Is Enchilada High in Carbs? A Comprehensive Nutritional Analysis

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a single beef enchilada contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates, indicating that this popular dish can contribute significantly to your daily carb intake. Understanding whether enchilada is high in carbs depends largely on its ingredients and preparation, from the type of tortilla used to the specific fillings and sauces.

Quick Summary

Analyzing enchilada's nutritional profile reveals that the carb content varies based on components like tortillas, fillings, and sauce. Options exist for creating lower-carb versions by modifying ingredients to fit specific dietary needs.

Key Points

Carb Source: The tortilla is the primary source of carbohydrates in enchiladas, with corn tortillas generally having fewer carbs than flour tortillas.
Ingredient Impact: The total carb count is also affected by fillings (e.g., beans increase carbs) and sauces (watch for added sugars in store-bought versions).
Low-Carb Options: Creating low-carb enchiladas is possible by substituting traditional tortillas with alternatives like low-carb wraps, cheese wraps, or lettuce cups.
Filling Choices: Using lean meats, cheese, and non-starchy vegetables for fillings helps keep the carb count down.
Dietary Control: For those on strict low-carb or keto diets, homemade versions using ingredient substitutions are recommended to manage macros effectively.

Understanding the Carb Count in Enchiladas

While it's a common staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, the carb content of an enchilada isn't a fixed number. Instead, it's a sum of its parts, with the tortilla serving as the primary source of carbohydrates. Factors like the filling, sauce, and toppings also play significant roles. For those monitoring their carb intake, whether for weight management or specific health conditions like diabetes, knowing the impact of each ingredient is crucial.

The Tortilla Factor: Corn vs. Flour

Traditionally, enchiladas are made with corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are a popular alternative, especially in Tex-Mex variations. The choice between these two has a direct impact on the final carb count.

Corn Tortillas: A standard 6-inch corn tortilla contains around 12 grams of carbohydrates, with about 1 gram of fiber. While lower in carbs than many flour alternatives, they are not considered keto-friendly due to their glycemic index and overall carb load.
Flour Tortillas: A medium-sized flour tortilla can contain around 23 grams of carbs, nearly double that of a corn tortilla of a similar size. The higher carb count is also accompanied by more calories due to the fats (like shortening or lard) used in their preparation.

Comparing Traditional and Modified Enchilada Carb Counts

To illustrate the impact of ingredient choices, here is a comparison of different enchilada types. The data shows how modifications can substantially alter the carbohydrate load.


Enchilada Type	Primary Carb Source	Estimated Carb Count (per enchilada)	Dietary Consideration
Beef Enchilada (Traditional)	Corn Tortilla	~22g	Moderate. Corn tortillas contribute most of the carbs.
Bean and Cheese Enchilada (Traditional)	Corn Tortilla & Beans	~26g	Higher. Addition of beans increases overall carbs.
Keto/Low-Carb Enchilada	Almond/Cheese Wraps	~3-10g	Very Low. Substitutes tortillas with low-carb alternatives.
Restaurant Cheese Enchilada	Flour/Corn Tortilla	~29-30g	High. Often larger portions with richer sauces.

The Role of Fillings, Sauces, and Toppings

The tortilla is not the only source of carbs. The other components also contribute to the final nutritional profile.

Fillings: Meat fillings like shredded chicken or ground beef are low in carbs, while beans add a significant amount of carbs. Using non-starchy vegetables like zucchini can help reduce the carb count.
Sauce: Many traditional red and green enchilada sauces are relatively low in carbs, typically made from pureed tomatoes, tomatillos, and chili peppers. However, some store-bought varieties may contain added sugar, increasing their carb content. For a low-carb alternative, some recipes use almond flour to thicken the sauce instead of traditional flour.
Toppings: Toppings like cheese, sour cream, and avocado are generally low in carbs and high in fat, making them suitable for low-carb diets. Fresh salsa and pico de gallo are also good options, while excessive use of creamy, sugary sauces should be avoided.

Making Enchiladas a Part of a Low-Carb Diet

Enjoying enchiladas while on a low-carb or keto diet is achievable with a few smart substitutions. The main focus is on replacing the high-carb tortilla and being mindful of the ingredients in your sauce.

Here are some practical tips for creating low-carb enchiladas:

Swap the Tortillas: This is the most effective change. Utilize low-carb wraps made from ingredients like almond or coconut flour. For a gluten-free option, some low-carb alternatives use pork rinds or cauliflower. A simple alternative is using large lettuce leaves to create taco or enchilada wraps.
Use Cheese as a Wrap: In some keto recipes, slices of cheese are baked until browned and pliable, then used as a tortilla replacement. This creates a crispy, cheesy shell that is very low in carbs.
Fill with Lean Protein and Veggies: Focus on fillings like shredded chicken, ground beef, carnitas, or seafood. Incorporate non-starchy vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or onions for added flavor and nutrients.
Control the Sauce: Either make a simple, low-carb enchilada sauce from scratch using tomato paste and spices, or find a store-bought version with no added sugars.
Serve as a Bowl: Ditch the tortilla entirely and serve the seasoned meat, sauce, and cheese in a bowl, topped with low-carb additions like avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.

Conclusion

While a traditional enchilada, particularly one made with flour tortillas and starchy fillings, can be high in carbohydrates, the dish is highly customizable. The key to controlling the carb count lies in the choice of tortilla and the overall preparation. By opting for low-carb tortilla alternatives, focusing on high-protein, low-carb fillings, and making mindful sauce choices, it is possible to create a delicious and satisfying enchilada that fits within a low-carb or ketogenic diet plan. Understanding these core components allows for a more informed and health-conscious approach to enjoying this classic dish.

For more information on navigating Mexican cuisine on a low-carb diet, you can refer to resources like this guide from Atkins.

Frequently Asked Questions

While lower in carbs than flour tortillas, corn tortillas still contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, with one 6-inch tortilla having around 12 grams. They are generally not considered keto-friendly.

Excellent low-carb substitutes include lettuce wraps, wraps made from almond or coconut flour, or tortillas fashioned from baked slices of cheese.

Traditional enchilada sauce is typically low in carbs, but some store-bought varieties may contain added sugars that increase the carb content. Checking the nutrition label is advisable.

Enchiladas can be part of a healthy diet, as they contain a balance of macronutrients like carbs, protein, and fat. However, the healthiness depends on the ingredients, with traditional versions being higher in carbs and calories than modified low-carb versions.

To reduce carbs, use low-carb tortillas or skip them entirely by serving the ingredients in a bowl. Use lean protein fillings, and choose or make a sauce without added sugars.

Good low-carb fillings include shredded chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, and non-starchy vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Yes, restaurant enchiladas often use larger flour tortillas and larger portions, leading to a higher carb count than homemade versions. Many also come with rice and beans on the side, further increasing the carb load.