Oh, you’re going to love these Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Creamy Gravy! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those comforting meals that always feels like a warm hug. My husband and I stumbled upon it during a lazy Sunday afternoon when we were craving something hearty and satisfying. The blend of savory sausage and the creamy, dreamy gravy is just irresistible, and it’s quickly become a favorite in our household (even our cat seems intrigued by the smells!).
These enchiladas are bursting with flavor and just the right amount of spice. The soft tortillas are generously filled with a delicious sausage mixture, then draped in that luscious gravy, which is creamy and just a little bit tangy. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone coming back for seconds—and trust me, you won’t be able to resist! Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for something lighter on the side, you should definitely check out my recipe for a refreshing cucumber salad!
Why You’ll Love These Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Creamy Gravy
- Deliciously savory with a satisfying blend of breakfast sausage and hearty vegetables
- Rich, creamy gravy brings a unique twist to traditional enchiladas
- Cheesy goodness throughout, with melted cheddar inside and out
- Easy to prepare with straightforward steps and fuss-free ingredients
- Perfect for brunch or a comforting dinner that the whole family will enjoy
- Customizable filling options allow you to cater to your personal taste preferences
These enchiladas combine the traditional Southern breakfast flavors you love with a fun twist, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
How to Make Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Creamy Gravy
If you’re looking for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and sure to please a crowd, these Southern sausage enchiladas with creamy gravy are a winner! This recipe brings together the flavors of breakfast sausage and gooey cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in creamy goodness. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive brunch!
What You’ll Need:
- Breakfast sausage – 1 lb, mild or spicy depending on your heat preference. I usually go for mild since it allows the other flavors to shine through.
- Onion – 1/4 cup finely chopped. A sweet onion works beautifully here for a nice flavor balance.
- Green bell pepper – 1/4 cup finely chopped. This adds a lovely crunch and fresh flavor.
- Jalapeño peppers – optional; I like adding 1/4 cup finely chopped for an extra kick!
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup for the filling + 1 cup for topping. I love using Tillamook cheese for its rich flavor.
- Flour tortillas – 8 (8-inch size). Soft tortillas make rolling these enchiladas so much easier.
- Milk – 2 cups, for a creamy gravy. I prefer whole milk for its richness.
- All-purpose flour – 1/4 cup. This thickens the gravy perfectly.
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp, for that lovely aromatic boost.
- Onion powder – 1 tsp, to deepen the flavor.
- Black pepper – 1 tsp. Freshly cracked is always best!
- Salt – 1/2 tsp. Adjust to taste.
- Cayenne pepper – 1/4 tsp, optional for a bit more heat. A little goes a long way!
The Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. If there’s excess grease, drain it.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the veggies are tender, about 3-5 minutes. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in those jalapeños now too!
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the sausage and veggies. Mmm!
- For the creamy gravy, grab a separate saucepan. Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Slowly whisk in the milk over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth—this takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the gravy thickens.
- To assemble the enchiladas, take a flour tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the sausage mixture onto the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the creamy gravy generously over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they’re well covered. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese on top for a bubbly finish!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and golden.
- Let the enchiladas cool for a minute before digging in. Enjoy every bite!
Pro tip: You can easily customize the filling by adding in some scrambled eggs or other veggies if you like. And for that extra zing, don’t hesitate to drizzle some hot sauce on top before serving. Enjoy those cozy vibes!
Can I Use Turkey Sausage Instead of Pork Sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just make sure to choose a flavorful variety to ensure your enchiladas are just as delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make these enchiladas vegetarian by replacing the sausage with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and black beans. You can also add some spinach for extra nutrition. Just season the veggies to taste!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Gravy?
If you have leftover gravy, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great to use over biscuits or as a sauce for other dishes. Just reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of milk if it gets too thick.
Can I Freeze These Enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas before baking! Assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then pour over the gravy and bake as directed. Enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort!
More Delicious Southern Recipes!
If you love Southern flavors, you’re going to enjoy these tasty recipes. Check them out below:
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Honey Mustard Roasted Potatoes
- Hearty Texas Cowboy Stew
- Creamy Potato and Sausage Chowder
- Smoky Bacon Mac & Cheese
Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Creamy Gravy
Indulge in these Southern-style sausage enchiladas enveloped in creamy gravy, perfect for a comforting dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 1 lb breakfast sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup jalapeño peppers, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for more heat)
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain extra grease if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet with the sausage. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes. If using jalapeños, add them at this stage as well.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Set aside.
- For the creamy gravy, in a separate saucepan, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper. Gradually whisk in the milk over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- To assemble the enchiladas, spoon about 1/4 cup of the sausage mixture onto each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the creamy gravy over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well covered. Top with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding cooked eggs or other vegetables according to your taste.
- For an added kick, consider adding hot sauce to the gravy or drizzling it on top before serving.
Keywords: sausage enchiladas, southern comfort food, creamy gravy enchiladas
