Mexican Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce

Here’s a full recipe for Mexican Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce, packed with flavor and made with classic ingredients:

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🌮 Mexican Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce

📝 Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce or salsa (optional, for added moisture)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (or a mix)

For the Red Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 2 cups chicken or beef broth

• Salt to taste

• 1 tsp tomato paste (optional, for deeper flavor)

For Assembling:

• 8–10 corn or flour tortillas

• 1–1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Sour cream, avocado, or lime wedges for serving

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Red Enchilada Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat.

2. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.

3. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt. Stir 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Slowly whisk in broth, ensuring no lumps.

5. Add tomato paste if using. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef Filling

1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.

2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Cook until no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).

4. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional tomato sauce.

5. Cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

3. Warm tortillas slightly (in a skillet or microwave) to make them pliable.

4. Spread a few spoonfuls of red sauce in the bottom of the dish.

5. Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.

6. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese.

4. Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 15–20 minutes.

2. Uncover and bake another 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve

• Garnish with chopped cilantro.

• Serve with sour cream, avocado, or lime wedges on the side.

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🔁 Variations

• Add beans (black or refried) or corn to the filling.

• Substitute chicken or shredded pork for beef.

• Use enchilada sauce from a can to save time (but homemade is richer!).

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