Spicy Southwest Beef Enchiladas Recipe
These Spicy Southwest Beef Enchiladas are an ideal way to turn leftover beef into a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re using freshly cooked beef or utilizing leftover roast, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and heartiness. A delicious twist on the classic enchilada, the combination of spicy chiles, garlic, and savory beef, topped with melted cheese and a rich sauce, will have you coming back for more.
Recipe Details
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 648.3 kcal
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes and green chilies | 2 (cans) |
| Green chilies | 1 (can) |
| Garlic cloves | 1 (clove) |
| Onion | 1 (medium) |
| Black pepper | 2 teaspoons |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Flour tortillas | 8 (small) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 648.3 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 129.3 mg |
| Sodium | 1621 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 51.3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 6.1 g |
| Protein | 59.3 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Beef:
Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef (freshly chopped or leftover shredded beef) and brown it thoroughly. This should take about 5–7 minutes depending on the meat’s temperature. -
-
Add Aromatics:
Once the beef has browned, add the finely minced garlic and chopped onions. Stir the mixture and let the onions cook for about 2 minutes, until they soften and become translucent. -
Incorporate the Spices and Sauces:
Add the enchilada sauce, canned tomatoes with green chilies, green chilies, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring that all flavors meld together. -
Simmer the Beef:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 hours if using uncooked beef. If using leftover beef, simply simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to deepen and the beef to soak in the sauce. -
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour and water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this into the beef mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture back to a boil, cooking for an additional 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. -
Prepare the Tortillas:
While the beef mixture is simmering, warm the flour tortillas in the oven or on a skillet. This step ensures they are soft and pliable, making them easier to roll. -
Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spoon about half a cup of the beef mixture into each warm tortilla. Sprinkle a little cheese over the filling, and then roll up the tortilla by folding the sides in and rolling tightly from the bottom. Repeat this process for all tortillas. -
Top with Sauce and Cheese:
Arrange the rolled tortillas in a baking dish. Spoon the remaining beef mixture over the top of the enchiladas, ensuring each one is covered. Sprinkle with more cheese to create a gooey, melted topping. -
Bake and Serve:
Bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove from the oven, and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Additional Notes:
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Leftover Beef Option: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover beef, especially if you have roast beef or other cuts that you want to use up. Just skip the browning step and simmer the beef for a shorter period, depending on how tender you like it.
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Toppings: Feel free to garnish your enchiladas with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.
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Make Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply warm it up when you’re ready to assemble the enchiladas.
These Spicy Southwest Beef Enchiladas are the perfect combination of spice, heat, and savory goodness. Whether you’re using freshly cooked beef or leftovers, these enchiladas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With minimal prep time and a simple cooking process, they make a great meal for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Enjoy the bold, hearty flavors and the satisfaction of a well-prepared dish!
