These Cheese Enchiladas with Chile Con Carne Sauce are a classic Tex-Mex favorite featuring soft corn tortillas filled with melted cheese, covered in a rich, savory beef chile sauce, and topped with even more cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or an authentic Tex-Mex meal at home.
Ingredients
For the Chile Con Carne Sauce
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Mexican oregano
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Enchiladas
- 12โ14 corn tortillas
- 3 cups shredded American cheese, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheese
- Diced white onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Pickled jalapeรฑos
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh salsa
Instructions
1. Make the Chile Con Carne Sauce
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add diced onion and cook for 4โ5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to prevent lumps.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 20โ30 minutes until the sauce thickens and develops rich flavor.
2. Prepare the Tortillas
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Lightly fry each corn tortilla for 10โ15 seconds per side until soft and flexible.
- Drain on paper towels.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Spread a thin layer of chile con carne sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with shredded cheese and diced onion.
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining chile con carne sauce over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle generously with additional cheese.
4. Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cheese Enchiladas with Chile Con Carne Sauce with:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Charro beans
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Fresh lime wedges
Tips for the Best Cheese Enchiladas
- Use corn tortillas for the most authentic flavor.
- American cheese creates the classic Tex-Mex creamy melt.
- Make the chile con carne sauce a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- Donโt skip warming the tortillas โ it prevents cracking.
- Add diced onions inside the enchiladas for the traditional Tex-Mex style.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled enchiladas before baking for up to 3 months.
- Reheat covered in the oven until hot and bubbly.
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Cheese Enchiladas with Chile Con Carne Sauce Recipe (Classic Tex-Mex Style)
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