When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite beats the warm embrace of beef enchiladas with red sauce. Picture this: soft tortillas wrapped around seasoned beef, smothered in a rich, zesty red sauce that dances on your taste buds. The aroma wafting from the oven is enough to make even the most disciplined dieter weak in the knees. It’s like a cozy hug from a long-lost friend—inviting and oh-so-satisfying.
I remember the first time I made these enchiladas for my family. The look on my dad’s face when he took his first bite was priceless—pure bliss mixed with a hint of disbelief that something so delicious could come from our humble kitchen. Whether it’s a festive gathering or just an ordinary Tuesday night, these beef enchiladas with red sauce never fail to bring smiles and hearty appetites to the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These beef enchiladas offer easy preparation, allowing you to whip them up in no time
- Their bold flavor profile is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters
- With vibrant colors and enticing aromas, they’re visually stunning and perfect for any occasion
- Plus, they can be customized with various fillings or toppings to suit your cravings!
Sharing a plate of these enchiladas always leads to laughter and storytelling—a true memory-maker in our home.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for extra flavor while keeping it healthy; feel free to substitute with turkey or veggie crumbles.
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Medium Onion: A finely chopped onion adds a sweet base flavor; yellow onions work best for this recipe.
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Canned Red Enchilada Sauce: For convenience, opt for a high-quality store-bought brand or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional; however, flour tortillas provide a softer texture if preferred.
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Shredded Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully; use whatever cheese makes your heart sing!
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Sour Cream: Adds a creamy element; consider using Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
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Chopped Fresh Cilantro: For garnish, fresh cilantro brightens up the dish with its aromatic flair.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Sauté the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions until fully cooked. Stir frequently until everything is nicely browned and aromatic.
Add Seasoning and Sauce: Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any taco seasoning you enjoy. Pour in half of the red enchilada sauce and stir until well combined.
Prepare Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet briefly until soft; this prevents them from cracking when rolling. Fill each tortilla generously with the beef mixture.
Roll Them Up!: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat until all ingredients are used up.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure to cover them completely. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously across the top.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Enjoy those savory aromas filling your kitchen!
Enjoy every mouthful of these delightful beef enchiladas with red sauce as they melt away your worries!
You Must Know
- Beef enchiladas with red sauce are not just delicious; they’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings
- The combination of flavors and textures creates an explosion in your mouth, making each bite memorable
- These enchiladas are also a great way to use leftover beef
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the beef with spices first, then prepare the sauce while assembling the enchiladas. This sequence keeps everything fresh and flavorful, ensuring your beef enchiladas with red sauce are a hit.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or even beans for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses or add jalapeños for extra heat to personalize your beef enchiladas with red sauce.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, microwave for one to two minutes or bake at 350°F until heated through to keep those flavors intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly rolled enchiladas, warm tortillas before filling them; this prevents tearing and makes them more pliable
- Use good quality cheese for better meltiness and flavor
- Lastly, don’t skip the toppings; they add freshness and texture!
I remember the first time I made beef enchiladas with red sauce for my family. Everyone went back for seconds, and my cousin even asked if I could cater his next party!
FAQ
Can I use other meats in beef enchiladas with red sauce?
Yes, shredded chicken or turkey can be great alternatives for these enchiladas.
What type of cheese is best for beef enchiladas?
Mexican blend cheese is ideal, but cheddar or Monterey Jack works well too.
Can I freeze leftover beef enchiladas with red sauce?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are the ultimate comfort food, featuring soft tortillas packed with seasoned beef, topped with a rich and zesty red sauce. This delicious dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, bringing smiles and satisfaction to every table. Easy to prepare and customizable, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 10 oz canned red enchilada sauce
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions until fully cooked. Stir frequently until browned.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Add half of the red enchilada sauce and stir until combined.
- Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet to prevent cracking. Fill each tortilla generously with the beef mixture and roll tightly.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over them and top with shredded cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
