Red Chile Beef Enchiladas: A Bold and Flavorful Dish 🌶️🌮
Few meals capture the essence of Southwestern comfort food like Red Chile Beef Enchiladas. Tender shredded beef, a rich homemade red chile sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together in a dish that’s hearty, bold, and full of flavor. Perfect for family dinners, special gatherings, or anytime you crave Mexican-inspired comfort, this recipe delivers smoky, savory satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Authentic flavors – Homemade red chile sauce beats canned versions any day.
- Comfort food at its best – Slow-cooked beef and melted cheese in warm tortillas.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep the beef and sauce in advance for quick assembly.
- Versatile – Great with sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients 🛒
For the Beef Filling:
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, slow-cooked and shredded
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
For the Red Chile Enchilada Sauce:
- 4 dried Hatch red chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 cups hot water (for soaking the chiles)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Sour cream, for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef Filling
- Place beef chuck roast in a slow cooker with beef broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook on low for 4–6 hours, or until fork-tender.
- Shred the beef using two forks and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Red Chile Enchilada Sauce
- Soak dried Hatch chiles in hot water for 30 minutes, until softened.
- Blend soaked chiles with soaking water, garlic, cumin, and oregano until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add blended chile mixture and broth, whisking until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3️⃣ Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Warm corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll tightly.
- Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour red chile sauce over the enchiladas and top with remaining cheese and black olives.
4️⃣ Bake and Serve
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream.
Tips & Variations 🌟
- Meat swap – Use shredded chicken, pork, or even beans for a different twist.
- Cheese choices – Try Oaxaca, queso fresco, or pepper jack for variety.
- Extra saucy – Double the red chile sauce if you love enchiladas drenched in sauce.
- Freezer-friendly – Assemble enchiladas (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
What to Serve with Enchiladas 🍽️
Pair your enchiladas with:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
- A crisp side salad
Nutritional Information (per serving, 2 enchiladas) 📊
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
(Exact values will vary based on cheese and tortilla brand.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
1. Can I make the enchilada sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for 2 months.
2. My tortillas break when rolling—how do I fix this?
Warm them first and wrap them in a damp towel to make them flexible.
3. Are Hatch chiles spicy?
They range from mild to medium heat. If you want a spicier sauce, add extra dried chiles or a pinch of cayenne.
4. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but corn tortillas are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully.
5. How do I keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
Lightly fry tortillas in oil before rolling to create a barrier that prevents sauce from soaking through.
🌶️✨ Bold, comforting, and packed with authentic Southwestern flavors, these Red Chile Beef Enchiladas are a must-try dish for any enchilada lover. Once you serve them, they’ll become a family favorite in no time!