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Classic Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 217 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This Classic Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce recipe is a comforting, flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft corn tortillas, topped with a rich red enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, this recipe balances savory spices with tangy tomato flavors and is garnished with fresh cilantro and sour cream for an authentic touch.


Ingredients

Beef Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Sauce

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce

Assembly

  • 8-10 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for serving)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the assembled enchiladas.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté until the onions become translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
  4. Season the Beef Mixture: Stir in chili powder, cumin, and salt, cooking for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce and red enchilada sauce thoroughly, setting it aside for assembly.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable to prevent cracking when rolled.
  7. Assemble Enchiladas: Spread a small amount of the combined sauce evenly on the bottom of a baking dish. Fill each tortilla with a spoonful of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
  8. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy, saucy finish.
  9. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  10. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Garnish and Serve: Let the enchiladas cool briefly after baking, then garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream on the side for added creaminess and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add chopped jalapeños or diced green chilies to the beef mixture.
  • To make this dish spicier, increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper.
  • Use fresh tortillas if possible; if using store-bought, warming them is essential to prevent breaks when rolling.
  • The enchiladas can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if baking from cold.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.