Ground beef enchiladas with red sauce are like a warm hug on a plate, bursting with rich flavors and gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into tender tortillas enveloped in spicy, savory ground beef, all drenched in a zesty red sauce that dances on your taste buds. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings with friends where laughter echoes and appetites reign supreme.
Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the aroma of sizzling ground beef and spices on taco night, but nothing topped my mom’s enchiladas. Picture this: I’d emerge from my room like a hungry little ghost, lured by that enchanting smell. The anticipation of those cheesy delights would have me doing a happy dance before the first bite even touched my lips. Trust me, once you try these ground beef enchiladas with red sauce, you’ll understand why they’re a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These ground beef enchiladas are easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners stress-free
- Their blend of spices creates an irresistible flavor profile everyone craves
- The vibrant colors of the dish will impress any guest at your table
- They’re versatile enough for any occasion—perfect for casual gatherings or festive celebrations!
I remember the first time I made this recipe for my friends; their delighted faces were priceless as they devoured every last bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option while still enjoying full flavor.
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Flour Tortillas: Opt for medium-sized tortillas; they’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
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Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack works great; use a mix for extra cheesiness!
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Red Enchilada Sauce: Choose store-bought or homemade; either brings fantastic flavor to the dish.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the aroma while cooking; don’t skip it!
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Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices infuse warmth and complexity into the beef filling.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle is perfect for sautéing onions and browning your ground beef.
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Sour Cream (optional): For serving; adds a creamy tang that complements the spicy enchiladas beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to roll—literally!
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about five minutes, then toss in minced garlic for an additional minute until fragrant.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet with cumin and chili powder. Cook until browned and crumbly, about eight minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary—nobody wants greasy enchiladas!
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Take a tortilla and spoon some of your flavorful beef mixture down the center. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before rolling it up tightly like a burrito.
Cover with Sauce: Spread some red enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down into the dish. Pour remaining sauce over the top generously.
Bake Until Golden: Sprinkle more cheese over everything—because why not? Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Now you can serve these delightful ground beef enchiladas with red sauce hot from the oven! Enjoy them topped with sour cream or fresh cilantro if desired.
These flavorful bites are sure to bring joy to any table—so gather your loved ones around for a delicious meal filled with laughter and good company!
You Must Know
- Ground beef enchiladas with red sauce are a crowd-pleaser
- The combination of spice and comfort makes them perfect for any gathering
- Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can whip out a batch whenever the craving strikes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef, then layer your tortillas with filling and sauce for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add beans for extra protein and fiber.
Storing & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your enchiladas, consider using fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for garnish
- Ensure your cheese is well-melted for gooey goodness
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Sometimes I catch myself reminiscing about that one time my best friend, Rachel, brought over her enchiladas. They were so good that I almost proposed right there!
FAQ
Can I make ground beef enchiladas with red sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead and bake just before serving.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar or Monterey Jack creates that creamy texture everyone loves.
How can I make them spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or use a spicier red sauce for an extra kick.
Ground Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
Ground beef enchiladas with red sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of family gatherings right to your table. Tender tortillas are filled with savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese, all smothered in zesty red sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions, this easy-to-make recipe guarantees smiles at every meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 medium flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef along with cumin and chili powder. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Assemble the enchiladas by placing some of the beef mixture in each tortilla, sprinkling cheese on top, and rolling tightly.
- Spread some enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and place rolled tortillas seam-side down. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with more cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (210g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
