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Mexican Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Mexican Beef Enchiladas Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

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

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

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