• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Blogghetti logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
    •  Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Search
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Home » The Best Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

The Best Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Apr 28, 2021 · 6 Comments

This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here to read our privacy policy.

The best beef enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce is loaded with ground beef, green chilis, and an easy homemade sauce. Topped with a blend of Mexican cheese, these enchiladas are perfect for Taco Tuesday or your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.

Easy recipe for beef enchiladas - homemade red sauce with text overlay -

It’s been a minute since I have made beef enchiladas and once I did with this recipe, I wanted to make them again! They are so good! There’s something about making homemade enchilada sauce and then using spices and ground beef to create these enchiladas that make me happy.

The best beef enchiladas are made with items you most likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. I like this homemade version better that what I used to make. I would make the filling, fill the tortilla shells, cover in store-bought sauce and smother it all in cheese, then bake the enchiladas. It really didn’t click that you can add more flavor making the sauce yourself and the additional step of dipping the shells into the red sauce makes a world of difference.

Easy Beef Enchiladas on white plate

Is this really the best beef enchilada recipe?

This really is the best beef enchilada recipe I have ever made and my family agrees. I really think making the enchilada sauce yourself is the key. Make it as spicy as you want to, or not.

I mentioned that these beef enchiladas would be great for Cinco de Mayo and that being said, a few bloggers and I are sharing our favorite Mexican recipes with you to serve for Cinco de Mayo or whenever the craving hits. Our Facebook group, Festive Foodies, want your #cincodemayo celebration to be delicious! At the end of this post (after the recipe), check out what we’re sharing.

Follow Blogghetti on Pinterest

Ingredients

  • Enchilada seasoning
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Chicken Broth
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Ground Beef
  • Green Chilis
  • Tortilla Shells
  • Cheese

Instructions

To prepare the sauce, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.

Add the tomato sauce and one cup chicken broth and stir until completely smooth, approximately 3-4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and gradually add the remaining chicken broth, one-quarter cup at a time, while you work on the filling and assembling the enchiladas.

adding the tomato sauce and chicken broth to sauce

Note: The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests. Adding additional chicken broth, a little at a time, while you work on Steps #4-13 will help maintain the proper consistency.

Enchilada sauce simmering in skillet

To prepare the filling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and salt, and stir to combine and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Then add the beef to the skillet and break apart with a spatula while it browns. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes, or until completely browned. Once beef is browned, carefully drain excess fat from skillet before adding green chilis and three tablespoons of the sauce to season. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low to keep warm.

meat filling for beef enchiladas simmering in skillet

Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F. Add three or four spoonfuls of the sauce to a 7”x11”x2” baking dish and use the back of the spoon to lightly cover the bottom of the dish. Set aside. 

To assemble the enchiladas, add a small amount of vegetable oil to a small skillet set over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add one tortilla and toast until nicely browned, approximately 2 minutes. Flip the tortilla and repeat on the other side.

heating tortilla shells in small skillet

Dip the toasted tortilla into the warm enchilada sauce to coat on both sides. Remove as much excess sauce as possible before transferring to a large, rimmed plate. Set aside. Add a little more vegetable oil to the skillet and repeat with a second tortilla. Place the toasted tortilla on top of the sauce-covered tortilla on the plate, then add one spoonful of sauce on top of it. Use the back of the spoon to spread the sauce until it covers the top surface of the second tortilla. (The excess sauce from the first tortilla will adhere to the bottom of the second tortilla). Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.

Time-Saving Tip:

Add additional oil and the next tortilla to the hot skillet right before you add the sauce to the top of last tortilla on the stack. This will speed up the process of prepping your tortillas significantly vs. waiting to toast the next one until after you have covered the last one in sauce.

Once all eight tortillas have been prepped, add a large spoonful of the filling to the top tortilla halfway between the midway point and the bottom edge. Add a little shredded cheese on top and roll the tortilla from the bottom end up. Place the rolled enchilada into the prepared baking dish, seam down.

rolling and assembling the enchiladas

Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until all eight enchiladas are in the baking dish, as shown. Spoon any remaining beef filling into the baking dish in the space on either end of the enchiladas as shown above.

beef enchiladas in baking pan

Top with the remaining sauce and shredded cheese and place in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

adding cheese on top of the enchiladas

Once baked, remove from oven and top with some fresh cilantro right before serving, if desired and add any additional toppings you like. Diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and/or shredded Iceberg lettuce are all excellent toppings.

baked beef enchiladas ready to serve

How to Make Enchilada Seasoning (enough for 3 uses)

To make a larger batch of the enchilada seasoning used in this recipe, I tripled the amounts of the spices and stored in a mason jar. It will make enough homemade enchiladas seasoning to make this recipe three times.

To triple the seasoning mix you will need:

  • 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons sea salt

In this recipe: you will need 3 1/2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix.

Other Easy Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo Recipes You May Enjoy

  • Frozen Strawberry Margarita Mocktail – cool off with this refreshing drink (alcohol version include)
  • Taco Chicken (slow cooker) – great to use in tacos and enchiladas
  • Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas – perfect quick weeknight dinner – one pan!
Easy peasy recipe for the best beef enchiladas
Click to Tweet
Easy Beef Enchiladas ready to eat

Serve Beef Enchiladas with:

  • Guacamole
  • Chips and Salsa
  • Rice
  • Refried Beans
Easy Beef Enchiladas ready to eat

The Best Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

The best beef enchiladas with homemade enchilada sauce is loaded with ground beef, green chilis, and an easy homemade sauce.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Keyword: beef, beef enchiliadas, best beef enchilada recipe, enchiladas, ground beef enchiladas, Mexican
Servings: 8 enchiladas

Ingredients

For the enchilada sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 1/4 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 3/4 cups unsalted chicken broth, divided

For the beef filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium white onion, diced
  • 2 – 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 4 ounce can green chilis, drained
  • 3 tablespoons homemade enchilada sauce (from above)

Remaining Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 8 6-inch flour or corn tortillas
  • 8 ounces 4-cheese Mexican blend, shredded

Optional Toppings to Serve with

  • Cilantro, Diced avocado, tomatoes, red onion, and/or shredded Iceberg lettuce.

Instructions

  • To prepare the sauce, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.
  • Add the tomato sauce and one cup chicken broth and stir until completely smooth,approximately 3-4 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and gradually add the remaining chicken broth, one-quarter cup at a time, while you work on the filling and assembling the enchiladas.
    Note: The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests. Adding additional chicken broth, a little at a time, while you work on Steps #4-13 will help maintain the proper consistency.
  • To prepare the filling, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and salt, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and just start to develop some color, approximately 3-4 minutes
  • Add the beef to the skillet and break apart with a spatula while it browns. Cook,stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes, or until completely browned.
  • Once beef is browned, carefully drain excess fat from skillet before adding green chilis and three tablespoons of the sauce to season. Stir to combine and reduce heat to low to keep warm.
  • Placetop oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F. Add three or four spoonfuls of the sauce to a 7”x11”x2” baking dish and use the back of the spoon to lightly cover the bottom of the dish. Set aside.  
  • To assemble the enchiladas, add a small amount of vegetable oil to a small skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add one tortilla and toast until nicely browned, approximately 2 minutes. Flip the tortilla and repeat on the other side.
  • Add a little more vegetable oil to the skillet and with a second tortilla. Place the toasted tortilla on top of the sauce-covered tortilla on the plate, then add one spoonful of sauce on top of it. Use the back of the spoon to spread the sauce until it covers the top surface of the second tortilla. (The excess sauce from the first tortilla will adhere to the bottom of the second tortilla).
  • Dip the toasted tortilla into the warm enchilada sauce to coat on both sides. Remove as much excess sauce as possible before transferring to a large, rimmed plate. Set aside.
  • Time-Saving Tip: Add additional oil and the next tortilla to the hot skillet right before you add the sauce to the top of last tortilla on the stack. This will speed up the process of prepping your tortillas significantly vs. waiting to toast the next one until after you have covered the last one in sauce.
  • Repeat with the remaining tortillas, lightly toasting each tortilla in a little oil on each side, then adding to the stack and evenly coating the top surface with some sauce. 
  • Onceall eight tortillas have been prepped, add a large spoonful of the filling to the top tortilla halfway between the midway point and the bottom edge. Add a little shredded cheese on top and roll the tortilla from the bottom end up.Place the rolled enchilada into the prepared baking dish, seam down.
  • Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until all eight enchiladas are in the baking dish, as shown. 
  • If any of the beef filling is left over, spoon it into the baking dish in the space on either end of the enchiladas, as shown. Top with the remaining sauce and shredded cheese and place in the pre-heated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from oven and top with some fresh cilantro right before serving. Add any of the additional toppings you want.

Other Delicious Mexican Recipes

  • Beef Tamales in the Pressure Cooker by That Recipe
  • Copycat Taco Bell Mexican Pizza by Making Miracles
  • Instant Pot Black Beans by Devour Dinner
  • Key Lime Margaritas by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
  • Mexican Chopped Salad by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Queso with Chorizo by Books n’ Cooks
  • Quinoa Burrito Bowl by Magical Ingredients
  • Tacos Dorados by Palatable Pastime
  • The Best Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce by Blogghetti
  • Stay connected for the latest recipes

    Connect with Blogghetti! Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!

    Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

    If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #Blogghetti on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured!

     

    Enjoy!

    More from Blogghetti

    Beef beef, beef enchiladas, best beef enchilada recipe, enchiladas, ground beef enchiladas, Mexican

    Previous Post: « 20 Cool Summer Treats for Hot Summer Days
    Next Post: 10 Fabulous Summer Recipes For Cookouts and BBQs »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Hezzi-D says

      April 28, 2021 at 12:59 PM

      Homemade enchilada sauce is my favorite! I have a few versions but I’m always willing to try another!

      Reply
    2. Wendy Klik says

      April 28, 2021 at 2:01 PM

      I often make chicken and/or bean enchiladas but have never made beef. Thanks for the recipe, can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    3. Sue Lau says

      April 28, 2021 at 6:24 PM

      These look perfectly yummy. I am on team corn tortilla- they have such a nice aroma. I need to make a pan of enchies soon. You really have me hungry for them!

      Reply
    4. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

      April 29, 2021 at 9:33 AM

      You are right, homemade enchilada sauce makes a huge difference in the taste of a homemade enchilada recipe. Yours look delicious.

      Reply
    5. Rebecca says

      May 1, 2021 at 1:50 AM

      I love all your step by step directions and photos! What a great recipe to follow. I love Enchiladas and can’t wait to try them.

      Reply
    6. Radha says

      May 1, 2021 at 12:37 PM

      The sauce looks perfect and delicious. This is a perfect comfort meal.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    I’m a self-proclaimed foodie, avid reader, crafter, wife, mother, and always a student. Click here to read full profile.

    TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA

    mini turkey meatloaves close up

    Mini Turkey Meatloaves Recipe

    tray of sausage balls appetizers

    Air Fryer Sausage Balls

    close up of creamy squash soup with garnishes in white bowl

    Creamy Autumn Squash Soup

    cherry cobbler served on white and gray plate

    3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Cherry Cobbler

    hard cinnamon candy in glass bowl

    Hard Cinnamon Candy

    the best slow cooker chili - served in a white bowl

    The Best Slow Cooker Chili Ever

    Rosemary bread sliced on wooden cutting board

    Easy Homemade Rosemary Bread

    Valentine's M&M Cookie Bar squares - close up

    Valentine’s M&M Cookie Bars

    Recipe Key

    AppetizersBakingCasseroles

    Crock Pot MealsMeal PlansOne Pan Meals

    Cooking TipsSoupsVegetables

    Get Tried and True Recipes Straight to Your Inbox!

    Copyright © 2023 • All rights reserved • All rights reserved. • Privacy Policy
    All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission.
    If you want to share this recipe, please provide a link back to the post for the original recipe.
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT