredded, ground, or cut into bite-sized chunks. Then the meat can be fried, grilled, sautéed, or baked. Don’t forget the other ingredients in an enchilada like vegetables, tomatoes, beans, potatoes, or cheeses.

In Mexico, people in the cities buy them on the streets, wrapped in foil, sort of like the American’s version of a hot dog vendor. In the beginning, they were just corn tortillas dipped in chili sauce and eaten without all the wonderful fillings. But now they are even better.

Enchiladas are also served at wonderful restaurants with a choice of red or green sauce served over them. You might even find them covered with white cheese sauce or mole sauce. This dish is usually topped with cheese, sour cream, lettuce, olives, chopped onions, chili peppers, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

Now that you know all about the enchilada, can you see why it’s the perfect dish? With all types of fillings and toppings, you can have it exactly like you want it. Here are even more options:

Now you know why people are all about the enchilada. We’re happy to serve you cheese, beef, beef and bean, chicken, or steak enchiladas at El Chubby’s Fresh Mexican Grill in Aurora. We make the best Mexican food near you, so stop by for lunch or dinner and see what’s cooking.