Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce – Cheesy Comfort Food Recipe

Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce – Cheesy Mexican Comfort Food  | MagicInKitchen.com

Homemade Beef Enchiladas

These easy homemade beef enchiladas with red sauce are cheesy, flavorful, and comforting. Perfect for a hearty Mexican dinner the whole family will love!

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes hit the spot like a plate of cheesy, saucy homemade beef enchiladas. This Mexican-inspired classic combines seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and tender tortillas all smothered in a bold, zesty red sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving something hearty, or a crowd-pleaser for parties and potlucks. The best part? These enchiladas are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a handful of simple ingredients.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

For the red sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1/2 tsp salt

For assembling:

• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado slices (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Make the sauce – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne. Slowly pour in broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and set aside.
2. Cook the beef filling – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in spices and 1/2 cup of the red sauce. Mix in 1 cup cheese.
3. Assemble enchiladas – Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup sauce on the bottom. Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
4. Top with sauce and cheese – Pour remaining red sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining shredded cheese.
5. Bake – Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish & serve – Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These beef enchiladas with red sauce are best served hot out of the oven with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides. Pair them with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp salad topped with lime dressing. Add tortilla chips and guacamole for the ultimate fiesta spread. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the enchiladas just before serving will also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold flavors – Smoky spices and a rich red sauce make this dish irresistible.
• Cheesy comfort – Loaded with melty cheese inside and out.
• Customizable – Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or beans for a different twist.
• Perfect for gatherings – Feeds a crowd and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Tips & Variations

• Make it spicier – Add extra cayenne or a diced jalapeño to the filling.
• Use corn tortillas – For a more traditional flavor, dip corn tortillas in sauce before rolling.
• Prep ahead – Assemble enchiladas a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• Freezer-friendly – Wrap tightly and freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra cook time.

FAQ

Q: Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?
A: Yes! While homemade red sauce adds incredible flavor, you can save time with a good-quality store-bought version.

Q: Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
A: Absolutely. Replace the beef with sautéed veggies, beans, or a plant-based meat substitute.

Q: How do I prevent my tortillas from cracking?
A: Warm the tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet before rolling to make them more pliable.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Conclusion

These easy homemade beef enchiladas with red sauce are everything you want in a comfort food dish—cheesy, saucy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. With just a few simple steps, you can create a hearty Mexican-inspired meal that’s bursting with flavor.

For more comforting and delicious recipes, explore Magic in Kitchen—your go-to spot for homemade meals that bring joy to the table.