Ingredients
- Ground Beef or Shredded Chuck RoastUse 85/15 ground beef for good flavor and texture, or slow-cook a chuck roast and shred it for an even richer, deeper filling.
- Corn TortillasChoose fresh, pliable corn tortillas; heating them first prevents tearing and cracking during the crucial rolling process.
- Red Enchilada Sauce BaseUse dried ancho and guajillo chilies, steeped and blended for authentic depth, or substitute a high-quality canned red sauce in a hurry.
- Chicken BrothThis liquid is essential for thinning the chili base and adding savory richness without diluting the overall depth of the sauce structure.
- Onion and GarlicFinely dice yellow onion and mince fresh garlic to build the foundational aromatic layer that elevates the beef filling.
- Monterey Jack or Cheddar CheeseFreshly shred the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that hinder optimal melting and bubble formation.
- Spices (Cumin, Dried Oregano, Chili Powder)These warm, earthy seasonings are crucial for developing that unmistakable, traditional Mexican flavor profile.
- Olive OilNeeded for browning the ground beef thoroughly and sautéing the aromatics until they are beautifully soft and translucent.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Savory Beef Filling
- Step 2: Simmering the Authentic Sauce
- Step 3: Softening the Tortillas for Rolling
- Step 4: Assembling and Filling the Enchiladas
- Step 5: Saucing and Baking to Perfection
Notes
- For easy weeknight preparation, assemble the enchiladas entirely in a freezer-safe dish (Step 4), cover tightly with foil, and freeze unbaked for up to three months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
- Your cheese choice is key: bypass the pre-shredded bags and freshly grate the Monterey Jack yourself, as the anti-caking additives in packaged cheese prevent that optimal, bubbly melt during baking.
- To revive leftover enchiladas without drying out the edges, transfer them to an oven-safe dish, splash 1-2 tablespoons of warm chicken broth over the top, and reheat at 325°F (160°C) until the cheese is newly melted and bubbly.
- Serve these rich enchiladas alongside a dollop of cool, fresh crema or sour cream and a simple, acidic cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice to cut through the depth of the chili sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 large beef enchiladas
- Calories: 480
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 5g