Ingredients
Scale
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ cup canned black beans (optional)
- ½ cup corn kernels (optional)
- ½ cup diced green chilies (optional)
For the Red Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups chicken broth or beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Enchiladas:
- 8–10 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- ½ cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano.
- Mix well and let the flavors blend for about 3 minutes.
- If using black beans, corn, or green chilies, stir them in now. Set the beef mixture aside.
Step 2: Make the Red Enchilada Sauce
- In a saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken or beef broth until smooth.
- Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly warm the corn tortillas in a skillet for about 20 seconds on each side to make them pliable.
- Alternatively, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Spread ½ cup of the red sauce at the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- Lay a tortilla flat, add 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture, and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
- Pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 800mg
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: The Best Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce