Sizzling Shredded Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Taco Tuesday Fun

Succulent shredded beef enchiladas dance with rich, spicy flavors that promise an extraordinary meal.

Tender meat slowly simmers in a vibrant sauce, creating layers of mouthwatering complexity.

Mexican culinary traditions blend perfectly with comfort food nostalgia in this hearty dish.

Regional spices infuse each bite with authentic southwestern character.

Melted cheese blankets soft tortillas, promising a symphony of textures and tastes.

Warm aromas will draw you into the kitchen, eager to craft this delectable masterpiece.

Grab a fork and savor every incredible morsel of this irresistible enchilada experience.

Why Everyone Raves About Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• Toss ingredients into a pot and let slow cooking work its magic, creating tender, juicy beef with zero complicated techniques.
• Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or weekend meal prep, this recipe satisfies diverse taste buds with its rich, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Slow simmering transforms tough beef into melt-in-your-mouth goodness, requiring minimal active cooking time and allowing busy home cooks to multitask effortlessly.
• Easily adaptable with optional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, making it a flexible dish that caters to individual preferences.

Everything You Need for Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Main Ingredients:

• Chuck Roast or Brisket: A tender, flavorful cut perfect for slow cooking and shredding.

• Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Chili Powder: A robust mix that adds depth and warmth to the beef.

• Beef Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the meat's rich flavor.
• Tomato Sauce: Adds acidity and creates a delicious braising liquid.
• Lime Juice: Brings brightness and helps tenderize the meat.

• Onion: Adds sweetness and foundational flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic base for the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the beef and preventing sticking.

Steps to Build the Perfect Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface ready for cooking.

Step 2: Season the Beef

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Chili powder

Ensure every inch of the meat is coated with flavorful spices.

Step 3: Create a Golden Crust

Sear the seasoned beef on all sides, developing a rich brown exterior that locks in flavors. Cook for approximately 3 minutes per side until a beautiful caramelized surface forms.

Step 4: Build the Braising Liquid

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Beef broth
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh lime juice

These components will transform into a luxurious cooking sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the pot and simmer on low heat for 3-4 hours. Alternatively, use a slow cooker and cook for 8 hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 6: Prepare the Filling

Use two forks to shred the beef, then gently mix the meat back into the surrounding sauce, creating a luscious, flavor-packed filling.

Step 7: Assemble the Enchiladas

Warm tortillas and fill each with the succulent pulled beef. Roll tightly and place in a baking dish.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Pour additional enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until heated through and cheese melts.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade enchiladas!

Handy Tips for Shredded Enchilada Success

• Tender Meat Magic: Cook the beef low and slow to break down tough fibers, ensuring melt-in-your-mouth texture that falls apart easily.
• Spice Boost Technique: Toast cumin and chili powder briefly in oil before adding other seasonings to enhance their deep, rich flavors.
• Liquid Love Strategy: Use beef broth instead of water to add extra depth and richness to the sauce, creating more complex flavor layers.
• Sauce Balancing Act: Adjust lime juice and tomato sauce ratio to control tanginess and ensure perfect moisture for the enchiladas.
• Meal Prep Hero: Shredded beef can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

How to Store and Reheat Your Enchiladas Right

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality and taste.
• Preheat to 350°F, cover enchiladas with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep meat moist.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir sauce midway to ensure even heating.

What Goes Well with Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• Crisp Corona or Modelo Especial cuts through the rich, spicy beef enchiladas with refreshing brightness.
• Tangy lime-based cocktail enhances the lime juice in the sauce, creating a vibrant flavor explosion.
• Dollop of creamy sour cream balances the spicy enchilada filling, providing smooth temperature contrast.
• Light, herbaceous side salad with cilantro and lime vinaigrette cleanses the palate between savory bites.

Unique Twists to Try on Classic Enchiladas

• Lean Protein Swap: Replace beef with shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option that maintains similar flavor profiles and cooking techniques.
• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Substitute beef with black beans, lentils, or jackfruit for a plant-based version that delivers rich, hearty textures and comparable seasoning intensity.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip traditional tortillas and use large lettuce leaves or low-carb cauliflower tortillas to create an alternative that reduces carbohydrate content while preserving authentic enchilada flavors.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free, and use corn tortillas instead of wheat-based options to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.

Questions People Ask About Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Chuck roast or brisket are ideal due to their high fat content and ability to become tender when slow-cooked, ensuring juicy and flavorful shredded beef for enchiladas.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, add extra chili powder, include diced jalapeños during cooking, or use a hot salsa when assembling enchiladas to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Is there a quicker cooking method if I don't have 3-4 hours?

Use a pressure cooker or instant pot, which can reduce cooking time to about 60-90 minutes while still achieving tender, flavorful shredded beef.

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry?

Always cook on low heat, ensure enough liquid is in the pot, and avoid overcooking. The beef should easily shred and remain moist when it’s perfectly done.

Shredded Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort cuisine reaches new heights with these shredded beef enchiladas, packed with tender, spice-infused meat and melted cheese. Generous portions and rich flavors invite you to savor an authentic culinary journey through traditional southwestern cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kilograms) chuck roast (or brisket)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded cheese (cheddar, monterey jack, or mexican blend)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 10 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a robust skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for the meat.
2. Massage beef thoroughly with a vibrant blend of salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, and chili powder, ensuring complete coverage of the protein.
3. Create a rich caramelized exterior by searing the seasoned beef, rotating carefully to brown each side for approximately 3 minutes, developing deep flavor layers.
4. Introduce aromatic diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet, releasing their fragrant essence.
5. Pour in beef broth, tangy tomato sauce, and freshly squeezed lime juice, transforming the liquid into a complex braising medium.
6. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, covering the skillet and allowing the meat to luxuriate in the sauce for 3-4 hours, or alternatively use a slow cooker for 8 hours.
7. Once meat reaches an incredibly tender state, utilize two forks to meticulously shred the beef, pulling it apart into delicate strands.
8. Reintegrate the shredded meat into the remaining sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the rich, flavor-packed liquid.

Notes

• Use high-quality, well-marbled beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Select a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and prevent moisture loss during slow braising.
• Adjust spice blend according to personal heat preference by increasing or decreasing chili powder and adding cayenne for extra kick.
• Enhance sauce depth by deglazing the searing pan with a splash of red wine or dark beer before adding liquid ingredients.
• For gluten-free version, use corn tortillas and verify broth and tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Refrigerate cooked beef overnight to develop deeper flavor and make shredding easier.
• Make larger batches and freeze shredded beef in portion-sized containers for quick future meals.
• Replace beef with jackfruit or pulled mushrooms for vegetarian/vegan alternative with similar texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg