Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Looking for a dinner that’s rich, satisfying, and always a hit at the table? These beef enchiladas are layered with bold flavors and finished with a blanket of melted cheese and tangy red sauce. They’re simple enough for a weeknight meal and hearty enough to feed a crowd. The best part? You can make them your own by adjusting the filling or switching up the toppings.

What Makes This Recipe Great

• Ready in under 1 hour
• A great way to use ground beef
• Can be tailored with your favorite toppings
• Comforting, filling, and full of flavor
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead meals

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

Enchiladas

• 1 can (15 oz) red enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Toppings (optional but recommended)

• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Diced avocado
• Shredded lettuce
• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions
• Cotija cheese
• Hot sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once fully browned, transfer it to a bowl and drain any fat.

2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, heat a small amount of oil. Cook the diced onion until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Finish the Filling
Return the beef to the skillet. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, green chiles, and the water required by your taco seasoning packet. Let it simmer until the mixture thickens and the water is absorbed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

4. Prep the Baking Dish
Spread half a cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

5. Roll the Enchiladas
Warm your tortillas to make them more flexible. Place one-third cup of the beef filling down the center of each tortilla. Top with a quarter cup of shredded cheese. Roll them tightly and arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.

6. Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.

7. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbling.

8. Serve
Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes.

Tips for Success

• Warm tortillas in a dry pan or microwave under a damp paper towel to prevent cracking.
• Add cooked black beans, refried beans, or rice to make the filling more substantial.
• Try green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor.
• Grate cheese yourself for better melt and texture.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets properly before serving.

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in a covered dish for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap portions well and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven covered with foil or use the microwave for quicker heating.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Ground turkey or shredded chicken work well in place of beef.
• Use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
• Spinach or mushrooms can be added to the filling for extra nutrients.
• For a milder dish, skip the green chiles or use mild enchilada sauce.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas go perfectly with sides like Mexican rice, cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with chips and salsa, guacamole, or a drizzle of crema for an elevated presentation.

A Brief History

Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish with deep roots. What began as simple tortillas filled with fish or beans has evolved into a variety of delicious forms across different regions. The version here reflects a more modern take with red sauce and cheese, popular in many North American homes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep corn tortillas from cracking?
Warm them before rolling either in a skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave.

What toppings go best with enchiladas?
Sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, green onions, and cotija cheese are all great choices.

Can I add beans or rice to the filling?
Yes. Adding black beans, refried beans, or rice makes the dish more filling and stretches the servings.

Can I use a different sauce?
Definitely. Green enchilada sauce or even a homemade mole can be used depending on your taste.

What cheese works best?
A shredded Mexican blend is ideal, but cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack all work well too.

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