The Classic Mexican Beef Enchiladas Recipe You’ll Love Tonight

Sizzling Mexican beef enchiladas represent a culinary journey through vibrant flavors and cultural traditions.

These rolled delicacies capture the heart of comfort food with their rich, spicy essence.

Hearty ground beef revamps into a mouthwatering filling that promises satisfaction in every bite.

Warm tortillas envelop savory meat, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Melted cheese adds a creamy layer that elevates the entire dish to new heights of deliciousness.

Zesty spices dance across your palate, delivering an authentic southwestern experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Each enchilada tells a story of passion, heritage, and culinary craftsmanship.

Mexican Beef Enchiladas Taste Profile

• Savor Authentic Mexican Flavors: Dive into a mouthwatering journey of traditional Mexican cuisine with these enchiladas packed with rich, bold beef filling and authentic spices that transport your taste buds straight to Mexico.
• Master Quick and Easy Cooking Technique: Learn a simple yet impressive method of frying, dipping, and rolling tortillas that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Enjoy Irresistible Texture Combinations: Experience the delightful contrast between crispy-soft tortillas, tender beef filling, and creamy melted cheese that creates a symphony of textures in every single bite of these enchiladas.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flex your cooking creativity by switching cheeses, adjusting spice levels, or adding personal toppings, making this recipe a versatile and adaptable dish that suits individual preferences and taste buds.

What You’ll Need for Mexican Beef Enchiladas

• Corn Tortillas: Authentic Mexican base that provides soft, pliable texture for enchiladas; choose fresh, high-quality tortillas.
• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that brings hearty flavor and substance to the dish; lean beef works best for less grease.

• Cotija Cheese, Queso Asadero: Traditional Mexican cheeses that add tangy, creamy texture; fresh and crumbly varieties preferred.

• Onion: White variety adds sharp, fresh flavor and crunchy texture; thinly sliced for garnish and brightness.
• Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil: Neutral cooking oil used for frying tortillas; ensure high smoke point for proper frying.
• Enchilada Sauce: Classic Mexican sauce that provides rich, spicy coating for tortillas; homemade or store-bought acceptable.

Mexican Beef Enchiladas Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

• Slice white onion thinly
• Crumble cotija cheese
• Shred queso asadero cheese

Have all ingredients ready before starting cooking process.

Step 2: Warm Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas on comal, griddle, or skillet over medium flame.

Cook tortillas, flipping occasionally until they develop air pockets and become pliable.

Stack warmed tortillas in clean kitchen towel to maintain temperature.

Step 3: Fry Tortillas

Heat vegetable or canola oil in large saucepan until temperature reaches 350-365°F.

Use tongs to carefully place tortillas in hot oil.

Fry each tortilla 10-15 seconds per side until softened but not crispy.

Remove and stack fried tortillas on plate.

Step 4: Create Enchilada Base

Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Stack sauce-coated tortillas on separate plate.

Step 5: Fill And Roll Enchiladas

Place beef filling down center of tortilla.

Carefully roll tortilla around filling.

Position rolled enchilada seam-side down on serving plate.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Top enchiladas with sliced onions.

Sprinkle crumbled cotija or shredded queso asadero cheese.

Serve immediately while warm.

Best Practices for Mexican Beef Enchiladas

• Control Oil Temperature: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain precise oil heat between 350-365°F for perfectly soft tortillas without burning.
• Quick Tortilla Handling: Work swiftly when dipping tortillas in sauce to prevent them from becoming too soggy and falling apart during rolling.
• Master Tortilla Warming: Gently warm corn tortillas on a comal or skillet to enhance flexibility and prevent cracking when filling and rolling.
• Cheese Selection Hack: Choose fresh, high-quality Mexican cheeses like cotija or queso asadero for authentic flavor and optimal melting texture.
• Efficient Enchilada Assembly: Prepare all ingredients beforehand and create an organized workstation to streamline the rolling and filling process.

Keeping Mexican Beef Enchiladas Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer enchiladas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Microwave: Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check temperature and adjust heating time as needed to prevent drying out.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F, place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to keep the dish moist and restore its original delicious texture.

Serving Pairings for Mexican Beef Enchiladas

• Pair with Crisp Mexican Lager: Grab a cold Corona or Modelo Especial to cut through the rich, spicy beef enchiladas. The light, refreshing beer balances the hearty flavors and cleanses your palate between bites.
• Complement with Zesty Margarita: Mix a classic margarita using fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of agave. The citrusy, tangy drink enhances the warm spices in the enchiladas and adds a vibrant Mexican touch to your meal.
• Cool Down with Mexican Street Corn Salad: Serve a side of elote-style corn salad with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. The fresh, creamy corn provides a delightful contrast to the savory beef enchiladas and adds texture to your plate.
• Balance with Fresh Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare a light, fragrant rice with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. The herbal, bright rice complements the rich enchilada filling and adds a refreshing element to your dinner.

Creative Takes on Mexican Beef Enchiladas

• Chicken Enchilada Remix: Swap beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option that keeps the classic Mexican flavor profile intact.
• Vegetarian Verde Style: Replace meat with roasted zucchini, black beans, and corn for a hearty plant-based alternative that maintains the enchilada's traditional texture.
• Seafood Coastal Edition: Use sautéed shrimp or white fish as the filling, complemented by a tangy green sauce for a coastal Mexican-inspired version.
• Green Chile Fusion: Incorporate diced green chiles into the filling and top with a spicy green enchilada sauce for an extra kick of flavor and heat.

Mexican Beef Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican beef enchiladas deliver a symphony of flavors from authentic Mexican cuisine. Spicy shredded beef, melted cheese, and robust sauce create a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Chiles:

• 1 shredded beef filling
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 1 dried California chile (or guajillo chile for a spicier sauce)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 clove garlic

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooking liquid from the shredded beef filling
• ⅓ cup whole or 2% milk (88 milliliters)
• ¼ teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vegetable or canola oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the white onion into delicate half-moons, creating a crisp, aromatic garnish for the final dish.
2. Gently warm corn tortillas on a comal or skillet, allowing them to develop subtle charred spots and become pliable, creating a traditional texture.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan to a precise frying temperature, preparing for a quick tortilla bath that will soften their structure without creating crispness.
4. Carefully dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, ensuring complete and even coating that will infuse flavor and create a vibrant red exterior.
5. Position the sauce-coated tortilla on a clean surface and layer a generous portion of seasoned beef filling along the center line.
6. Roll the tortilla with precision, tucking the edges and creating a neat, compact enchilada that will hold its shape when placed on the serving plate.
7. Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down, creating a uniform presentation that prevents unraveling during serving.
8. Sprinkle the prepared onion slices and crumbled cotija cheese over the top, adding a fresh, tangy finish to the warm, saucy enchiladas.
9. Serve immediately, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and the flavors to intermingle, creating a classic Mexican culinary experience.

Notes

• Customize tortilla warming based on your stovetop type, ensuring they’re pliable and soft for easy rolling.
• Maintain oil temperature between 350-365°F when frying tortillas to prevent burning and achieve the perfect texture.
• Work quickly when dipping tortillas in enchilada sauce to prevent them from becoming too soggy or falling apart.
• Use tongs for precise handling of tortillas during frying and sauce dipping to maintain control and safety.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the assembly process and keep the tortillas warm and manageable.
• Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the enchiladas at their peak flavor and optimal temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg