These Shredded Beef Enchiladas with Red Sauce are a fantastic freezer friendly dinner recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how easily they come together, offering a comforting and flavorful meal whenever you need it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Beef Roast: A chuck roast or round roast works best for shredding.
- Corn Tortillas: You can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn holds up well for freezing.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: Canned or homemade will both be delicious.
- Cheese: Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend melts beautifully.
- Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics for flavor.
Ingredients:
For the Shredded Beef:
- 2-3 pound beef chuck roast
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 2 cups red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (includes beef cooking)
- Servings: 6-8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
- Tools Needed: Large pot or slow cooker, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Shredded Beef
Place the beef roast, quartered onion, smashed garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth in a large pot. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and cook for 2.5-3 hours until the beef is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. Alternatively, cook in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
2. Shred the Beef
Remove the cooked beef from the pot and discard the onion and garlic. Using two forks, shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. You can mix in a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid to keep the beef moist, if desired.
3. Prepare Your Workstation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour about 1/2 cup of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. Set up a station with your shredded beef, tortillas, remaining enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas
Lightly warm each tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable. Dip each tortilla quickly into the remaining enchilada sauce. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded beef and a sprinkle of cheese down the center of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly.
5. Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Continue until all tortillas are filled and arranged snugly in the dish.
6. Cover and Bake
Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the tops of the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with the rest of the shredded cheese. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if you desire lightly browned cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro or diced red onion, if using. Serve these delicious shredded beef enchiladas immediately.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef seasoning or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the enchilada sauce.
- Bean & Corn: Mix some drained black beans or corn into the shredded beef filling for extra texture and nutrients.
- Creamy: Stir a spoonful of plain yogurt into the enchilada sauce for a creamier consistency.
Storage Instructions:
These shredded beef enchiladas are excellent as a freezer friendly dinner recipe. Once cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What kind of beef is best for shredding? Chuck roast or round roast are ideal as they become very tender when cooked slowly.
- How do I prevent tortillas from breaking? Lightly warming them before rolling helps them become more flexible and less likely to tear.
- Can I use a different sauce? While red sauce is classic, you can certainly experiment with a green enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Are these suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! They are a fantastic freezer friendly dinner recipe, perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
- What should I serve with enchiladas? A simple green salad, rice, or refried beans complement these enchiladas well.