Name: Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups beef broth; 8 corn or flour tortillas; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

When it comes to comfort food with bold, savory flavor, beef enchiladas reign supreme. Each bite wraps you in a warm embrace of tender ground beef, melty cheese, and a rich, smoky red enchilada sauce that’s worlds better than anything from a can. The smell alone is enough to draw everyone into the kitchen.

This recipe makes the whole process incredibly doable, even if you’ve never made enchiladas from scratch. The homemade sauce comes together quickly and adds that unforgettable punch of flavor. It’s the kind of dinner that looks like you spent hours on it, but in truth, it’s weeknight-friendly and make-ahead adaptable.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It feeds a hungry family, works beautifully as leftovers, and satisfies every craving for classic Mexican flavors. With hearty beef, a deeply flavored red sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese, it delivers comfort and celebration in every bite.

Plus, making your own enchilada sauce means you can control the heat, tweak the seasoning to your taste, and avoid additives often found in store-bought versions. Once you try homemade, you won’t go back.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use for Enchiladas?

Corn tortillas are traditional, offering authentic flavor and a sturdier texture once baked. However, flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to roll and less likely to crack. If you’re new to rolling enchiladas, flour might be the way to go. Just give them a quick warm-up before assembling, and you’ll be all set.

Ingredients for the Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

To make these enchiladas unforgettable, start with simple ingredients that layer flavor throughout the dish.

Ground beef is the protein base, and it adds richness and heartiness that pairs perfectly with the smoky sauce.

Yellow onion brings a mild sweetness that balances the savory beef.

Garlic enhances the overall depth of the filling and the sauce.

Chili powder is essential in building that earthy, smoky heat in the homemade enchilada sauce.

Cumin adds a touch of warmth and aromatic complexity.

Tomato paste gives the sauce a deep, concentrated tomato flavor.

Flour helps thicken the enchilada sauce to the perfect consistency.

Beef broth brings all the sauce elements together with savory richness.

Corn or flour tortillas hold the filling snugly and bake to golden perfection.

Shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese offer melty, gooey goodness in every bite.

Olive oil sautés the aromatics and helps form the base of the red sauce.

How To Make the Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

Step 1: Make the Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan. Add flour, whisking constantly to form a roux. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and garlic. Once fragrant, add tomato paste and slowly whisk in beef broth. Let it simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned. Add garlic and cook briefly. Mix in a few tablespoons of the enchilada sauce to flavor the filling.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. Spoon some beef mixture into each tortilla, top with shredded cheese, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled enchiladas and top generously with cheese. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store These Enchiladas

These beef enchiladas serve about 6 people generously. Serve them right out of the oven while the cheese is perfectly melty and the sauce is bubbling. They pair well with a crisp side salad, Mexican rice, or even roasted corn.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake until warmed through or microwave in individual portions.

If you’d like to freeze them, assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish but hold off on baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen with an extra 10 to 15 minutes of cook time.

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas?

Mexican Rice

The classic sidekick, fluffy and lightly spiced.

Refried Beans

Creamy beans help balance the richness of the enchiladas.

Avocado Corn Salad

Cool and refreshing with pops of lime and cilantro.

Chips and Guacamole

Great for crunch and creamy contrast.

Elote (Mexican Street Corn)

Grilled corn slathered in mayo, lime, and cheese? Always yes.

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Light and zesty for contrast.

Pineapple Salsa

Adds tropical brightness and a sweet-spicy note.

Margarita or Agua Fresca

To sip alongside, with a hint of citrus or hibiscus.

Want More Mexican-Inspired Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love these beef enchiladas, you’ll definitely want to check out a few other favorites from my kitchen:

• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a cozy, cheesy bowl of goodness.
• Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta when you’re craving spice and creaminess.
• Homemade Mexican Pizza to mix up your taco night.
• White Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a cheesy white sauce twist.
• Cheesy Ranch Potatoes as a hearty side dish that could double as dinner.

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 for spicy or mild? Did you sneak in some black beans or use ground turkey instead?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

These beef enchiladas with homemade red sauce are the definition of satisfying. They bring warmth, flavor, and a little bit of festivity to any table. Whether you’re making them for a regular Tuesday dinner or serving them at a casual weekend gathering, they always hit the spot. Once you taste the from-scratch sauce and perfectly baked filling, you’ll know exactly why this recipe is a keeper.