Red Chile Beef Enchiladas

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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!

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