Mexican Beef Enchiladas 🌶️🧀
Bold flavor, melty cheese, and the ultimate comfort dinner.
When it comes to classic comfort food with serious flavor, Mexican Beef Enchiladas are always at the top of my list. Wrapped in warm corn tortillas and smothered in a smoky, homemade chili sauce, these enchiladas are hearty, satisfying, and completely irresistible.
They’re a guaranteed hit for family dinners, game day spreads, or meal prepping for the week.
Why I Love This Recipe
These enchiladas are:
- Flavor-packed with a homemade sauce that’s smoky and savory
- Hearty and cheesy, with tender beef and melty Mexican cheese
- Great for feeding a crowd—makes 10 big enchiladas
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for make-ahead meals
And the best part? No store-bought sauce—this recipe gives you rich enchilada flavor totally from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sauce:
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- Heaping ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Enchiladas:
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil, for brushing tortillas
- 10 (6–7 inch) yellow corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beef
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with baking soda and salt. Let it rest for 15 minutes—this tenderizes the meat for a juicier bite.
2. Make the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium. Add the onion and jalapeño and sauté until softened (about 4–5 minutes). Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook 1 minute more.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer and let it bubble for 5 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the Beef
In a separate pan, brown the beef mixture over medium heat, breaking into crumbles. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1 cup of the enchilada sauce and set aside.
4. Warm the Tortillas
Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil and warm in a skillet or low oven until soft and pliable (about 1 minute each).
5. Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of beef into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Pour remaining sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.
7. Serve
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado if desired.
Tips for Success
- Rest the beef with baking soda—this simple step makes a big difference in tenderness.
- Use corn tortillas for traditional flavor, but you can sub flour if needed.
- Don’t skip warming the tortillas—this prevents cracking during rolling.
- Add-ins: black beans, corn, or sautéed veggies make great mix-ins for variation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Make it a full fiesta by serving with:
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – a perfect cheesy appetizer
- Blueberry Lemonade – a refreshing sweet-tart drink
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – another crowd-friendly favorite
- Walking Taco Bar – great for parties or kids
- Or try these Chicken Enchiladas for a protein switch-up
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze before or after baking.
- Reheat: Cover and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual servings.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas
- Walking Taco Bar
- Crockpot Nacho Dip
- Blueberry Lemonade
Final Thoughts
These Mexican Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food—warm, cheesy, and bursting with bold, homemade flavor. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a cozy night in, this dish never disappoints.
Let me know what fillings or toppings you love! And don’t forget to subscribe to ChefManiac for more family-tested, flavor-packed meals.
