Beef Enchiladas Red Sauce (Print)
Tender tortillas filled with seasoned beef, smothered in rich red sauce and melted cheese.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Filling
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp chili powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Red Enchilada Sauce
10 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - 2 tbsp chili powder
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
14 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
16 - 1/4 tsp salt
17 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
18 - 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
→ Assembly
19 - 8 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas
20 - 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
22 - 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Set oven temperature to 375°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper into the beef mixture. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
05 - Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly browned.
06 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and salt, cooking for 30 seconds to release flavors.
07 - Gradually whisk in broth and tomato sauce, stirring continuously. Simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
08 - Spread 1/2 cup of the sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
09 - Heat tortillas covered with a damp towel in the microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
10 - Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese on each tortilla. Roll up and arrange seam-side down in the baking dish.
11 - Pour remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with the remaining cheese.
12 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
13 - Optionally garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It’s like sharing a warm secret that turns everyday dinner into a celebration
- The way the sauce clings to every tortilla always makes it feel extra special
02 -
- Draining the fat from the ground beef is essential to avoid a soggy filling
- Warming tortillas before rolling prevents tearing and keeps everything neat
03 -
- Use fresh spices whenever possible for maximum flavor impact
- The secret to the best sauce is to let it simmer just long enough to thicken without becoming too dense