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Comforting Beef Enchiladas Recipe Easy Homemade Bold Red Sauce

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These comforting beef enchiladas feature a bold red sauce with smoky chipotle peppers and a juicy, well-seasoned beef filling, baked to bubbly perfection with melty cheese. Perfect for a quick, satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 flour tortillas (8-inch / 20cm size)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle in cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef and onions evenly.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce, chopped chipotle peppers, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Add more broth if sauce becomes too thick.
  7. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds per side or wrap in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
  8. Spread a thin layer of the red sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Spoon about 1/4 cup (60ml) of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, then roll tightly.
  10. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
  11. Pour the remaining red sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
  12. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to cover thoroughly.
  13. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden in spots.
  14. Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  15. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Use medium heat to brown beef to avoid drying it out. Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Adjust chipotle peppers to control heat level. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened for best flavor. Let enchiladas rest before serving for easier cutting. For gluten-free, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas carefully. Leftovers store well refrigerated for 3-4 days and freeze up to 2 months (unbaked).

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchiladas, bold red sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, Mexican recipe, homemade enchiladas, chipotle sauce

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/comforting-beef-enchiladas-recipe-easy-homemade-bold-red-sauce/