There’s something deeply satisfying about shredded beef enchiladas. The way the beef simmers to tender perfection, soaking up spices and aromatics, only to be wrapped in soft tortillas and covered in layers of melted cheese and rich enchilada sauce. It’s not just a dish, it’s a comfort-packed experience that warms your entire kitchen and fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
These enchiladas are hearty enough for family dinners but flavorful and eye-catching enough for weekend entertaining. Whether you’re using leftover roast or prepping from scratch, the result is deeply savory with a touch of smokiness, a slight kick of heat, and the perfect contrast of textures from melty cheese to soft tortillas to fork-tender beef.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a knockout because it’s surprisingly simple for how impressive it tastes. With a make-ahead friendly filling, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or potluck parties. The shredded beef is slow cooked or pressure cooked, meaning it stays incredibly juicy and flavorful. Layer that with a tangy, spiced enchilada sauce and lots of gooey cheese, and you’ve got a recipe the whole table will cheer for.
Plus, it’s flexible. You can make it mild or spicy, double the batch for freezing, or switch up the tortillas to suit your taste. It’s a delicious base for creativity.
What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?
The choice between corn or flour tortillas comes down to texture and tradition. Corn tortillas are more authentic for enchiladas, adding a slightly earthy flavor and holding up well in sauce. Flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll without cracking, making them ideal if you’re in a rush or want a smoother texture. If you’re using corn tortillas, warm them slightly so they roll without tearing. Either way, you’ll get delicious results.
Ingredients for the Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas
To make these enchiladas really shine, you want ingredients that bring depth and comfort. Each element plays a key role in building bold, craveable flavor.
- Chuck roast: This cut is perfect for slow cooking, resulting in tender, juicy beef that shreds beautifully.
- Onion: Adds savory depth to the meat as it cooks.
- Garlic: For an aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors.
- Beef broth: Keeps the beef moist while infusing it with rich flavor.
- Canned diced green chilies: Add a subtle heat and tang that brighten the filling.
- Cumin: Gives warmth and a smoky edge to the beef.
- Chili powder: Brings in that classic enchilada flavor.
- Salt & pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning the beef just right.
- Red enchilada sauce: Store-bought or homemade, it ties everything together with bold flavor.
- Shredded cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend works beautifully to melt over the top.
- Tortillas: Choose corn for authenticity or flour for ease of use.
- Fresh cilantro: Optional, but great for a bright finish.

How To Make the Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Place the chuck roast in a slow cooker with diced onion, garlic, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours, until the beef is fall-apart tender. Shred the beef using two forks and return it to the juices to soak up all the flavor.
Step 2: Preheat and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Take each tortilla, fill it with shredded beef and a sprinkle of cheese, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in the dish.
Step 3: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all the tortillas are snuggled in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the enchiladas sit for 5 minutes before serving so everything settles.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like. Then dig in and enjoy every bite.
How to Serve and Store These Enchiladas
This recipe generously serves 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size and how many sides you add. Serve them piping hot with a sprinkle of cilantro or fresh green onions for extra color and flavor.
Leftovers? Lucky you. These enchiladas store beautifully. Simply cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze them in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
What to Serve With Enchiladas?
Mexican Rice
A fluffy, tomato-infused side that pairs perfectly with the saucy enchiladas.
Refried Beans
Creamy and comforting, beans are a classic match for any enchilada dish.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Grilled or roasted corn slathered in mayo, cotija, lime, and chili powder adds a sweet and spicy kick.
Guacamole and Chips
A refreshing contrast to the hot enchiladas, with creamy avocado and a salty crunch.
Pico de Gallo
Adds a zesty freshness to cut through the richness of the dish.
Cabbage Slaw
A light and crisp salad with lime dressing to balance the hearty filling.
Pickled Red Onions
Tangy and vibrant, they bring a pop of acidity to each bite.
Black Bean Salad
Protein-packed and colorful, it rounds out the meal with something wholesome and vibrant.
Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?
If you’re loving these Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas, don’t miss these satisfying dinners too:
- Check out the cozy and flavorful French Onion Ground Beef and Rice Casserole.
- Dive into the one-pan wonder of Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms.
- Spice up your night with Chipotle Steak Recipe Copycat.
- You’ll love the creamy finish on this Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Parmesan Shells.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with flour or corn tortillas? Did you try homemade enchilada sauce or a store-bought favorite?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make dinner better.
Explore more dinner inspiration, comforting casseroles, and health-boosting recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new favorite weeknight staple.
Conclusion
Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas deliver big comfort with little fuss. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or simply craving something bold and satisfying, this recipe has you covered. It’s hearty, melty, and deeply flavorful—everything you want in a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.

Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
This Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas recipe is a hearty and comforting Mexican-inspired dinner. Made with slow-cooked chuck roast, enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that can be prepped ahead and frozen. Enjoy restaurant-style enchiladas right at home with this easy beef enchilada recipe.
Ingredients
3 pounds chuck roast
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups red enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
10 medium tortillas (corn or flour)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
1. Place chuck roast in a slow cooker and add onion, garlic, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
3. Remove beef and shred using two forks. Return to slow cooker to soak in the juices.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F.
5. Spread a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish.
6. Fill each tortilla with shredded beef and cheese. Roll and place seam-side down in the dish.
7. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, if using.
Notes
Use flour tortillas if you want a softer bite and easier rolling.
Warming corn tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracks.
Make ahead and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
