Red Chile Beef Enchiladas: Spicy Comfort Food Bliss

Name: Red Chile Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb (454 g) Ground beef (substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or veggies); 9-10 Corn tortillas; 2 tbsp (30 ml) Flour; 3 tbsp (45 ml) Red chile powder; 2 cup (480 ml) s Cold water; 1 Garlic clove minced, or crushed; 1 tsp (5 ml) Salt; 21/2-3 cup (600 ml) s Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Ever since I first learned how to cook, red chile beef enchiladas have held a special place in my heart. The aroma of sizzling beef mixed with the spicy warmth of red chile powder always transports me back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She would prepare these enchiladas with such care, ensuring each layer was perfected. Her recipe was simple yet delicious, making it a staple at family gatherings.

Creating red chile beef enchiladas became a tradition I cherished. Every time I cooked them, the kitchen buzzed with the sound of bubbling sauces and the sight of cheese melting into golden perfection. There’s something about assembling these enchiladas that feels both nostalgic and exciting, a perfect blend of comfort and creativity. They’re not just a meal; they’re a canvas, a chance to experiment and enjoy.

Throughout the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe, tried different techniques, and even experimented with alternative ingredients like ground turkey or veggies. Yet, the essence of red chile beef enchiladas remains unchanged. They are a testament to the joys of cooking: simple ingredients transforming into something extraordinary. This dish doesn’t just fill the belly; it fills the soul with happiness and brings people together around the table.

Red Chile Beef Enchiladas

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Author: Chloe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

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Description

Discover the ultimate recipe for Red Chile Beef Enchiladas! Learn how to make this classic Mexican dish with tender beef and flavorful red chile sauce. Perfect for a delicious homemade meal.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) Ground beef (substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or veggies)
9–10 Corn tortillas
2 tbsp (30 ml) Flour
3 tbsp (45 ml) Red chile powder
2 cup (480 ml) s Cold water
1 Garlic clove minced, or crushed
1 tsp (5 ml) Salt
21/2–3 cup (600 ml) s Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

In a medium-sized skillet, cook the ground beef until browned, then incorporate the flour and stir for a minute. Mix in the red chile powder, stirring for another minute.
Pour in the water and add the garlic, allowing the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, sprinkle in the salt and lower the heat, letting it gently simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and set the chile mixture aside; it won’t need any more cooking.
Begin assembling the enchiladas by preheating your oven to 350°F. In an 8×10 baking dish, spread a ladle of the chile mixture on the bottom. Arrange corn tortillas to cover the base, then spoon more chile mixture over them, ensuring all tortillas are coated.
Top with a layer of cheese. Continue layering until all of the chile mixture is used. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes, remove the foil and finish baking uncovered. Once done, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 15 minutes before serving.
To prepare the corn tortillas, warm them three at a time wrapped in a damp cloth for 30 seconds in the microwave. There is no need to fry them in oil. Serve the enchiladas with fried potatoes, beans, or squash.

Notes

Consider using ground turkey, chicken, or vegetables as a healthier alternative to ground beef.
Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique flavor in your enchiladas.
Prepare the chile mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for a quicker assembly when making enchiladas.

Mastering Red Chile Beef Enchiladas

Fundamentals

Red chile beef enchiladas start with the right ingredients. The foundation is ground beef, though you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or veggies. Corn tortillas provide the authentic touch, and sharp cheddar cheese adds that irresistible gooeyness. The red chile powder, mixed with garlic and salt, gives the dish its signature kick.

Understanding the balance of flavors is crucial. The spicy red chile should complement the savory beef and the creamy cheese. The flour helps thicken the sauce, creating a rich texture that coats each tortilla perfectly. When these elements come together, they create a symphony of flavors that define true comfort food.

Preparation/setup

Begin by browning the ground beef in a medium-sized skillet. Once it’s cooked through, stir in the flour for a minute, followed by the red chile powder. This step ensures the spices are well integrated, setting the stage for a flavorful sauce. Add cold water gradually, then incorporate minced garlic and salt.

Allow the mixture to reach a boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 20 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and intensify. As the sauce simmers, prepare the corn tortillas by warming them in a microwave wrapped in a damp cloth. This makes them pliable and easy to work with when assembling the enchiladas.

Crafting the Perfect Enchiladas

Technique

To assemble the enchiladas, preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a ladle of the chile mixture on the bottom of an 8×10 baking dish, ensuring a flavorful base. Layer corn tortillas over the sauce, then generously spoon more chile mixture over them. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, repeating the layers until all ingredients are used.

Cover the dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 40 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt beautifully. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese and tortillas achieve a golden, slightly crispy top, enhancing both texture and taste.

Tips/tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the filling. These vegetables add sweetness and depth, complementing the spicy chile. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chile powder slightly without losing the essence of the enchiladas.

To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, ensure they are coated evenly with the chile mixture. This step seals them, keeping the enchiladas intact while baking. Also, allow the dish to rest for 15 minutes after baking, making it easier to slice and serve.

Elevating Your Enchilada Experience

Perfecting results

Achieving perfect red chile beef enchiladas is all about practice and patience. Focus on balancing the flavors and textures, ensuring every bite offers a harmonious blend of spice, savoriness, and creaminess. Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors, like Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend.

The key is to taste and adjust as you go. If the sauce seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it reaches the desired consistency. If the flavor is too intense, a splash of water can help mellow it out without diluting the essence of the dish.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your enchiladas come out too spicy, counterbalance the heat by serving them with a side of sour cream or avocado. These cooling toppings can make the dish more approachable for those sensitive to spice. For a vegetarian twist, consider using roasted vegetables or beans as the filling, which can add a delightful earthiness and texture.

To explore more beef recipe varieties, check out this beef recipes collection. For a hearty meal, try this layered zucchini ground beef casserole, which offers a delicious alternative to enchiladas. If you love savory dishes, this ground beef with savory gravy is a must-try.

Serving and Storing Enchiladas

Serving/presentation

Serve your red chile beef enchiladas warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color. Pair them with sides like fried potatoes, beans, or squash, which beautifully complement the enchiladas’ robust flavors. For a delightful appetizer, consider these sous vide beef sliders, perfect for sharing.

Presentation matters as much as taste. Arrange the enchiladas neatly, ensuring each serving gets enough of the savory sauce and melted cheese. This attention to detail enhances the dining experience, making every meal feel special and well-thought-out.

Pairings/storage

Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor. For a simple yet fulfilling meal, pair these enchiladas with a hearty side from this slow cooker pinto beans recipe.

If you’re looking for a complete meal, these enchiladas pair well with this hatch green chile stew, offering a comforting and spicy kick. The combination of these dishes showcases the versatility and richness of beef and chile flavors.

Conclusion

Red chile beef enchiladas offer a delightful culinary journey, combining simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish. The key takeaways for mastering this recipe include understanding the balance of flavors, using the right technique, and allowing creativity to flourish. From preparation to serving, each step contributes to the enchiladas’ success.

The dish’s versatility means you can adapt it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy its deliciousness. With practice, you’ll find ways to perfect and personalize the enchiladas, making them a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.

FAQs – Red Chile Beef Enchiladas

Based on our recipe instructions, it takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes in total. This includes 15 minutes of preparation time, 20 minutes for simmering the chile mixture, and 40 minutes of baking time. Allow an additional 15 minutes for the enchiladas to rest before serving.

You’ll need the following ingredients: 1 lb of ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or vegetables), 9-10 corn tortillas, 2 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of red chile powder, 2 cups of cold water, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 1/2 to 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can also use vegetables. Just ensure that the substitute is cooked and seasoned appropriately before incorporating it into the recipe.

Letting the enchiladas rest for 15 minutes after baking allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. This resting period makes it easier to serve and ensures that each piece holds its shape while enjoying the full depth of flavors in each bite.

No, there is no need to fry the corn tortillas in oil. Instead, you can warm them three at a time wrapped in a damp cloth for 30 seconds in the microwave. This method makes them pliable and ready for layering in the dish without adding extra oil.

You can serve these enchiladas with fried potatoes, beans, or squash. These sides complement the rich flavors of the enchiladas and provide a balanced meal. For a refreshing drink, consider pairing the dish with a fruit juice of your choice.