Introduction
Craving a comforting and flavorful Mexican dish? Look no further than cheesy beef enchiladas with red chili sauce! This classic recipe combines savory ground beef, melty cheese, and a rich, authentic red chili sauce for a truly satisfying meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing fiesta, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite.
This recipe walks you through each step, from preparing the beef filling to assembling and baking the enchiladas, ensuring a delicious and authentic result. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!
Making Cheesy Beef Enchiladas with Red Chili Sauce
Preparing the Beef Filling
The heart of these enchiladas is the flavorful beef filling. Here’s how to create it:
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Season Generously: Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom.
- Simmer with Tomato Sauce: Pour in 1/2 cup of tomato sauce and 1/4 cup of beef broth (or water). Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Making the Red Chili Sauce
A good red chili sauce is key to authentic enchiladas. This recipe provides a quick and easy version:
- Simple Shortcut: For a quick sauce, use a can of your favorite enchilada sauce.
- Adding Depth: If using canned sauce, enhance it by adding a pinch of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder to elevate the flavor.
Assembling the Enchiladas
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps to assemble your cheesy beef enchiladas:
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly warm 8-10 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. This will make them more pliable and prevent them from cracking.
- Cheese Prep: Shred 2 cups of Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese blend).
- Fill and Roll: Spread a thin layer of red chili sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spoon a generous amount of beef filling down the center of each tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in the baking dish.
- Cover and Bake: Pour the remaining red chili sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with foil.
Baking and Serving
Get ready to enjoy the aroma of cheesy enchiladas baking in the oven!
- Baking Time: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or diced tomatoes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations and Tips
Customize Your Enchiladas
- Spice it Up: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling or red chili sauce for a spicier kick.
- Add Beans: Mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the beef filling for added fiber and flavor.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
Conclusion
These cheesy beef enchiladas with red chili sauce are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With a simple, flavorful filling and a quick red chili sauce, this recipe is easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to make them your own. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting Mexican feast! Enjoy!
