Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Introduction

Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a classic Mexican comfort food that combines tender, flavorful ground beef with soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, spicy red sauce, and baked to perfection with melted cheese on top. This dish is vibrant, hearty, and perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you want a satisfying meal that will warm both the stomach and the heart.

What makes this recipe so special is the balance of flavors—the savory beef, the tangy tomato-based red sauce with a hint of smoky spices, and the creamy, gooey cheese. Each bite is a delicious explosion of textures and tastes, making it hard to stop at just one serving.

Why I Love This Recipe

Rich, Comforting Flavors
The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and a tangy, slightly smoky red sauce creates a flavor profile that’s deeply satisfying. Every bite is layered with taste—spicy, savory, and a hint of sweetness from the tomato sauce—that makes it feel like a warm hug in food form.

Perfectly Balanced Textures
Soft, tender tortillas wrap around a juicy beef filling, while melted cheese on top adds a creamy, gooey contrast. The sauce soaks into the enchiladas during baking, keeping them moist and flavorful. You get a delightful interplay between tender, cheesy, and slightly crisp edges.

Aromatic and Inviting
The smell while baking is irresistible. The aroma of garlic, cumin, chili powder, and melted cheese fills your kitchen and builds anticipation—sometimes I find it hard to wait until it comes out of the oven!

Versatile and Customizable
This recipe can be easily adapted—add extra heat with jalapeños, make it vegetarian with beans and veggies, or swap beef for chicken. No matter how you tweak it, it always delivers a satisfying result.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Classic Mexican Comfort Food
Beef enchiladas with red sauce represent the heart of Mexican home cooking. They combine traditional flavors like cumin, chili powder, garlic, and tomato sauce in a way that is both authentic and approachable. This makes it a quintessential dish that anyone exploring Mexican cuisine should experience.

Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures
The tender, flavorful beef filling wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich, slightly spicy red sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese creates a harmony of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a satisfying combination of savory, tangy, and slightly smoky notes that will keep you coming back for more.

Crowd-Pleaser for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a family dinner, potluck, or casual gathering with friends, this dish is always a hit. It’s visually appealing, hearty, and filling, making it ideal for serving a crowd without complicated preparation.

Customizable and Versatile
You can adjust the spice level, switch the protein, or make it vegetarian, making this dish adaptable to everyone’s taste. This versatility ensures it can suit a variety of occasions and dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: ~450 kcal (depends on cheese and tortilla type)

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

For the Red Sauce

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• Salt to taste

For the Enchiladas

• 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (plus extra for topping)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Make the Red Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and cayenne. Stir for 30 seconds.
4. Gradually whisk in beef broth and tomato sauce until smooth.
5. Bring to a simmer, season with salt, and cook for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
2. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro (optional).

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
4. Spoon 2–3 tbsp beef filling into each tortilla, sprinkle with a little cheese, roll up, and place seam side down in the baking dish.
5. Pour red sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
6. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

How to Serve

Serve hot with:

• Sour cream
• Extra chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Mexican rice or refried beans on the side

Recipe Tips

• Slightly warm the tortillas to prevent them from tearing while rolling.
• Use fresh spices for the red sauce for more vibrant flavor.
• Let enchiladas rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
• Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili powder and cayenne.

Variations

1. Cheese-Enchiladas Only: Skip beef for a vegetarian version using beans, mushrooms, or spinach.
2. Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute cooked shredded chicken for beef.
3. Green Sauce Variation: Replace red sauce with tomatillo-based green sauce for a tangy twist.
4. Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or top with hot sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Assemble enchiladas without baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Saucepan for red sauce
• Skillet for beef
• Mixing spoon and whisk

Conclusion

Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a timeless dish that combines rich flavors, hearty textures, and the warmth of home cooking. They are versatile, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or meal prep. With the right balance of spices, cheesy goodness, and tender beef, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.