Red Chile Beef Enchiladas

Get ready to indulge in a comforting classic with these Red Chile Beef Enchiladas! Bursting with flavor, this dish combines tender shredded roast beef and melted cheese, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas.

Topped with a rich Hatch Red Chile Enchilada Sauce and baked to perfection, these enchiladas are perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering. With fresh garnishes like lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro, every bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich and Flavorful Beef: The tender, shredded roast beef, combined with sautéed onions and melted cheese, creates a savory, comforting filling that pairs perfectly with the red chile sauce.

Cheesy Goodness: The Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy texture that everyone loves. The extra cheese topping ensures a deliciously cheesy crust on top of the enchiladas.

Balanced and Fresh Toppings: The fresh garnishes of lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, black olives, and sour cream add a burst of freshness and a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the enchiladas.

Authentic and Hearty: The use of Hatch red chile enchilada sauce gives these enchiladas a deep, smoky flavor that’s authentic and mouthwatering. The combination of flavors creates a satisfying and hearty meal.

Make-Ahead Friendly: These enchiladas can be made in advance, baked when ready, and enjoyed for a family dinner or even for entertaining guests.

Key Ingredients:

Shredded roast beef: Provides a tender, savory filling that pairs perfectly with the enchilada sauce.

Hatch red chile enchilada sauce: Adds a rich, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that coats the enchiladas and enhances the beef.

Mexican cheese blend: A combination of cheeses that melt beautifully, adding creaminess and flavor to the enchiladas.

Corn tortillas: The classic base for enchiladas, which absorb the sauce and become soft and flavorful when baked.

Sautéed onions: Adds sweetness and depth to the beef filling.

Toppings: Fresh shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, black olives, and sour cream, which provide freshness and balance to the rich, cheesy enchiladas.

How to make Red Chile Beef Enchiladas

Ingredients:

3 cups roast beef, shredded

2 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, diced

2 cups grated Mexican Cheese Blend plus 1 more cup for topping

1 (15 ounce can) Hatch Red Chile Enchilada Sauce (Gluten-Free)

8 – 10 Corn Tortillas

2 cups shredded lettuce

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

1/2 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

Shred roast beef and set aside. In a small non-stick skillet melt butter.

Add onions and cook until translucent about 3 – 5 minutes. Set aside and allow onions to cool.

In a large mixing bowl add shredded beef, sautéed onions, and 2 cups of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Mix until combined.

Pour enchilada sauce into a flat bowl. Dip tortillas into sauce and fill corn tortillas with shredded beef and cheese mixture.

Roll stuffed tortillas evenly. Line casserole dish with stuffed corn tortillas until filled. (8 -10) enchiladas to fill a 9 x 13 casserole dish)

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over enchiladas. Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake in a 350 degree F. over for 20-25 minutes. Garnish with chopped lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes and sliced black olives. Finally top with a few dollops of sour cream.

Notes:

Meat Options: While roast beef is delicious, you can also use shredded chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like beans or mushrooms for a different twist.

Sauce Variety: If you can’t find Hatch Red Chile Enchilada Sauce, any good-quality red enchilada sauce will work. You can also make your own sauce for a fresh flavor.

Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different cheeses! Monterey Jack or queso blanco can add a unique taste and texture.

Tortilla Tips: To prevent corn tortillas from cracking, lightly warm them in a skillet or microwave before filling. This makes them more pliable.

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the enchiladas in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Garnish Options: Customize your toppings with sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a drizzle of lime juice for added flavor.

Spice Level: If you prefer spicier enchiladas, consider adding diced green chilies or a sprinkle of chili powder to the beef mixture.

Serving Suggestions: Pair with Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal, and don’t forget some tortilla chips and salsa on the side!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 8 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 20 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Carbohydrates: 30 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 2 g | Cholesterol: 50 mg | Sodium: 600 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas in advance and refrigerate them before baking.

Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What if I don’t have corn tortillas?

You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas, but be aware that the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

Can I freeze the enchiladas?

Absolutely! Once assembled, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze.

To reheat, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

For added heat, incorporate diced jalapeños into the beef mixture, use a spicier enchilada sauce, or add chili powder to taste.

What toppings do you recommend?

Common toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced black olives, and sour cream.

You can also add avocado or jalapeños for extra flavor!

Do I need to cook the beef before shredding it?

Yes, you should use pre-cooked roast beef.

Slow-cooked or leftover roast works best for shredding.

How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking when rolling?

Lightly warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds before filling them.

This makes them more pliable and easier to roll.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Feel free to substitute the roast beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or even a meat alternative like jackfruit for a vegetarian option.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

How can I make the enchiladas healthier?

You can use lean cuts of meat, low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the filling.

Whole wheat tortillas are also a great alternative!