Iconic Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red Recipe

Name: Iconic Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 6 ounces tomato paste; 3 cups chicken broth; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 8-10 flour tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

by Jannet Lisa

29 de September de 2025

---Advertisement---

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Mouthwatering beef enchiladas red have been a staple in my family for years, and for good reason! There’s something incredibly comforting about those tender, seasoned beef-filled tortillas bathed in a rich, smoky red sauce and topped with bubbly cheese. I remember my mom making these every Sunday, the aroma filling the entire house and making my stomach rumble with anticipation. This recipe delivers that authentic beef enchiladas red sauce flavor you crave, with a homemade touch that makes it truly special. Get ready for a delicious journey into classic Mexican-American comfort food – let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

Get ready to fall in love with these incredible enchiladas! They’re more than just a meal; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen.

Unbeatable homemade flavor that beats any store-bought version.
The perfect balance of savory ground beef and rich, smoky red sauce.
An easy beef enchiladas red recipe that’s surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a weeknight.

Pure comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
That irresistible, gooey, cheesy beef enchiladas red sauce topping you dream about.
Impress your friends and family with an authentic taste of Mexican-American cuisine.

The aroma alone will have everyone running to the table!
A truly satisfying and delicious meal that never disappoints.

Ingredients for Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these amazing enchiladas. This recipe relies on simple, quality components to build that authentic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for your ground beef enchiladas red sauce masterpiece:

1 pound lean ground beef – the hearty base for our filling
1 medium yellow onion, chopped – adds a touch of sweetness and depth
3 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential aromatic punch

2 tablespoons olive oil – to sauté our aromatics and bloom the spices
2 tablespoons chili powder – the backbone of our red sauce flavor
1 teaspoon cumin – brings a warm, earthy note

1 teaspoon paprika – for color and a subtle smoky sweetness
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – this helps thicken our delicious enchilada sauce
6 ounces tomato paste – provides a rich, concentrated tomato base

3 cups chicken broth – the liquid for our sauce, creating that perfect consistency
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – essential for balancing all the flavors
8-10 flour tortillas – the perfect vessel for our savory filling and sauce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – for that irresistible cheesy topping

How to Make Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

Let’s get these delicious enchiladas into your oven! This recipe for homemade beef enchiladas red is straightforward and so rewarding. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is simply divine.

Iconic Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red Recipe - Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red - close-up of enchiladas being assembled

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grab a large skillet and get ready to brown that beef.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef over medium heat in your skillet. Once it’s nicely cooked through, drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until it’s nice and soft, usually about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell its fragrant aroma.
Step 5: Remove the beef and onion mixture from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Step 6: In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Let them cook for 1 minute until they release their wonderful scents.

Step 7: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This helps create a smooth base for our sauce.
Step 8: Gradually whisk in the tomato paste and chicken broth until everything is smooth and well combined. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a luscious sauce. This is your homemade red enchilada sauce, the star of this beef enchiladas red sauce recipe! Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 9: Warm the flour tortillas slightly to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Step 10: Spread a thin layer of your delicious red enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 11: Spoon the savory beef mixture evenly into the center of each tortilla.
Step 12: Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 13: Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure they are fully covered for maximum flavor.
Step 14: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 15: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling merrily and the cheese is melted and beautifully golden brown.

Step 16: Let the mouthwatering beef enchiladas red rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Pro Tips for the Best Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate these enchiladas from good to absolutely spectacular. Follow these tips for guaranteed success!

Don’t skimp on the spices when making the sauce; toasting them briefly unlocks their full flavor potential.

Warm your tortillas before rolling; this makes them pliable and prevents them from tearing, ensuring a neat presentation.
Let the enchiladas rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld, making them easier to serve neatly.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the beef filling or a dash of chipotle powder to the sauce.

What’s the secret to perfect Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red?

The real secret lies in a deeply flavorful homemade red sauce. Using quality chili powder and toasting your spices before adding liquid creates the best beef enchiladas red sauce, giving you that authentic, rich taste. For more information on the importance of spices in cooking, you can explore resources on spice usage.

Can I make Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re going into the oven cold.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red?

Avoid overfilling the tortillas, which can cause them to break. Also, don’t forget to warm your tortillas; cold ones are prone to tearing. Lastly, ensure your sauce is thick enough before pouring it over the enchiladas.

Best Ways to Serve Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

These delicious enchiladas are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a few classic sides. For a truly authentic experience, serve them piping hot with a dollop of cool sour cream or a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo. A side of fluffy Mexican rice and creamy refried beans makes this a complete and satisfying feast. The rich, savory beef enchiladas red sauce pairs wonderfully with the slight tang of lime wedges, so don’t forget those!

Iconic Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red Recipe - Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red - plated enchiladas with toppings

Nutrition Facts for Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

When you’re enjoying these delicious enchiladas, it’s helpful to know what you’re eating. Each serving brings together savory beef, rich sauce, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.

Calories: 450
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g

Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 30g

Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 25g

Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 700mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used for your mouthwatering beef enchiladas red.

How to Store and Reheat Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

Leftover mouthwatering beef enchiladas red are a true gift! Once they’ve cooled down slightly after baking, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them tasting their best. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. They’ll stay delicious in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning for the long haul, these enchiladas freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. This makes them a perfect candidate for meal prep, ensuring you always have a tasty meal ready to go.

Reheating is just as simple! For refrigerated enchiladas, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. For frozen enchiladas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first before reheating in the oven. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the oven generally yields a crisper, more enjoyable texture. Enjoying these beef enchiladas red sauce leftovers is almost as good as the first time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red

What makes these Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red so delicious?

It’s a combination of factors! We start with a savory, well-seasoned ground beef filling, wrap it in soft tortillas, and then smother it all in a rich, homemade red enchilada sauce. The final touch of bubbly, melted cheese seals the deal, making these truly irresistible. The depth of flavor in our authentic beef enchiladas red sauce is key.

How do I make beef enchiladas red sauce from scratch?

Making the sauce from scratch is easier than you think! You’ll sauté aromatics like onion and garlic, then bloom spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika in oil. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add tomato paste and chicken broth, simmering until thickened. Seasoning to taste is crucial for that perfect, homemade flavor for your beef enchiladas red sauce recipe.

Can I use shredded beef instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground beef for convenience, you can certainly use slow-cooked, shredded beef for an even richer texture. Ensure the shredded beef is moist and seasoned well before filling your tortillas. It’s a fantastic variation if you have leftover pot roast or enjoy a different texture in your shredded beef enchiladas red sauce. For inspiration on slow-cooking meats, check out these slow cooker recipes.

What are some good toppings for beef enchiladas?

The classic toppings really enhance the experience. A dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy sauce. Fresh cilantro, diced white onion, sliced jalapeños for extra heat, or some creamy avocado slices are also wonderful additions that complement the savory flavors of these mouthwatering beef enchiladas red.

Variations of Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas Red You Can Try

While this classic recipe is amazing, don’t be afraid to experiment! You can easily adapt these mouthwatering beef enchiladas red to suit your taste or dietary needs. For a richer, more tender filling, consider using slow-cooked shredded beef instead of ground beef. This creates an incredible depth of flavor and a luxurious texture, perfect for a special occasion. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using turkey or chicken as your protein base.

Vegetarian Enchiladas: Swap the beef for a hearty mix of black beans, corn, sautéed mushrooms, and roasted sweet potatoes.
Spicy Shredded Beef Enchiladas: For those who love a kick, prepare your shredded beef enchiladas red sauce with added chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the beef filling.

Green Chile Enchiladas: While this recipe focuses on red sauce, you could adapt it by using a tomatillo-based green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.