Beef Enchiladas Red Sauce (Printable)
Tender beef and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, topped with savory red sauce and fresh cilantro.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp chili powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
→ Red Enchilada Sauce
10 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tbsp chili powder
13 - 1 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
16 - 1/4 tsp dried oregano
17 - 1/4 tsp salt
18 - 2 cups chicken or beef broth
19 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
→ Assembly
20 - 8 medium flour or corn tortillas
21 - 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
22 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
23 - Sour cream (optional, for serving)
# How To Make It:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up; cook about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Incorporate diced tomatoes into the beef mixture and cook for 2 additional minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
06 - Add chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt to the roux; stir for 30 seconds.
07 - Gradually whisk in broth followed by tomato paste. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
08 - Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Slightly warm tortillas to soften. Fill each tortilla with approximately 1/3 cup beef filling and sprinkle with cheese. Roll tightly and arrange seam-side down in the dish.
09 - Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top. Serve optionally with sour cream.
# Tips from dashanddishes:
01 -
- This recipe feels like a guarded secret between close friends, combining tender beef with a rich, homemade sauce that tastes far better than any takeout.
- The blend of spices and the melty cheese topping make every bite a comforting hug on a plate, perfect for sharing.
02 -
- Don&t skip warming the tortillas before rolling; it makes all the difference in preventing cracks and keeping the filling snug.
- Simmer your sauce just long enough so it thickens but stays smooth—overcooking can make it grainy.
03 -
- Brown the beef thoroughly for a deeper flavor that makes the filling unforgettable.
- Let the sauce rest briefly after simmering; it lets flavors meld perfectly before assembly.