Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food Fiesta! 🌶️🧀🎉 1. Introduction Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your Tex-Mex desires? Look no further than this incredible **beef enchiladas recipe**! Imagine tender ground beef, meticulously seasoned with aromatic spices, nestled inside warm corn tortillas, and generously smothered in a rich, homemade red sauce – these **red sauce enchiladas** are the epitome of comfort food. This **beef enchilada recipe** is truly one of the **easy beef enchiladas** recipes you’ll find. Perfect for a bustling weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering with your cherished friends and family, this guide will meticulously walk you through each step of the process. By following these instructions carefully, you’ll effortlessly create the most mouthwatering **beef enchiladas with red sauce** every single time. Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary journey, as you experience an authentic taste of Mexico right in the heart of your very own kitchen! You might also enjoy some other great dinner recipes, like this glazed ham.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need To embark on this culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients. Remember, the quality of your ingredients directly impacts the richness and depth of flavor in your **beef enchiladas recipe**. * 1 pound ground beef (We recommend using ground beef with a lean-to-fat ratio of 80/20 for optimal flavor and texture.) * 1 medium onion, finely chopped (Yellow or white onions work best in this recipe.) * 1 packet enchilada seasoning (Adjust to your spice preference. For a milder flavor, use half a packet initially and add more to taste.) * 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.) * 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce (This adds body and richness to the red sauce.) * 1 tablespoon chili powder (Adds a depth of smoky flavor. Adjust to your preference.) * 1 teaspoon cumin (Provides a warm, earthy note that complements the beef.) * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Enhances the savory flavors of the dish.) * Salt and pepper to taste (Season generously to bring out all the flavors.) * 12 corn tortillas (Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas can be used as a substitute.) * 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Or your favorite cheese blend. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend are all excellent choices.) * Optional toppings: sour cream, fresh cilantro, ripe avocado (These elevate the dish with fresh flavors and textures.) Thinking of a fun dip to make as an appetizer? Consider cowboy caviar. 3. Equipment Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment readily available: * Large skillet (For browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions.) * 9×13 inch baking dish (To assemble and bake the enchiladas. A ceramic or glass dish works best.) * Saucepan (For making the homemade red sauce.) * Tongs (For safely handling the warm tortillas.) 4. Step-by-Step Instructions Now, let’s dive into the detailed instructions for creating your delectable **beef enchiladas with red sauce**. Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Be sure to drain off any excess grease to prevent a soggy final product. Stir in the enchilada seasoning and mix well, ensuring that the beef is evenly coated. This perfectly seasoned beef will form the hearty and flavorful cornerstone of your exceptional **beef enchilada recipe**. If you like beef recipes, you might like this category here.

Step 2: Make the Red Sauce In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This homemade **red sauce enchiladas** sauce is truly what distinguishes this recipe and elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness. You could also try this scalloped potatoes recipe as a side dish.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas To prevent the corn tortillas from cracking and tearing during the rolling process, it’s essential to warm them beforehand. You can achieve this by wrapping them in a slightly damp paper towel and microwaving them for approximately 30 seconds. Alternatively, you can lightly heat them on a dry skillet or comal. This crucial step ensures **easy beef enchiladas** that roll up beautifully and hold their shape.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake Preheat your oven to a precise 350°F (175°C). Gently dip each warmed tortilla into the luscious red sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Then, fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the seasoned ground beef and a sprinkle of your favorite shredded cheese. Carefully roll up the tortilla and place it seam-down in the prepared baking dish. Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the top and generously sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Your mouthwatering **beef enchiladas with red sauce** are now tantalizingly close to being ready to devour! For another fun dinner option, consider this category.

5. Tips for the Best Beef Enchiladas To guarantee enchilada perfection, keep these helpful tips in mind: * Opt for high-quality ground beef to unlock the most exquisite and savory flavor. * Never skip the crucial step of warming the tortillas – this prevents them from cracking and ensures a seamless rolling experience. * Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, such as colorful bell peppers or sweet corn kernels, to add a personal touch. * Infuse a spicy kick by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the homemade red sauce. * Unleash your creativity with a variety of delectable toppings! Cool sour cream, creamy guacamole, fresh cilantro, and diced ripe tomatoes are all fantastic options to elevate the dish. Check this external link for more inspirations Beef Enchiladas Recipe 6. Variations and Substitutions Get creative and explore these exciting variations and substitutions to tailor the recipe to your specific preferences and dietary needs: * For a satisfying vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with protein-rich black beans or hearty lentils. * If you prefer a softer texture, feel free to use flour tortillas instead of traditional corn tortillas. * Experiment with a diverse range of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or a zesty Mexican cheese blend, to create unique flavor profiles. * Introduce a can of diced green chilies to the beef filling to impart an extra layer of captivating flavor and a touch of heat. * Want another dinner option? You can try this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. 7. Serving Suggestions Serve your glorious **beef enchiladas** hot, straight from the oven, for the ultimate culinary experience. They pair flawlessly with a medley of delightful side dishes, such as fluffy Mexican rice, savory refried beans, or a crisp, refreshing salad. And of course, don’t forget to adorn them with your beloved toppings to complete the masterpiece! 8. Storage Instructions Leftover **beef enchiladas with red sauce** can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until they are heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze them – just ensure they are tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Another recipe option for you is this Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe. 9. Conclusion This exceptional **beef enchiladas recipe** is guaranteed to be a resounding crowd-pleaser. With its straightforward steps and tantalizingly flavorful ingredients, you’ll be crafting restaurant-quality **red sauce enchiladas** in the comfort of your own kitchen in no time. Whether you’re seeking an **easy beef enchiladas** recipe for a swift weeknight meal or a spectacular dish to captivate your guests, these extraordinary enchiladas are destined to be an absolute sensation and a culinary triumph! Enjoy every single bite! Consider this chicken chili recipe for another lunch option! Print