Creamy Ham and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Share to Social


This creamy ham and cheese enchilada casserole features tender flour tortillas, eggs, cheddar, and a savory sauce. Easy comfort food for any meal!

Tender flour tortillas stuffed with ham, cheddar cheese, and green onions, then baked in a creamy egg and mushroom sauce until golden and delicious. This easy casserole is comfort food at its finest, whether you’re serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper!

Sometimes the Best Recipes Happen by Accident

I’m 67 years old, and today I made a discovery in the kitchen that might just change the way I cook with tortillas forever.

And the funny thing is, it all started with a grocery shopping mistake.

I recently purchased a package of H-E-B Mi Tienda flour tortillas. I didn’t realize until later that they weren’t ordinary flour tortillas. They were ready-to-cook tortillas, meaning the dough hadn’t been cooked yet.

Well, I was hungry and wanted something warm and comforting for breakfast. I had some ham, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, eggs, milk, and a can of cream of mushroom soup.

So I decided to make a breakfast enchilada casserole.

I rolled the uncooked tortillas around the ham, cheese, and green onions, lined them up in a baking dish, and poured a seasoned egg and mushroom soup mixture over the top. A little more cheddar cheese finished things off.

Then I popped the whole thing into the oven.

No waiting. No overnight soaking. No precooking the tortillas.

And what happened next surprised me!

A Surprising Discovery

As the casserole baked, those uncooked tortillas began to expand. They puffed up beneath the creamy sauce and melted cheese.

After about 40 minutes, I pulled a beautiful, golden casserole from the oven.

But the real surprise came when I took my first bite.

Those tortillas had developed a wonderfully tender texture that reminded me of old-fashioned Southern rolled dumplings!

If you’ve ever eaten homemade chicken and dumplings made with flat, rolled dough, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

The tortillas were soft, tender, and comforting, surrounded by creamy egg custard, savory ham, melted cheddar, and just enough green onion to brighten the flavors.

And the seasoning? Perfect!

I enjoyed my first serving so much that I immediately wanted to go back for seconds.

That’s when I knew this accidental recipe was a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy preparation: No need to scramble the eggs or cook the ham beforehand.
  • Everyday ingredients: Everything comes together with simple refrigerator and pantry staples.
  • Wonderfully comforting: The creamy sauce, melted cheese, and tender tortillas make every bite satisfying.
  • Versatile: Serve it for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper.
  • A unique texture: Uncooked flour tortillas develop an almost dumpling-like tenderness as they bake.
  • Great for sharing: This hearty casserole is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a leisurely weekend meal.

Ingredients

  • Approximately 12 H-E-B Mi Tienda Ready to Cook Flour Tortillas
  • 1 cup chopped cooked ham
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • Chopped green onions or scallions, to taste
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion salt

The seasoning measurements are approximate because I added them as I went.

How to Make Creamy Ham and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish, approximately 9×13 inches, to help prevent sticking.

Step 2: Fill the Tortillas

Place one uncooked flour tortilla on a clean work surface. Sprinkle a little shredded cheddar cheese down the center, followed by chopped ham and green onions.

Roll the tortilla into an enchilada shape and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish. Reserve some of the cheddar cheese for the topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion salt.

Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture may still have small pieces of mushroom from the soup.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the creamy egg mixture evenly over the filled tortillas.

Make sure the tortillas are coated with the sauce.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated 350°F oven.

Bake uncovered for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until the egg mixture is set, the cheese is golden, and the tortillas are cooked through.

In my kitchen, the center registered 189°F at the 35-minute mark. I baked the casserole for another five minutes before removing it from the oven.

For food safety, the center of an egg casserole should reach at least 160°F. Be sure to check that the tortillas are fully cooked as well.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving.

Cut into portions and enjoy while warm.

What Makes These Tortillas Different?

The secret to this casserole’s unusual texture is the type of tortilla I used.

H-E-B Mi Tienda Ready to Cook Flour Tortillas are sold refrigerated and contain uncooked dough.

As they bake in the creamy egg mixture, the dough cooks, expands, and becomes tender.

The finished texture reminded me of the flat, rolled dumplings often served in Southern chicken and dumplings. (Hint: Hang tight for an upcoming rolled dumpling recipe made with the leftover tortillas!)

What a delightful surprise!

Can I Finish This Casserole on the Grill or Smoker?

Since this is Backyard Texas Grill, you might be wondering whether you can add a little smoky flavor to this comforting casserole.

I prepared mine in a conventional oven, but finishing it on the grill or smoker is an option worth trying.

To finish on the grill: Begin baking the casserole in a 350°F oven for approximately 25–30 minutes, until the egg mixture begins to set. Carefully transfer it in a grill-safe metal pan to a preheated grill running around 350°F. Place it over indirect heat, close the lid, and continue cooking until the center reaches at least 160°F and the tortillas are cooked through.

To finish on the smoker: Begin with the same oven-baking method, then transfer the casserole in a smoker-safe metal pan to a smoker running around 300–325°F. Mild woods such as apple or pecan would complement the ham and cheddar nicely. Continue cooking until the casserole is fully cooked.

Keep the casserole away from direct flames, and loosely cover the top with foil if the cheese begins to brown too quickly.

These grill and smoker finishing methods are suggestions and have not yet been tested with this recipe. Cooking times will vary.

Not Just for Breakfast!

Although I originally made this casserole for breakfast, I quickly realized it would be delicious at almost any meal.

Serve it as a hearty brunch centerpiece, a comforting lunch, or an easy weeknight supper.

It could also work as a substantial side dish alongside other family favorites.

The combination of tender tortillas, savory ham, and creamy cheese sauce makes it especially appealing when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

More Southern Comfort Food Favorites

If you love the tender texture of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to try our homemade chicken and drop dumplings. The soft, drop dumplings have a similar comforting biscuit-like quality.

And if creamy, cheesy dishes are your weakness, be sure to check out our macaroni and cheese recipes, too.

For more hearty morning meals, explore our Southwest Breakfast Casserole, Cast Iron Ham and Potato Breakfast Skillet, and other breakfast favorites.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve made the original version, you might enjoy experimenting with a few different flavors.

Sausage and Cheese: Try cooked, crumbled breakfast sausage instead of ham.

Bacon and Cheddar: Substitute cooked, crumbled bacon for the ham.

Spicy Southwest: Add chopped green chiles or diced jalapeños for a little heat.

Extra Vegetables: Try sautéed bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms.

These are suggested variations and haven’t been tested with the original recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Regular Flour Tortillas?

You can certainly try making this casserole with ordinary, fully cooked flour tortillas, but I haven’t tested that variation.

The texture and baking time may be different, and you probably won’t get quite the same dumpling-like result.

For the version described here, I recommend using uncooked, ready-to-cook flour tortillas.

Do I need to cook the tortillas before assembling the casserole?

No! This recipe was specifically made with uncooked, ready-to-cook flour tortillas. They cooked in the creamy sauce while the casserole baked.

Do I need to let the casserole sit before baking?

No. I assembled mine and placed it directly into the oven. It turned out beautifully.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I haven’t tested an overnight version. Because the uncooked tortillas absorb moisture, assembling it too far in advance could change the finished texture. For the most reliable results, I recommend baking it shortly after assembling.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The cheese should be golden, the egg mixture should be set, and the center should reach at least 160°F. Check a center tortilla to make sure the dough is fully cooked.

How should I store leftovers?

Allow the casserole to cool slightly, then refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days.

Can I freeze this casserole?

I haven’t tested freezing this particular casserole. Because it contains an egg custard and creamy sauce, the texture may change after freezing and reheating.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best kitchen discoveries happen when you least expect them.

I certainly didn’t plan to make a new recipe when I accidentally purchased uncooked flour tortillas.

But I’m so glad I did!

This creamy ham and cheese enchilada casserole turned out to be one of the most comforting dishes I’ve made in a long time.

Between the tender, dumpling-like tortillas, savory ham, creamy sauce, and golden cheddar cheese, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to go back for seconds.

And whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or supper, I hope your family enjoys it as much as I did.

Happy cooking!

About the Cook

Hi, I'm Janice! I'm the creator of Out of the Box Baking, a longtime author, and a proud Texas grandmother who loves spending time in the kitchen. You'll usually find me sharing cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats here at Backyard Texas Grill, the wonderful food site run by Zach and Randi.

But every now and then, I venture into savory territory! I love old-fashioned Southern comfort food, easy kitchen shortcuts, and recipes that bring family and friends together. Whether I'm baking something sweet or experimenting with a hearty casserole, I'm always up for a little kitchen adventure!

Ham and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Ham and Cheese Enchilada Casserole

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Tender flour tortillas stuffed with ham, cheddar cheese, and green onions, then baked in a creamy egg and mushroom sauce until golden and delicious. This easy casserole is comfort food at its finest, whether you’re serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, or supper!
No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 12 uncooked flour tortillas (H-E-B Mi Tienda Ready to Cook)
  • 1 cup chopped cooked ham
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • Chopped scallions, to taste
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish.
  2. Fill each uncooked tortilla with a portion of ham, shredded cheddar, and chopped scallions. Roll and arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
  3. Whisk together eggs, milk, condensed cream of mushroom soup, and seasonings.
  4. Pour the mixture evenly over the rolled tortillas.
  5. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
  6. Bake uncovered for approximately 35–40 minutes, until the eggs are set, the center reaches at least 160°F, and the tortillas are fully cooked.
  7. Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • This recipe was tested with H-E-B Mi Tienda Ready to Cook Flour Tortillas.
  • Fully cooked tortillas may produce different results and have not been tested.
  • Seasoning amounts are approximate.
  • Grill and smoker finishing instructions are provided in the full post as untested alternatives.

• • Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 3–4 days.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Facebook

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *