Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a culinary hug wrapped in tortillas. Picture tender beef, smothered in a rich, spicy red sauce, all tucked into soft corn tortillas and topped with melted cheese—pure bliss on a plate. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, drawing everyone in like a moth to a flame, promising a warm and satisfying meal that makes you feel right at home.

Every time I make beef enchiladas with red sauce, it takes me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and the sound of forks clinking against plates. There’s something magical about pulling these together for taco night or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve a treat. Trust me when I say this dish will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These beef enchiladas with red sauce are easy to make and packed with flavor
- They look stunning on any dinner table with their vibrant colors
- Perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers, they can also be customized for different dietary needs
- Enjoy leftovers as they taste even better the next day!
I once made these for my friends during a game night, and let’s just say they were fighting over the last piece like it was the last slice of pizza at a party!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for juiciness without being too greasy.
Corn Tortillas: Fresh tortillas add an authentic touch; lightly warming them keeps them pliable.
Red Enchilada Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; either way, choose one with a kick!
Shredded Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor; feel free to mix with Monterey Jack.
Sour Cream: A dollop on top enhances the flavors beautifully; Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative.
Onions and Garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic bring depth to the filling; don’t skip this step!
For the Sauce:
Tomato Sauce: This forms the base of your enchilada sauce; go for no-salt-added if you’re watching sodium.
Chili Powder: It’s where the spice comes from; adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness; fresh ground is always better!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Meat Filling: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef along with chopped onions and minced garlic until browned and fragrant.
Mix in Spices and Sauce: Stir in chili powder and cumin until well combined. Add half of your red enchilada sauce; let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Warm Your Tortillas: In another pan, lightly warm corn tortillas one by one. This prevents tearing when rolling them up later—trust me on this!
Assemble the Enchiladas: Place some beef filling onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, then place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Add More Sauce & Cheese: Pour remaining red enchilada sauce over assembled enchiladas. Top generously with shredded cheese—because who says there’s such a thing as too much cheese?
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your delicious creation! Each bite of these beef enchiladas with red sauce offers layers of flavors that dance together perfectly—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Beef enchiladas with red sauce are the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and satisfying textures
- The aroma of simmering beef and spices fills your kitchen with warmth
- Plus, these enchiladas are perfect for meal prep, making them a go-to for busy weeknights
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef first, then prepare your sauce while assembling the enchiladas for efficiency.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or add black beans for a hearty twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a delicious kick, sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking
- Ensure tortillas are warm to prevent tearing during assembly
- Consider garnishing with sour cream and fresh cilantro for added freshness
Sharing my first attempt at beef enchiladas was hilarious; I ended up with more sauce on my shirt than in the pan!

FAQ
Can I make beef enchiladas with red sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What type of cheese is best for beef enchiladas?
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack offers the best melt and flavor combination.
How can I make beef enchiladas spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a touch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for heat.

Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce
Beef enchiladas with red sauce are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the warmth of home cooking to your table. Savory ground beef is enveloped in soft corn tortillas and bathed in a spicy red sauce, all topped with melted cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, ensuring every bite is a hearty delight that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until cooked through.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin; then add half of the red enchilada sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Warm corn tortillas individually in another pan to prevent tearing.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (180g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg






