Name: Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked)

There’s something truly satisfying about digging into a pan of sizzling hot beef enchiladas smothered in a rich, smoky homemade red sauce. The beef is savory, the tortillas are tender, and the sauce pulls everything together in a way that feels both comforting and bold.

This dish takes your average weeknight dinner to the next level with just a little bit of kitchen love. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers that taste even better the next day, these enchiladas deliver. It’s a recipe you’ll want to pin and revisit often.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas Recipe

These enchiladas come together with minimal fuss but feel special enough for a weekend dinner. The homemade red enchilada sauce is a game-changer — it adds depth, smokiness, and the kind of flavor you just can’t get from a store-bought jar. With a cheesy, meaty filling wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection, what’s not to love?

You can also customize them to suit your spice preference or add extra ingredients like beans or peppers. They freeze beautifully and make an easy meal prep win.

What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

Corn tortillas are traditional and give a beautiful texture and flavor to enchiladas, but flour tortillas can be easier to roll and less likely to tear. If you prefer a more authentic bite and don’t mind the extra step of softening them first, go for corn. Flour tortillas will give you a soft, comforting roll with a slightly chewy finish.

Ingredients for the Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

These ingredients are simple but work together to build flavor in layers. You’ll want to use high-quality beef and take the time to let your sauce develop its deep color and bold taste.

Ground beef: This forms the hearty base of the filling. Look for 80/20 for a good balance of flavor.
Yellow onion: Adds a layer of sweetness and texture to the beef mixture.
Garlic cloves: Bring in rich, aromatic depth.
Chili powder: Gives the sauce its warmth and smoky flavor.
Cumin: Enhances the earthy undertones.
Tomato paste: Adds depth and thickens the sauce.
Beef broth: Used to loosen the sauce and infuse extra savory notes.
Flour: Helps thicken the homemade red sauce.
Corn tortillas: Provide that classic texture and slight chew.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and brings gooey, cheesy goodness.
Salt and pepper: Season everything just right.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the beef and to toast the flour for the sauce.

Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce 2

How To Make the Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Red Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Homemade Red Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan, then stir in the flour to create a light roux. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic, and tomato paste. Let it cook a minute or two until fragrant. Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth and simmer until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Soften the Tortillas

If using corn tortillas, briefly warm them in a dry skillet or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for about 30 seconds. This helps them roll without breaking.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a bit of red sauce in the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla, top with a bit of cheese, then roll and place seam-side down. Repeat until the dish is full.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Pour the remaining red sauce over the top of the enchiladas, sprinkle generously with more cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Serving and Storing Beef Enchiladas

This recipe yields about 6 to 8 hearty enchiladas, enough to serve 4 to 5 people generously. Serve hot right out of the oven, ideally with a side of sour cream and fresh cilantro. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas?

Mexican Rice

The perfect mild and fluffy side to absorb all that extra red sauce.

Refried Beans

Creamy and rich, they balance the savory beef filling with softness.

Corn Salad

A bright, zesty corn salad with lime and cilantro brings freshness to the plate.

Guacamole

Creamy, cool, and always a hit with anything spicy.

Chips and Salsa

Start the meal off right or use for scooping up extra sauce.

Cabbage Slaw

Adds crunch and a little vinegar bite to round out the richness.

Pickled Jalapeños

A fiery kick for those who like more heat.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Sweet corn coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder is the ultimate indulgent pairing.

Want More Mexican-Inspired Dinner Ideas?

If you loved these beef enchiladas, you’ll definitely want to check out these satisfying and flavorful meals next:

Try the Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini for a creative mashup of Italian and Mexican comfort food.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas offer a spicier, saucier twist with bold flavor.
For a lighter side, Creamy Corn Dip is a great starter or snack.
Cajun Potato Soup delivers a smoky, spicy bowl of comfort.
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli makes another excellent weeknight classic.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

Let me know in the comments how your enchiladas turned out. Did you use flour or corn tortillas? Did you spice it up or keep it classic?

I love seeing your variations and hearing how each family makes it their own. Let’s make dinner even more delicious together.

Explore more delicious, everyday recipes on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find new favorites to add to your weeknight lineup. Zoe Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Beef enchiladas with homemade red sauce are pure comfort in a pan. With a bit of love and just the right blend of spice and cheese, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re new to making enchiladas or already a fan, this version deserves a spot in your rotation.