Craving a comforting, flavorful meal? These beef enchiladas with red sauce are a savory classic you’ll want to make again and again. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft tortillas all smothered in a rich, zesty red enchilada sauce, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting friends, these enchiladas bake up beautifully and deliver big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend meals, this recipe combines the bold taste of Mexican-inspired cooking with easy-to-follow steps. Get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy favorite straight from your oven.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s a lot to love about these beef enchiladas with red sauce—and once you make them, they might just become a staple in your kitchen.
Bold, satisfying flavor: The seasoned ground beef filling is rich and savory, perfectly balanced by the tangy red enchilada sauce and gooey melted cheese.
Quick and easy: With just a few everyday ingredients and minimal prep time, you can get this dish in the oven fast—even on a busy night.
Customizable: Prefer corn tortillas? Want to add beans, peppers, or switch up the cheese? This recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes.
Great for leftovers: These enchiladas reheat beautifully, making them a smart choice for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re serving a family dinner or feeding a group, this dish delivers comfort, flavor, and happy plates.
Ingredients
To make these savory beef enchiladas with red sauce, you’ll need simple pantry and fridge staples. Here’s everything to gather before you start:
For the Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef – lean ground beef works best
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese – cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend
• ½ cup refried beans (optional but adds creaminess and richness)
For the Red Sauce:
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce – homemade or canned
• (Optional): Add a pinch of chili powder or cumin to boost flavor if using canned
For Assembly:
• 8 flour tortillas (or use corn tortillas for a more traditional style)
• 1 cup shredded cheese, for topping
• Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the baking dish
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Sour cream or sliced green onions, for serving (optional)
Tip: If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly before rolling to prevent cracking. You can do this in a dry skillet or microwave with a damp paper towel.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make flavorful, cheesy beef enchiladas with red sauce that bake up beautifully every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
Add diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Remove the pan from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheese and optional refried beans. This creates a rich, cheesy beef filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Warm your tortillas slightly to make them easier to roll.
Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll it tightly and place it seam-side down into the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly in the pan.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese, making sure to cover each enchilada well for a gooey, golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges begin to crisp slightly.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes them easier to plate.
Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this comforting, flavor-packed dish.
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to make your beef enchiladas with red sauce even better? These tips and variations will help you get the most flavor and texture out of every batch.
Pro Tips:
• Warm the tortillas first: Whether you use flour or corn, warming them in a skillet or microwave makes them easier to roll and prevents cracking.
• Don’t overfill: Adding too much filling can cause the tortillas to tear or unroll. Stick to about ¼ cup of filling per enchilada.
• Use lean ground beef: This keeps the dish rich without becoming greasy. If using higher-fat beef, be sure to drain the excess fat.
• Sauce on the bottom: A layer of enchilada sauce in the baking dish prevents sticking and adds flavor to the base.
• Cover while baking: Covering with foil for the first part of baking keeps the enchiladas moist and helps melt the cheese evenly.
• Let them rest: A 5-minute rest after baking helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
Variations:
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the filling or sauce for extra heat.
• Use corn tortillas: For a more traditional taste and texture, swap flour tortillas with warmed corn tortillas.
• Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a meatless option.
• Cheese blend options: Use a mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso blanco for varied flavor and melt.
• Add beans or veggies: Mix in black beans, bell peppers, corn, or spinach to boost texture and nutrition.
• Turn it into a casserole: Layer tortillas, filling, and sauce lasagna-style for an easy enchilada bake.
Serving Suggestions
These beef enchiladas with red sauce are filling on their own, but pairing them with the right sides takes your meal to the next level. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, here are a few easy and tasty ways to complete the plate:
Fresh and Light Sides
• Mexican-style rice – The classic side dish with tomato, onion, and seasoning to balance the bold enchilada flavor.
• Cilantro lime rice – A lighter, zesty option that pairs well with the richness of the red sauce.
• Chopped salad – Fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette add brightness to the meal.
• Grilled street corn (elote) – Sweet, smoky corn on the cob with a creamy, cheesy finish for added texture.
Hearty Add-Ons
• Refried beans or black beans – Creamy, comforting beans are a traditional match with enchiladas.
• Mexican slaw – Crunchy cabbage with lime and chili powder brings a fresh contrast to the soft tortillas and melted cheese.
• Tortilla chips and guacamole – Perfect for snacking while the enchiladas bake or as a fun side dish at the table.
How to Serve
• Serve enchiladas fresh out of the oven, topped with chopped cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
• Add lime wedges on the side for a quick squeeze of citrus.
• For extra heat, offer hot sauce or sliced jalapeños on the table.
• Make it a buffet-style dinner by laying out toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and extra cheese for everyone to customize their plate.
Conclusion
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. With their bold flavor, melty cheese, and satisfying beef filling, they strike the perfect balance between comfort and ease. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, this recipe delivers every time.
It’s simple enough for beginners and adaptable for seasoned cooks who like to get creative. You can make it mild or spicy, cheesy or loaded with veggies—whatever works best for you and your family.
So next time you’re craving something hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, reach for this beef enchilada recipe. It’s a reliable favorite that’s guaranteed to hit the spot—and might just become your new go-to dinner.
Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
Ingredients
For the Beef Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef lean preferred
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 0.5 tsp ground cumin
- 0.5 tsp salt plus more to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
- 0.5 cup refried beans optional
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce homemade or canned
- 8 flour tortillas or corn tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup shredded cheese for topping
- cooking spray or oil for greasing baking dish
- fresh cilantro optional garnish
- sour cream or green onions optional for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of cheese and refried beans if using.
- Step 4: Warm tortillas slightly. Spoon about ¼ cup of the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Step 5: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 10–15 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Potassium: 480mg
- Calcium: 220mg
- Iron: 3.1mg
FAQs
What is the secret to good enchiladas?
The key to great enchiladas is balance—well-seasoned filling, a flavorful sauce, and proper layering. Use freshly grated cheese, warm your tortillas to prevent tearing, and don’t skip adding sauce on both the bottom of the dish and over the top of the enchiladas. Covering while baking also helps lock in moisture.
Can I use salsa instead of enchilada sauce?
Yes, but keep in mind that salsa has a chunkier texture and a different flavor profile than enchilada sauce. If you use salsa, choose one with a smooth consistency and adjust the seasonings in the beef filling to complement it. For a more traditional result, stick with red enchilada sauce.
What kind of cheese is in enchiladas?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Mexican cheese blends are popular choices. They melt well and pair nicely with beef and red sauce. For more flavor, mix cheeses or add a touch of pepper jack for a spicy kick.
How long should enchiladas bake?
Bake enchiladas at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes. Cover them with foil for the first 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Should enchiladas be covered when baking?
Yes, covering the enchiladas with foil for the first part of baking helps them stay moist and ensures even cooking. Remove the foil during the last 10–15 minutes so the cheese on top melts and browns slightly.
How to make enchiladas crunchy?
To add crunch, bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes or broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the tortilla edges crisp up. Using corn tortillas can also give you a firmer texture than flour tortillas.
