Classic Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
There’s something about a bubbling pan of enchiladas that just feels like home. Maybe it’s the way the cheese melts into golden perfection, or how the rich red sauce wraps everything in warm, cozy flavor. Whatever it is, this dish has a way of turning an ordinary evening into something special.
These classic beef enchiladas are the kind of meal you make when you want comfort without fuss. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even when friends drop by and you want the kitchen to smell amazing. That savory blend of seasoned beef, soft tortillas, and gooey cheese? It’s pure comfort in every bite.
Let’s make them together.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) red enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6–8 small flour tortillas
¼ cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
2 tablespoons sliced black olives (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This little step makes cleanup much easier later.
2. Sauté the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll smell it right away — that’s when you know it’s ready.
3. Brown the beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown completely and cook through. If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off.
4. Season it up
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let everything cook together for about a minute. The spices will bloom in the heat and coat the beef beautifully.
5. Add a little sauce
Pour about ½ cup of the enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Stir to combine. This keeps the filling juicy and flavorful. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Fill and roll
Lay out your tortillas. Spoon a generous scoop of the beef mixture down the center of each one. Sprinkle a small handful of cheddar and Monterey Jack inside. Roll them up snugly and place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
7. Assemble the enchiladas
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Don’t be shy — you want every tortilla coated. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese generously over everything.
8. Bake to bubbly perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese with lightly golden edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible.
9. Rest and garnish
Let the enchiladas rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them set up nicely. Sprinkle diced tomatoes, green onions, and sliced black olives on top for a fresh, colorful finish.
Presentation
Serve these enchiladas straight from the baking dish for that cozy, family-style feel. For a little extra flair, add a dollop of sour cream or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro on top. A side of fluffy rice or a crisp green salad balances everything beautifully.
If you’re hosting, try serving them on warm plates — it keeps the cheese soft and melty just a little longer. And don’t forget extra napkins. Things might get deliciously messy.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
🔥 Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | 🍽️ Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion
These classic beef enchiladas are comfort food at its best — hearty, cheesy, saucy, and full of flavor. They’re simple enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to feel like a celebration.
Once you pull that bubbling dish out of the oven and take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe never goes out of style. It’s warm, filling, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.
If you’ve been craving something cozy and crowd-pleasing, this is your sign to make enchiladas soon. Your kitchen (and everyone in it) will thank you.