Zesty Shredded Beef Enchiladas Recipe to Spice Up Dinner

Tender beef simmers in a rich, spicy enchilada sauce that promises pure comfort and flavor.

Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty shredded beef enchiladas recipe delivers a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired meal.

Each bite bursts with complex spices and melted cheese that dance across your palate.

The beef becomes impossibly soft and easily pulls apart with minimal effort.

Warm corn tortillas wrap around the succulent meat, creating layers of deliciousness.

Topped with a vibrant sauce and extra cheese, these enchiladas speak directly to your hunger.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing dinner that transforms an ordinary evening into a delectable celebration.

Easy Serving Ideas For Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• Fiesta Plate Companions: Pair your shredded beef enchiladas with Mexican-style rice for a classic combo that soaks up delicious sauce and adds texture.
• Creamy Cool Contrast: Top enchiladas with cold sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro to balance the warm, spicy flavors and add a refreshing touch.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside homemade guacamole or quick black beans to enhance the meal's richness and provide additional protein and nutrients.
• Fresh Heat Boost: Garnish with sliced fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of hot sauce for diners who love an extra spicy kick to their enchilada experience.

How To Store Shredded Beef Enchiladas Smartly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor integrity.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen enchiladas stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Optimal Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated or thawed enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent cheese from burning and maintain moisture. Avoid microwave reheating to keep tortillas crisp and prevent soggy textures.
• Ingredient Freshness Tip: Check beef and cheese expiration dates before preparing. Discard any enchiladas with unusual smell, color changes, or signs of spoilage. Always use clean utensils when handling stored food to prevent bacterial contamination.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 4.5 hours

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients For Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• Beef Chuck Roast: Choose a well-marbled cut that promises tender, succulent shreds perfect for slow cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear and locks in the beef's rich flavors during initial cooking process.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that amplify the beef's natural taste and create a robust foundation.
• Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder: Authentic Mexican spice blend that infuses deep, complex layers of warmth and earthiness.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a savory depth and authentic southwestern character.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and intensifies the meat's richness during slow cooking.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds tangy sweetness and helps create a luscious, clinging sauce for the beef.
• Lime Juice: Brings bright acidity that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh dimension.
• Corn Tortillas: Traditional wrapper that softens beautifully and holds the filling perfectly.
• Enchilada Sauce: Signature Mexican cooking sauce that coats and flavors the entire dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into a creamy, golden blanket that ties all the flavors together.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a vibrant, green brightness to the finished dish.
• Sour Cream: Cool, tangy topping that balances the spices.
• Jalapeños: Optional spicy addition for heat lovers seeking an extra kick.

Tools To Make Shredded Beef Enchiladas Easily

• Large pot: Essential for slow-cooking beef and creating rich sauce.
• Skillet or pan: Perfect for searing beef and warming tortillas.
• Two forks: Ideal for shredding tender beef after slow cooking.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Necessary for assembling and baking enchiladas.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Helps accurately measure seasonings and ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grated cheese (if not using pre-shredded).
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing garnishes and ingredients.

Steps To Cook Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• Sizzle the Beef

Brown the beef in a hot pan with aromatic spices. Let it develop deep, rich flavors by searing each side until golden. Add onions, garlic, and a splash of zesty liquids to create a mouth-watering sauce. Slow cook until the meat becomes incredibly tender, then shred it into succulent strands.

• Warm up the Tortillas

Gently heat tortillas so they become soft and flexible. This prevents cracking when rolling your enchiladas. Spread a thin layer of sauce inside each tortilla to add extra moisture and flavor.

• Roll and Nest the Enchiladas

Fill each tortilla with the juicy shredded beef. Roll them tightly and place them snugly in a baking dish, nestling them close together. This helps them stay compact and delicious during baking.

• Drench in Sauce and Cheese

Pour a generous amount of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring every inch gets covered. Sprinkle a blanket of cheese on top, creating a melty, golden crust that will make everyone’s mouth water.

• Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into a hot oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the cheese transforms into a bubbling, slightly crispy topping that signals your enchiladas are ready to devour.

• Dress and Serve

Add a final flourish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or some spicy jalapeños. Serve alongside Mexican rice or creamy beans for a complete, irresistible meal.

Tips To Make Shredded Beef Enchiladas Better

• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the shredded beef filling up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container, allowing flavors to deepen and saving precious cooking time.
• Protein Power Switch: Swap beef with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or black beans for a delightful protein variation that keeps the dish exciting and adaptable.
• Spice Control Station: Adjust heat levels by choosing mild or hot chili powder, adding extra jalapenos, or incorporating chipotle peppers for a smoky kick that transforms the flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace traditional cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Assemble enchiladas completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months—perfect for quick future meals that taste freshly made.

Spicy Shredded Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 4.5 hours
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican magic unfolds with these shredded beef enchiladas, delivering authentic southwestern comfort. Tender meat, rich spices, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) chuck roast
• 2 cups (226 g) shredded cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) red enchilada sauce
• 10 small corn tortillas
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsps lime juice
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh cilantro
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chili powder

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear seasoned beef in a hot pot, creating a caramelized exterior that locks in deep, robust flavors.
2. Braising Liquid Creation: Blend onions, garlic, beef broth, tomato sauce, and lime juice to craft an aromatic cooking medium that will tenderize the meat during slow cooking.
3. Meat Transformation: Simmer beef until fork-tender, allowing the meat to gently break down and absorb the rich, complex flavors of the braising liquid. Continuously keep the meat submerged to maintain moisture and tenderness.
4. Tortilla and Filling Assembly: Warm tortillas for enhanced flexibility, then layer with a thin sauce coating. Distribute the succulent shredded beef evenly and roll with precision, ensuring a tight, seamless enchilada.
5. Baking Preparation: Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Completely cover with remaining sauce, ensuring thorough moisture distribution. Generously top with melting cheese to create a golden, bubbling surface.
6. Final Baking and Presentation: Bake until cheese transforms into a molten, slightly crispy topping with delicately crisped edges. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or zesty jalapeño slices. Serve immediately with complementary Mexican-inspired accompaniments.

Notes

• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Brown the beef thoroughly before braising to develop deep, rich caramelized notes that intensify the overall taste profile.
• Maintain Moisture Balance: Keep meat submerged in braising liquid during cooking to prevent drying and ensure tender, succulent shredded beef.
• Warm Tortillas Gently: Slightly heat tortillas before rolling to increase flexibility and prevent cracking, creating smooth, tight enchilada rolls.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Sprinkle cheese evenly and bake until golden and slightly crispy for a perfect textural contrast and appetizing golden-brown surface.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg