The aroma of beef enchiladas with red sauce wafts through the air like a warm hug for your taste buds. Imagine sinking your fork into layers of tender, flavorful beef, enveloped in soft tortillas and drenched in a vibrant red sauce that dances on your tongue. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for any gathering where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
These enchiladas remind me of family get-togethers, where laughter echoes off the walls and every plate is filled to the brim. I can still hear my uncle’s exaggerated “Mmm!” after every bite, as if he was auditioning for a cooking show. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a cozy Sunday dinner, these enchiladas will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means even novice cooks can shine in the kitchen
- With layers of flavors from spices and tender beef, this dish is a flavor bomb
- Visually appealing with its rich colors, it’s sure to wow your guests
- Enjoy them anytime</strong>: they’re versatile enough for both casual meals and festive occasions
One unforgettable night, I served these enchiladas at a dinner party; my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. Their smiles and satisfied groans said it all!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a hearty filling without excess grease.
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Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up well when filled.
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Red Enchilada Sauce: Go for homemade or store-bought; just ensure it’s rich and bold.
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Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully on top.
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Onion: Use finely chopped onions to add sweetness and texture to the filling.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic depth that enhances overall flavor.
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Cumin & Chili Powder: These spices add warmth and a hint of smokiness to the beef.
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Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic until fragrant.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Start by preparing your ingredients: Chop onions and mince garlic while you let your ground beef come to room temperature—trust me, it cooks better this way.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.
Brown the Beef: Toss in the ground beef with cumin and chili powder. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula until no pink remains.
Add Sauce: Mix half of your enchilada sauce into the beef mixture until everything is well-coated; it should smell heavenly.
Fill the Tortillas: Take each tortilla, spoon some beef mixture inside, then roll them up tightly like little burritos before placing them seam-side down in a baking dish.
Add More Sauce & Cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top like you’re creating a cheesy blanket.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Feel free to sneak a peek halfway through!
Now you’re left with gooey goodness that will make anyone swoon! Serve hot with sour cream or guacamole on the side for an added touch of decadence.
Enjoy making these delightful beef enchiladas with red sauce! Your friends will be begging for this recipe faster than you can say “enchilada!”
You Must Know
- Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a comfort food classic; they can be made ahead for easy weeknight dinners
- The rich aroma will have everyone racing to the table
- Don’t forget to top them with fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef and onions first, then layer your enchiladas with cheese and sauce, ensuring even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or add black beans and corn for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfect beef enchiladas with red sauce, use freshly grated cheese for better melting
- Avoid overfilling them; this prevents tearing and messy presentations
- Let them rest for a few minutes after baking, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully
I remember the first time I made beef enchiladas with red sauce; my friends devoured them in seconds and asked for more. Their smiles were priceless!
FAQ
Can I use a different meat for these enchiladas?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken or turkey are great alternatives that work well.
How spicy is the red sauce?
The spice level varies; adjust it based on your preference using mild or hot sauce.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare them in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking.
Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (makes about eight enchiladas) 1x
Description
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a delightful comfort food that combines layers of tender beef, soft tortillas, and a rich, zesty sauce. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. With just the right balance of flavors and textures, these enchiladas will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop onions and mince garlic. Let the ground beef come to room temperature.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic; cook until translucent.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef along with cumin and chili powder. Cook until browned, breaking it apart until no pink remains.
- Mix sauce: Stir half of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture until well-coated.
- Fill tortillas: Spoon some beef mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, top with fresh cilantro before serving. Swap out ground beef for shredded chicken or add black beans for a vegetarian twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; reheat at 350°F until warm.