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Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Ground beef is combined with sautéed onions, garlic, taco seasoning, tomato paste, and green chiles for a flavorful filling. This mixture is rolled into soft corn tortillas, nestled in a baking dish, and blanketed with a generous layer of red sauce and Mexican cheese blend. Baked until bubbly and golden, these enchiladas can be finished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and pico de gallo. Tips include making tortillas more pliable by warming them, packing with extra beans or rice for heartiness, or customizing with different enchilada sauces and seasonings. Perfect for a filling family dinner with plenty of flavor.

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Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:52:36 GMT
A plate of beef enchiladas with white cheese and green onions. Save
A plate of beef enchiladas with white cheese and green onions. | lilicooks.com

Nothing hits the spot like a bubbling pan of beef enchiladas blanketed with melted cheese and rich red sauce This recipe turns everyday ground beef and a few simple extras into a family dinner that disappears fast

I first made these enchiladas for a family movie night and they were such a hit the requests have never stopped The aroma filling the kitchen guarantees everyone will show up hungry

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Choose fresh beef with good marbling for maximum flavor and juiciness
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef filling go for fresh and firm onions
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves give a stronger flavor than pre minced jars
  • Taco seasoning: Use your favorite packet or make your own for full control of spice
  • Tomato paste: Brings rich body to the filling look for deep red concentrate without additives
  • Diced green chiles: These give a mild tangy heat check the can date for freshness
  • Red enchilada sauce: The key to great enchiladas use a quality brand or homemade for best results
  • Corn tortillas: Authentic texture and flavor heat them before rolling to prevent tearing
  • Mexican cheese blend: Pre shredded is convenient but freshly shredded melts even better
  • Toppings: Sour cream avocado pico de gallo cilantro lettuce green onions cotija cheese or hot sauce Put out a toppings bar so everyone can serve up their favorite combo

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:
In a skillet over medium high heat cook the ground beef until well browned breaking up with a spoon as it cooks Remove the beef to a bowl and drain any excess fat
Soften the Aromatics:
Add a bit of oil to the skillet and sauté the diced onion over medium heat for about 4 minutes until translucent Add garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant
Combine and Simmer the Filling:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet Add taco seasoning tomato paste diced green chiles and the required water as instructed on your seasoning packet Simmer gently until the mixture thickens and the water is absorbed Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Take a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and spread half a cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom to prevent sticking and flavor each bite
Assemble the Enchiladas:
Place a warmed corn tortilla on your work surface Add one third cup beef filling in a line down the center Top with a quarter cup of cheese Roll tightly and arrange seam side down in the baking dish Repeat with the rest of the tortillas
Sauce and Cheese Blanket:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled tortillas Sprinkle with the rest of the cheese so every corner is covered
Bake to Perfection:
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until the cheese is gloriously melted and everything is bubbling and golden Serve piping hot
Top and Serve:
Dish out the enchiladas and load up with your favorite toppings Enjoy every saucy cheesy bite
A plate of beef enchiladas. Save
A plate of beef enchiladas. | lilicooks.com

There is something magic about letting everyone pick their own toppings I always pile on extra cilantro and pico de gallo at the table Once my youngest helped sprinkle cheese on top and proudly declared himself the cheese boss for all future dinners

Storage Tips

Leftover enchiladas store well in the fridge in a covered dish for up to three days For longer storage freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to three months To reheat just cover with foil and warm gently in the oven so the cheese stays melty Use the microwave for a super quick lunch fix

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch up the filling by adding black beans refried beans or leftover rice If you prefer a different meat ground turkey or even shredded chicken work just as well Flour tortillas can be used in place of corn if needed Try green enchilada sauce for a tangier kick or fold in chopped spinach for some sneaky greens

A plate of beef enchiladas with tomatoes and cheese. Save
A plate of beef enchiladas with tomatoes and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

Pair these enchiladas with Mexican rice cilantro lime rice or a simple side salad A side of chips and salsa guacamole or fresh grilled corn completes the meal For extra flair add a drizzle of crema or a sprinkle of cotija cheese before serving

Cultural Context

Enchiladas trace back centuries in Mexican cuisine Originally simple tortillas filled with fish or beans they evolved region by region into the saucy cheesy versions enjoyed today The beauty is in the adaptability every family and cook adds their own twist making each pan unique

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep corn tortillas from tearing?

To prevent corn tortillas from breaking, warm them in a dry pan or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them more flexible.

→ What toppings work well with this dish?

Popular toppings include sour cream, fresh cilantro, pico de gallo, diced avocado, shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, and sliced onions.

→ Can I add beans or rice to make it heartier?

Yes, black beans, refried beans, or rice can be added to the beef filling to bulk up the dish and enhance its texture.

→ Is it possible to use green sauce instead?

Absolutely. Swap red enchilada sauce for green if you prefer a different flavor profile or want to change things up.

→ What cheese is best for a melty topping?

A Mexican blend of cheeses melts beautifully, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of your favorites for extra flavor.

Beef Enchiladas Red Sauce

Corn tortillas filled with savory beef, topped with sauce, cheese, and classic garnishes for a satisfying meal.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
40 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Output: 4 Serves (2 enchiladas per serving)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Beef Filling

01 1 lb ground beef
02 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning
05 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles

→ Enchiladas

07 1 (15 oz.) can red enchilada sauce
08 8 corn tortillas
09 3 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded and divided

→ Toppings

10 Sour cream
11 Fresh cilantro
12 Pico de gallo
13 Diced avocado
14 Shredded lettuce
15 Sliced green onions
16 Chopped red onions
17 Cotija cheese
18 Hot sauce

Steps

Step 01

Over medium-high heat in a skillet, brown ground beef until cooked. Remove beef and set aside. Drain any fat from the pot. Saute onions in some oil until soft. Add garlic and saute for another 30 seconds. Return the beef to the pan and add taco seasoning, tomato paste, green chiles, and water according to the taco seasoning packet instructions. Simmer until the water has cooked down. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed.

Step 02

Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish.

Step 03

Add 1/3 cup of the beef mixture in a straight line in the center of a tortilla and top with 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place seam side down in the casserole dish. Repeat with the remaining 7 tortillas.

Step 04

Cover the tortillas with the other half of the enchilada sauce and top with the remaining 1 cup of cheese.

Step 05

Bake uncovered on the center rack at 350°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts.

Step 06

Dish and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Tips

  1. If your corn tortillas start tearing when rolling them, heat them in a dry pan for 30 seconds on each side or microwave them under a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
  2. Add bulk to your enchiladas with fillings like refried beans, black beans, or rice.
  3. Switch to green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
  4. For extra flavor, enhance the beef filling with chili powder, chipotle chili powder, or a mix of ground beef and crumbled cooked chorizo.

Required Tools

  • Skillet
  • 9×13 casserole dish
  • Oven
  • Mixing spoon
  • Microwave (if needed)

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Dairy (cheese, sour cream)
  • Gluten (if not using certified gluten-free tortillas)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Proteins: 25 g