Name: Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground breakfast sausage; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1 jalapeno, minced; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 3/4 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 10 large eggs; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 cups cooked tater tots; 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 10 fajita-size flour tortillas

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that brings together the best of breakfast and dinner, you’ve got to try this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe. It’s that perfect cozy meal that’s loaded with savory sausage, creamy gravy, and a little bit of spice that wakes up your taste buds. I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something truly special—ideal for weekend brunches or a laid-back dinner that feels like a warm hug.

What really makes these enchiladas stand out for me is the combination: sausage gravy draped over cheesy, egg-filled tortillas with crispy tater tots baked right in. Plus, it’s forgiving and adaptable, so even if you’re not feeling 100% confident in the kitchen, you’ll come away with a dish that tastes amazing and brings smiles around the table. Keep this Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe in your back pocket—you’ll find yourself craving it more than you expect!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients strike a perfect balance of flavors and textures, from savory sausage and melty cheeses to soft eggs and crunchy tater tots. When you shop, aiming for good-quality sausage and fresh dairy products will really elevate the final dish.

Ground breakfast sausage: I use a mild version to keep the seasoning in check, but feel free to grab spicy if you want extra kick.
Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the gravy.
Minced jalapeño: A little heat—remove seeds if you want it milder.
All-purpose flour: This helps thicken the sausage gravy to that perfect creamy consistency.
Milk: Whole milk is my favorite for richness, but 2% works fine too.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
Large eggs: They add fluffy egginess inside the tortillas.
Butter: For cooking those eggs lightly and adding flavor.
Cooked tater tots: The crispy, golden texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy and soft eggs.
Shredded Pepper Jack cheese: Gives a mild spice and creamy meltiness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar balances the richness with bold flavor.
Fajita-size flour tortillas: The soft, slightly chewy base that holds everything together perfectly.

Variations

I find that the Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe invites so much personalization—you can really make it your own depending on what you love or have on hand. Don’t hesitate to mix it up a little to suit your taste buds!

Meat-free variation: Swap sausage for seasoned plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. I tried this once for a friend who’s vegetarian and it was surprisingly comforting!
Cheese swaps: Feel free to use Monterey Jack or even a mild mozzarella instead of Pepper Jack, especially if you prefer less spice.
Veggie boost: Add some sautéed bell peppers or spinach inside for extra color and nutrition.
Spice level: Tweak jalapeño quantity or add a dash of hot sauce on top to amp things up.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the gravy and gluten-free tortillas—I’ve had success with this combo keeping all the same great taste.

How to Make Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sausage and veggies

Start by browning your ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. As the sausage releases some fat, toss in your diced onion and minced jalapeño. Cooking them together lets that sweet-onion flavor mellow and the jalapeño add a gentle kick without overpowering. Keep an eye on the heat so the onions soften but don’t burn—it usually takes about 7–8 minutes.

Step 2: Make the sausage gravy

Once the sausage mixture is browned and veggies are softened, sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to coat the meat and veggies. This step is key for building the gravy base. Slowly pour in the milk bit by bit while whisking—this prevents lumps and helps you get a smooth texture. Let it simmer gently until thickened to a creamy gravy consistency, about 5 minutes. Add salt and pepper toward the end and taste for seasoning.

Step 3: Scramble the eggs

In a clean skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat and gently scramble your eggs. I like to keep them soft and fluffy, not overly cooked, so they melt beautifully inside the tortillas without drying out. Season lightly as you go.

Step 4: Assemble the enchiladas

Lay out your fajita-sized tortillas. Divide the scrambled eggs, cooked tater tots, and a good sprinkle of both shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese onto each one. Roll them up snugly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Pour gravy and bake

Pour your warm sausage gravy generously over the enchiladas, making sure each one gets a fair share of that rich, creamy goodness. Bake uncovered in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden in spots.

How to Serve Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe

A single thick slice of lasagna sits on a white plate showing multiple layers. The bottom layer is a soft pasta sheet, topped by a creamy white sauce mixed with green herbs and small pieces of browned sausage. Above that is another pasta layer covered by a thick layer of melted cheese that is golden yellow with some browned spots, giving a bubbling texture. The cheese looks creamy and stretchy with some scattered herbs. A silver fork rests near the lasagna on the edge of the plate, and the plate is placed on a white marbled surface with two green peppers blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream—it brightens all that richness perfectly. Sometimes I add sliced green onions or a dash of hot sauce for an extra punch. The fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness that balances the meal wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Personally, I like to keep it simple with a crisp green salad on the side or some roasted vegetables for balance. If it’s brunch, fresh fruit or a light coleslaw pairs beautifully too. For a real Southern vibe, some collard greens or baked beans would be just right.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this for brunch gatherings, I arranged the enchiladas on a large platter lined with colorful lettuce leaves, then drizzled the sausage gravy tableside so it stays hot and fresh. Little ramekins of extra cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream let guests customize their plates, which always feels fun and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover enchiladas covered in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and honestly, they taste just as good warmed up because the gravy soaks into everything beautifully. Just be sure to cool them fully before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If I want to freeze, I assemble the enchiladas, pour the gravy over, and then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before sticking them in the freezer. They freeze nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can remove the foil toward the end for a lightly crisp top. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven really keeps the texture and flavor spot-on.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sausage for the Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend classic breakfast sausage for authentic flavor, you can substitute it with spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for a different twist. Just adjust seasoning accordingly since some sausages are saltier or spicier than others.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

You can easily make the Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe vegetarian by using meatless sausage alternatives or sautéed vegetables and plant-based crumbles. Just make sure to use vegetable broth or plant-based milk if you want a fully vegetarian gravy.
How spicy is this recipe?

The spiciness mainly depends on how much jalapeño you include and whether you use pepper jack cheese. I tend to keep it mild to moderate for broad appeal, but you can easily scale the heat by adding more jalapeño, keeping seeds in, or serving with hot sauce.
Can I make the Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and make the gravy ahead, then refrigerate or freeze. When ready, just bake them fresh to enjoy that perfect warm, cheesy goodness without much effort.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil helps maintain texture and moisture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy edges on your tater tots, but for quick reheats, the microwave works fine too.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Sausage Enchiladas with Sausage Gravy Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort dishes—there’s something so satisfying about the creamy gravy mingling with sausage, eggs, and cheese all wrapped in tortillas. It’s a crowd-pleaser in my house and an easy way to treat yourself when you want something cozy without a ton of fuss. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do—it’s a recipe that feels like a warm embrace on a plate.