There’s something undeniably magical about a plate of beef enchiladas with red sauce. The moment you crack open that warm tortilla, the steam rises up like a little flavor cloud, teasing your senses with an irresistible aroma of spiced beef and melted cheese. The vibrant red sauce glistens on top, promising a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Now, let me take you back to my childhood where family gatherings revolved around food, laughter, and a little chaos in the kitchen. My abuela would whip up her famous beef enchiladas with red sauce every Sunday, filling the house with scents so good they could lure even the most stubborn cat from under the bed. We’d gather around the table, plates piled high, ready to dig into those delicious bundles of joy that felt like a warm hug after a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These beef enchiladas with red sauce are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for any night of the week.
- Their rich flavor profile combines savory beef with zesty spices that will keep you coming back for more.
- The dish is visually stunning, with vibrant colors that brighten up your dinner table.
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as a comforting family meal or as impressive party fare.
Ingredients for beef enchiladas with red sauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still keeping it juicy and flavorful.
- Flour Tortillas: Choose soft flour tortillas for their flexibility and ability to hold all those tasty fillings without falling apart.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this sauce adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack melts beautifully over the top for that gooey finish we all love.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and crunch; sautéing it brings out its natural flavors.
- Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give your beef that authentic Mexican flair and warmth.
For the Toppings:
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and balances the spice from the enchiladas perfectly.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brightens up each bite with its fresh flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole Recipe recipe.
How to Make beef enchiladas with red sauce
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This will keep your enchiladas from sticking like glue.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté one diced onion until it’s soft and translucent—about five minutes. This also makes your kitchen smell like heaven.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Next up, toss in about one pound of ground beef into the skillet with the onions. Break up any clumps while it cooks through—don’t forget to add salt, cumin, and chili powder for some extra pizzazz!
Step 4: Assemble Those Enchiladas
Once your beef is cooked through (about ten minutes), grab those soft tortillas! Spoon some of that hearty filling down each tortilla, roll them tightly like a burrito baby, and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Pour on That Red Sauce
Now comes the fun part—pour half of your red enchilada sauce over those beautiful rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top because we all know cheese makes everything better!
Step 6: Bake It Up
Pop your baking dish into the oven for about twenty minutes or until everything is hot and bubbly. When you pull it out, let it cool just enough that you don’t burn your tongue off.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Top each serving with sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro for an explosion of flavor!
So there you have it! Your very own plate of beef enchiladas with red sauce that’s bound to impress friends and family alike—and maybe even yourself! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- These beef enchiladas with red sauce are not just a meal, they’re an experience.
- With layers of flavor and a hint of spice, they bring smiles to dinner tables everywhere.
- Plus, they are easy to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef in a skillet and seasoning it well. While that sizzles, heat the tortillas in another pan. Assemble your beef enchiladas with red sauce by rolling the meat in tortillas and topping them with sauce before baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option. Experiment with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro to elevate your beef enchiladas with red sauce into something uniquely yours. slow cooker chicken alternative.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover beef enchiladas with red sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly rolled enchiladas, warm the tortillas first to prevent tearing.
- Don’t overfill them; less is more!
- Lastly, use homemade red sauce for maximum flavor that will impress everyone at the table.
Sometimes I find myself reminiscing about the first time I made these beef enchiladas with red sauce for my friends. Their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every bite!
FAQs :
What are beef enchiladas with red sauce?
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a delicious Mexican dish that features rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with a flavorful red chili sauce. This dish combines soft corn or flour tortillas, savory beef, and a rich sauce made from dried chilies, tomatoes, and spices. spicy chicken dish to serve alongside The enchiladas are typically baked until heated through and served with cheese melted on top. comforting tomato soup recipe This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
How can I make the red sauce for beef enchiladas?
To make the red sauce for beef enchiladas, start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of oil. Then, add dried chilies—such as guajillo or ancho—along with tomatoes, broth, and spices like cumin and oregano. Blend the mixture until smooth, simmer it to thicken, and season to taste. This homemade sauce adds depth of flavor to your beef enchiladas, making them irresistible.
Can I prepare beef enchiladas with red sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare beef enchiladas with red sauce ahead of time. Assemble the enchiladas by filling the tortillas with seasoned beef and rolling them up. Place them in a baking dish, cover them with red sauce, and sprinkle cheese on top. You can store the assembled dish in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, just pop it into the oven for a quick meal.
What toppings pair well with beef enchiladas with red sauce?
When serving beef enchiladas with red sauce, consider adding toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, or sour cream for added flavor and texture. You can also serve it alongside sides such as Mexican rice or refried beans to create a complete meal. These garnishes enhance the flavors of the enchiladas while providing a colorful presentation on your plate. For more inspiration, check out this Mushroom Swiss Cheese Meatloaf recipe.
Conclusion for beef enchiladas with red sauce :
In summary, beef enchiladas with red sauce offer a delightful combination of flavors that will satisfy any palate. With their tender tortillas wrapped around seasoned ground beef and smothered in zesty red sauce, they are perfect for any occasion. Preparing these delicious enchiladas at home is simple and allows you to customize the ingredients to your liking. perfect soup pairing for enchiladas Whether shared at family gatherings or enjoyed as a cozy dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a comforting Mexican classic that brings warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Tender tortillas are filled with savory seasoned beef, topped with a rich, zesty red sauce, and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. With easy preparation and the option to customize toppings, these enchiladas are sure to impress every palate.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 6 soft flour tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ cup sour cream (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; season with cumin and chili powder.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly; serve with remaining sauce, sour cream, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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