Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce

Save this recipe on:

There’s something comforting about a bubbling tray of beef enchiladas smothered in homemade red sauce. This dish is the ultimate Mexican-inspired comfort food that turns a simple weeknight dinner into something bold and satisfying. The tortillas are soft but slightly crisp at the edges, the seasoned beef is savory with just a touch of spice, and the gooey layer of melted cheese ties it all together perfectly.

This beef enchiladas with red sauce recipe checks all the boxes: hearty, cheesy, and rich with layers of flavor. The homemade red sauce has depth from chili powder, tomato paste, and garlic, and you can adjust the heat level to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for leftovers, these enchiladas will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce

This recipe brings everything you want from a comforting dish with minimal effort. It’s budget-friendly, perfect for making ahead, and it reheats beautifully. You can even make the red sauce a day in advance to save time. It’s also easily customizable, letting you swap the beef for chicken, turkey, or black beans to suit your preferences. The layered flavors get even better the next day, making leftovers a real treat.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

For this recipe, corn tortillas are the classic choice and hold up best under the sauce and cheese without becoming too soggy. If you’re new to using corn tortillas, a quick pass through hot oil or a warm skillet softens them up and prevents cracking while rolling. Flour tortillas can work in a pinch, but they will result in a softer, more casserole-like texture.

Ingredients for the Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering enchiladas. The ingredients are all easy to find and come together to create a rich and comforting meal.

• Ground beef – This is the base of the filling and brings hearty, savory flavor. Use lean beef to avoid excess grease.
• Onion – Adds sweetness and texture to the beef filling. Finely diced for even cooking.
• Garlic – A punch of aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Chili powder – Essential for building the signature taste in the red sauce.
• Cumin – Adds depth and a hint of earthiness to the spice blend.
• Tomato paste – Intensifies the flavor and gives the red sauce its richness.
• Chicken or beef broth – Helps to thin out the sauce while adding more flavor.
• Corn tortillas – The perfect vessel for wrapping the seasoned beef filling.
• Shredded cheese – A generous layer on top adds that golden, melty finish.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté and help coat the tortillas.
• Salt and pepper – Brings all the flavors into balance.

How To Make the Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, then stir in chili powder, cumin, and tomato paste. Cook this down for a couple of minutes to develop the flavors. Slowly whisk in the broth until smooth. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with diced onions until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in a few tablespoons of the prepared red sauce to coat the beef, and let it simmer for another minute to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Prep the Tortillas

Lightly warm each tortilla in a skillet or microwave so they’re pliable and less likely to tear. You can also brush or dip them in a bit of oil if desired.

Step 4: Roll the Enchiladas

Spoon a portion of the beef mixture into each tortilla and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Top generously with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling

Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Storing These Enchiladas

These beef enchiladas with red sauce are filling enough to stand alone, but they pair beautifully with sides like Spanish rice or a crisp salad. This recipe feeds about 4 to 6 people, depending on appetite. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, just pop them into the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze them before or after baking, making this a smart meal prep option.

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas With Red Sauce?

Spanish Rice

A classic side that soaks up the extra sauce and adds a subtle tomato flavor.

Refried Beans

Creamy and satisfying, these balance the richness of the enchiladas perfectly.

Mexican Street Corn

Grilled corn with cotija cheese, chili, and lime offers a fresh, zesty contrast.

Simple Guacamole

Creamy avocado with lime and garlic is always a win alongside spicy beef.

Chopped Salad

A crunchy, refreshing salad with romaine, radishes, and a citrus vinaigrette helps lighten the plate.

Chips and Salsa

Great for scooping up any leftover sauce or adding a little extra crunch.

Cilantro Lime Rice

Herby and citrusy, this rice is a nice alternative to traditional Spanish rice.

Want More Mexican-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If beef enchiladas are your kind of comfort food, you’ll want to try these other crave-worthy meals:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it whenever the craving hits.

If you tried this with cheddar or a spicy pepper jack, let me know how it turned out. Did you add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle green onions on top? I’d love to hear your version in the comments.

Explore more of my daily recipes and kitchen experiments on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and find inspiration to make your dinners easier and tastier.

Print

Save this recipe on: