Beef Enchiladas with Spicy Red Sauce are a classic Mexican dish that is sure to please the whole family. This recipe features tender beef, wrapped in corn tortillas and smothered in a flavorful and spicy red sauce. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or planning a festive dinner, these enchiladas are a great choice. Follow this easy recipe to create a delicious and satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas with Spicy Red Sauce
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Spicy Red Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) chicken broth
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Beef Enchiladas with Spicy Red Sauce
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Add Chilies and Sauce: Stir in the diced green chilies, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Make the Spicy Red Sauce:
- Prepare Roux: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and tomato sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Tortillas: Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Fill Tortillas: Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll up.
- Arrange Enchiladas: Place the rolled enchiladas seam side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the spicy red sauce over the enchiladas, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve:
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot, and enjoy the delicious flavors of these Beef Enchiladas with Spicy Red Sauce!
About the Main Ingredients
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the main protein in this dish, providing a hearty and savory flavor to the enchiladas.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: These ingredients form the base of both the filling and the spicy red sauce, adding richness and a tomatoey flavor to the dish.
Chilies: Diced green chilies add a mild heat and a subtle flavor to the beef filling.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is used both inside the enchiladas and sprinkled on top, adding a creamy and gooey texture when melted.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are used for the enchiladas, providing a traditional and authentic Mexican flavor and texture.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper are used to season the beef filling and the spicy red sauce, adding depth and complexity to the dish.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to thin out the spicy red sauce and add a savory flavor to it.
Vegetable Oil and Flour: These ingredients are used to make a roux, which thickens the spicy red sauce and gives it a rich and velvety texture.
Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are used to enhance the flavors of the dish and should be added to taste.
