Few dishes bring the comfort and flavor of shredded beef enchiladas. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these enchiladas always satisfy. The slow-cooked beef, rich enchilada sauce, and melted cheese create a delicious combination that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why We Love Shredded Beef Enchiladas
There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish like shredded beef enchiladas. The soft tortillas, filled with tender, flavorful beef, are bathed in a rich, zesty enchilada sauce and baked to golden perfection. But what makes this dish so beloved? Here’s why you’ll fall in love with shredded beef enchiladas:
Hearty and Satisfying: The shredded beef gives the enchiladas a rich, meaty flavor that will fill you up without leaving you feeling too heavy.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, add different toppings, or even swap the beef for other proteins like chicken or pork to suit your tastes.
Easy to Prepare: Though they might seem like a special occasion dish, shredded beef enchiladas are surprisingly simple to make, especially when you use slow-cooked beef.
Perfect for Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, enchiladas are just as delicious the next day. They even freeze well, so you can make a batch and enjoy them later.
Ingredients for Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Shredded Beef: This is the main ingredient for your enchiladas. It gives the dish its rich flavor and tender texture. Don’t substitute with ground beef.
Corn Tortillas: Soft and absorbent, corn tortillas are perfect for enchiladas.
Enchilada Sauce: Adds bold flavor to the dish. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty, cheesy texture. A Mexican blend is ideal.
Onion: Adds crunch and flavor to the beef filling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings savory depth to the dish.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is great for garnish and adds a fresh flavor.
Oil: Used to fry tortillas for a better texture.
How to Make Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Making shredded beef enchiladas is a simple process, but it does take some time to cook the beef to perfection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right:
Prepare the Beef
Start by seasoning your beef with your favorite spices—garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper are great choices. Place the beef (either chuck roast or brisket) in a slow cooker with some chopped onion and garlic. Cover the meat with broth or water and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Once the beef is cooked, shred it using two forks, discarding any excess fat. Set the beef aside, and if desired, toss it with a little bit of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
Fry the Tortillas
Lightly fry the corn tortillas in a bit of hot oil for 30-45 seconds per side, just until soft. This step is crucial because it helps prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy when they bake with the sauce. Be sure not to make them crispy—just soft enough to hold their shape when rolled.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce to coat the bottom. Next, take each tortilla and dip it in the sauce, then fill it with the shredded beef and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortillas up tightly and place them seam-side down in the dish.
Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake and Serve
Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want extra golden cheese, broil the enchiladas for the last 2-3 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Shredded Beef Enchiladas
To take your shredded beef enchiladas to the next level, try these expert tips:
Use a slow cooker: The key to tender, flavorful shredded beef is slow cooking. It allows the meat to absorb all the flavors from the spices and liquids, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Don’t skip the frying step: Lightly frying the tortillas before filling them helps prevent sogginess and gives the enchiladas a better texture.
Use homemade enchilada sauce: While store-bought sauce works in a pinch, making your own enchilada sauce adds an extra layer of depth and flavor that store-bought just can’t replicate.
Layer the cheese: For the best melt, sprinkle a little cheese in between the layers of meat and tortillas as you assemble the enchiladas.
Variations of Shredded Beef Enchiladas
While traditional shredded beef enchiladas are undeniably delicious, you can get creative with these fun variations:
Spicy Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Add heat to your dish by including diced jalapeños in the beef mixture or using a spicy enchilada sauce. You can also serve with sliced fresh jalapeños as a garnish.
Vegetarian Shredded Enchiladas
If you’re not in the mood for meat, swap the beef for black beans, sautéed vegetables, or a combination of both. Add plenty of cheese for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
Chicken Enchiladas
Substitute shredded chicken for the beef for a lighter version of the classic. Chicken thighs or breasts work well in this dish.
Enchiladas Suizas
For a creamy twist, top your enchiladas with a rich white sauce (often made from sour cream or heavy cream) in place of the traditional red sauce.
How to Serve Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Shredded beef enchiladas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas for how to pair and garnish your dish:
With Rice and Beans: Serve your enchiladas with a side of fluffy Mexican rice and creamy refried beans for a full meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Toppings Galore: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime for added flavor and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the enchiladas.
Serve with a Salad: A light, crisp salad with lime dressing pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy enchiladas.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Cut of Beef for Shredded Beef Enchiladas?
For the most tender, flavorful shredded beef, chuck roast or brisket are the best cuts. Both cuts have plenty of marbling, which results in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture when slow-cooked.
Can I Make Shredded Beef Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the enchiladas up to the point of baking, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re heated through.
How Can I Make Shredded Beef Enchiladas Spicier?
If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or choose a hotter enchilada sauce. You can also sprinkle some chipotle powder in the sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
Are Shredded Beef Enchiladas Gluten-Free?
If you use corn tortillas and a gluten-free enchilada sauce, your shredded beef enchiladas can be entirely gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Oven
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups shredded beef slow-cooked
- 12-14 pieces corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese Mexican blend
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp cilantro fresh, for garnish
- 2 tbsp oil for frying tortillas
Instructions
- Season the beef with garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place the beef in a slow cooker with chopped onion and garlic. Add broth or water and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the beef is tender.
- Shred the cooked beef using two forks and set aside. Optional: Toss with some of the cooking liquid for extra flavor.
- Fry the tortillas lightly in hot oil for 30-45 seconds per side, until soft but not crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Dip each tortilla in the sauce, then fill with shredded beef and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll up tightly and place in the dish.
- Top the assembled enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Optional: Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra golden cheese.
- Sprinkle with fresh cilantro before serving.