Savory Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

Welcome to a delicious journey into the world of comforting Mexican cuisine with these flavorful Beef Enchiladas! When Taco Tuesday needs a little extra oomph, these enchiladas step up to the plate with seasoned ground beef, soft corn tortillas, and a generous helping of red enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Each bite is a symphony of tender meat, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.

Crafted from humble ingredients, these Beef Enchiladas are a testament to how simplicity can result in pure culinary delight. Whether it’s a picky eater or a Mexican food critic at your table, these enchiladas are sure to win hearts and taste buds. The secret lies in warming the tortillas just right and embracing the moisture of the enchilada sauce, ensuring each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Serve them up with fresh toppings and sides for a complete Mexican feast that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

So, if you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress your loved ones with a homemade Mexican fiesta, give these Beef Enchiladas a try. With options to customize the filling and sauce, these versatile enchiladas promise to be a family favorite that delivers on both taste and simplicity. Get ready to savor the joy of a homemade meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Quick Benefits

• Easy and satisfying meal for Taco Tuesday or any night of the week
• Customizable with various toppings and fillings to suit different preferences
• Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep
• Simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful and restaurant-quality dish

Why You’ll Love This Savory Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce Recipe

• Authentic and Satisfying Flavors: The seasoned beef, soft tortillas, and tangy enchilada sauce create a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love these enchiladas! The recipe has been tried and tested with success, even converting plain food lovers into fans of these flavorful enchiladas.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize these enchiladas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, cilantro, and more. Add beans for extra protein or switch to green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead and Leftovers: These enchiladas taste even better the next day, making them a great option for meal prep. Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated easily for a quick and delicious meal throughout the week.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With basic pantry staples like ground beef, tortillas, and enchilada sauce, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that is hearty and satisfying. It proves that comfort food can be both simple and delicious.
• Family Mealtime Favorite: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a weekend family dinner, these beef enchiladas are sure to become a requested favorite. The combination of meat, tortillas, sauce, and cheese creates a memorable dish that brings everyone together.

Ingredients for Savory Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

Beef Filling

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

Enchiladas

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

Toppings

• Sour cream, fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, sliced green onions, chopped red onions, cotija cheese, or hot sauce (optional)

How to Make Savory Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

Step 1: Cook the beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside, then drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Sauté aromatics

Cook onions in oil until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.

Step 3: Season the filling

Add the cooked beef back to the pan. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, green chiles, and water following the directions on the taco seasoning packet. Simmer until liquid reduces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prep baking dish

Preheat oven to 350°F and evenly spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in a 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 5: Assemble enchiladas

Place 1/3 cup of beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the casserole dish. Repeat for remaining tortillas.

Step 6: Top and bake

Spread remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Step 7: Serve hot

Top with desired toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, or avocado before serving.

Storage Tips

Once the beef enchiladas are made, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or back in the oven covered with foil until heated through. The flavors of the enchiladas will actually develop and intensify, making them even more delicious the next day as all the ingredients meld together.

If you prefer to prepare the enchiladas in advance, you can assemble them completely and then refrigerate them before baking. When ready to enjoy, simply add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through. This make-ahead option is convenient for busy days or when you want to have a meal ready to pop in the oven later. Whether reheating leftovers or baking from the fridge, the beef enchiladas will maintain their flavors and textures, providing a tasty and satisfying meal each time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ground beef on hand, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. These alternatives will provide a similar texture and absorb the flavors of the seasonings and sauce just as well as beef.

If you’re looking to make a healthier version of this dish, you can swap the corn tortillas for whole wheat tortillas or even use large lettuce leaves for a low-carb, gluten-free option. Additionally, you can use a light or homemade enchilada sauce with reduced sodium to cut down on the overall salt content without compromising on flavor. Making these small changes can cater to different dietary preferences and restrictions while still delivering a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Beef Enchiladas, try creating an enchilada bar for a DIY dinner experience. Lay out all the toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and sliced green onions in colorful bowls. Let everyone build their own enchiladas with their favorite toppings for a personalized and interactive meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

To elevate your Beef Enchiladas presentation, try serving them individually in mini cast-iron skillets. Place a single enchilada in each skillet, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a rustic and charming way to present this comforting dish. The mini skillets not only add a touch of elegance to the meal but also keep the enchiladas warm throughout the dining experience.

FAQs for Savory Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for this recipe?

While corn tortillas are traditionally used for enchiladas, you can definitely use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make these beef enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then bake them when you’re ready to serve. Just add about 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they heat through properly.

How can I prevent my corn tortillas from cracking when rolling them?

To prevent corn tortillas from cracking, make sure to warm them properly before rolling. You can do this by heating them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for a few seconds until they are pliable.

Can I freeze leftover beef enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze leftover beef enchiladas. Make sure they are tightly wrapped in foil or placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bake in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Beef Enchiladas brings as much joy and flavor to your table as it has to mine. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings with loved ones. The tender beef, enveloped in soft tortillas and smothered in rich enchilada sauce and cheese, is a delightful combination that never fails to impress.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Beef Enchiladas by adding your favorite toppings or variations to suit your taste buds. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different fillings and sauces, the result is sure to be a delicious and comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for more. So gather your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and savor the warm, satisfying flavors of homemade Beef Enchiladas. Enjoy!

Savory Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

“Restaurant-quality Beef Enchiladas with seasoned beef, tangy red enchilada sauce, and loads of melted cheese, a satisfying and customizable family favorite.”

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Prep Time25 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineMexican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (8 enchiladas)

Ingredients

Beef Filling

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

Enchiladas

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

Toppings

• Sour cream, fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, sliced green onions, chopped red onions, cotija cheese, or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside, then drain any excess fat from the pan.
2. Sauté aromatics: Cook onions in oil until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
3. Season the filling: Add the cooked beef back to the pan. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, green chiles, and water following the directions on the taco seasoning packet. Simmer until liquid reduces. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prep baking dish: Preheat oven to 350°F and evenly spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in a 9×13 casserole dish.
5. Assemble enchiladas: Place 1/3 cup of beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese, roll tightly, and arrange seam-side down in the casserole dish. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
6. Top and bake: Spread remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas and sprinkle with remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
7. Serve hot: Top with desired toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, or avocado before serving.