Take the comfort of Southern cuisine and give it a Tex-Mex twist with Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy. This dish combines savory breakfast sausage, fluffy scrambled eggs, and creamy sausage gravy all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and baked to perfection. It’s hearty, indulgent, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers that soul-warming flavor you crave. Let’s get cooking our Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 pound breakfast sausage
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions (optional)
- 8 medium flour tortillas
Sausage Gravy:
- 1/2 pound breakfast sausage
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or cilantro
- Extra shredded cheese
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the breakfast sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Remove half of the sausage and set it aside for the gravy.
2. Prepare the Eggs:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the skillet with the remaining sausage.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring gently, until the eggs are just set. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay a tortilla flat, spoon about 1/4 cup of the sausage and egg mixture into the center, and sprinkle with cheese and green onions if desired.
- Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Make the Sausage Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add the reserved sausage and cook until warmed through.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the gravy for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Bake the Enchiladas:
- Pour the sausage gravy over the enchiladas, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve warm with hot sauce on the side.
Tips
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and gravy in advance, then assemble and bake the enchiladas when ready to serve.
- Tortilla Choice: Flour tortillas hold up better to the filling and gravy, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend for added flavor.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.
- Freezing: Assemble the enchiladas without the gravy, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Add gravy just before baking.
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the gravy for extra heat.
- Veggie-Packed: Include sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms in the egg mixture for a balanced meal.
- Southern Classic: Use biscuits instead of tortillas and layer them with sausage, eggs, and gravy for a casserole-style dish.
- Lighter Option: Substitute turkey sausage and use low-fat milk for a healthier take.
Nutrition Details
Per Serving (1 enchilada with gravy)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Q: Can I use store-bought gravy?
A: Yes, for convenience, you can use pre-made sausage or country gravy. However, homemade gravy elevates the flavor significantly.
Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free flour for the gravy and substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the enchiladas?
A: Absolutely! Sautéed peppers, onions, or even spinach are great additions to the filling.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat the dish?
A: Reheat in the oven to maintain the texture of the tortillas and the consistency of the gravy. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Q: Can I use bacon instead of sausage?
A: Yes, crispy bacon works wonderfully in both the filling and gravy. You can also mix and match!