Nothing says comfort quite like a plate piled high with beef enchiladas with red sauce. The moment you take a bite, your taste buds will dance with joy as they savor the rich flavors and delightful textures that are wrapped up in those soft tortillas. Imagine the smoky aroma wafting through your kitchen as the red sauce bubbles away on the stove. It’s a culinary hug that warms the soul!

As I recall my first encounter with these delicious morsels, I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter echoing through her kitchen while we stuffed tortillas together. Each roll was met with tales of family traditions and secret ingredients passed down through generations. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a lively gathering with friends, these beef enchiladas are sure to make everyone feel right at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These beef enchiladas with red sauce are incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with flavor!
- You can customize them based on your preferences or dietary needs
- Their vibrant colors and rich aromas will undoubtedly impress guests at any dinner party
- Perfect for quick weeknight meals or festive celebrations alike!
I remember the first time I served these enchiladas at a family gathering; everyone went back for seconds and thirds—talk about a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for rolling; ensure they’re fresh for maximum pliability.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Either store-bought or homemade; choose one that has bold flavors to complement the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese right before adding it to enhance creaminess and flavor.
- Onions: Sautéed onions add sweetness; use yellow or sweet onions for a delightful flavor boost.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; sprinkle it on top just before serving for an aromatic finish.
- Sour Cream: Serve it as a topping for added creaminess; Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you prefer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop onions and measure out spices so you can easily access them while cooking.
Cook the Beef Mixture: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly—about 5-7 minutes—draining excess fat afterward.
Sauté Onions and Combine Flavors: Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook until translucent—about 3-4 minutes—releasing sweet aromas as they soften.
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Take each tortilla and fill it generously with the beef mixture before rolling it up tightly.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish seam-side down. Pour red enchilada sauce over them generously and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible golden crust.
Now you have a plate of delightful beef enchiladas waiting to be devoured! Serve hot alongside sour cream and fresh cilantro for an extra splash of flavor. Enjoy every bite as you dive into this hearty meal that brings everyone together around the table!
You Must Know
- Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a crowd-pleaser, balancing savory flavors with a zesty kick
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste, and don’t forget to let the flavors meld for ultimate deliciousness
- A sprinkle of cheese on top makes a perfect finishing touch!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the beef until browned, then mix in spices before assembling enchiladas. Prepare the red sauce while the meat cooks for optimal flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian version. Experiment with different cheese blends to elevate the overall taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover beef enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making beef enchiladas with red sauce, use lean ground beef to avoid greasiness
- Don’t overstuff your tortillas; it makes rolling them difficult
- Let your enchiladas sit for a few minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors
The first time I made these beef enchiladas, my friends devoured them in minutes, requesting seconds and thirds! It was a delightful reminder of how food brings people together.
FAQ
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add authentic flavor and texture to your beef enchiladas with red sauce.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to your red sauce for an extra kick.
What sides pair well with beef enchiladas?
Serve with Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.

Delicious Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a comforting Mexican classic, featuring soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef and smothered in rich, tangy red sauce. Perfect for family meals!
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 6 flour tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (around 3-4 minutes).
- Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour red enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg