These Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas are a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Loaded with a savory ground beef filling, smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce, and generously topped with melted cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican flair, look no further than these incredible enchiladas inspired by the Pioneer Woman herself!
Plate of Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas with red sauce and melted cheese
For enchilada enthusiasts, the debate between chicken and beef often sparks lively discussion. While chicken mole enchiladas hold a special place in many hearts, these beef enchiladas with red sauce are a serious contender for the top spot. This recipe, adapted from the Pioneer Woman, offers a fantastic method for creating enchiladas that are both flavorful and easy to assemble.
One of the key choices in making enchiladas is the type of tortilla. While flour tortillas are known for their pliability and ease of handling, corn tortillas bring an authentic and robust flavor that truly elevates enchiladas. If you’ve experienced the frustration of corn tortillas tearing and breaking, this recipe has a solution. By lightly frying the corn tortillas and dipping them in the red sauce before filling, they become wonderfully flexible and won’t crack during rolling or baking. This extra step is well worth the effort for the superior taste and texture it delivers.
The beauty of these Pioneer Woman Enchiladas lies in their simple yet satisfying filling. A mixture of seasoned ground beef, mild green chilies, and cheese creates a delicious base that perfectly complements the rich red sauce. While ground beef is a convenient and classic choice, you could easily adapt this recipe with shredded chicken, diced chicken, or even shredded pork to suit your preferences.
To complete these enchiladas, a generous blanket of cheese and a sprinkle of green onions are all you need. Upon serving, consider adding a dollop of cool sour cream, fresh cilantro, and extra green onions for added freshness and flavor. For those who like to customize their toppings, options like diced tomatoes, a dash of hot sauce, creamy avocado or guacamole, black olives, or a spoonful of salsa can all enhance the experience.
This recipe comfortably serves six people. However, be warned – these enchiladas are so delicious that they might disappear quickly, especially if you have hearty eaters at your table! The good news is that leftovers reheat beautifully, making them a fantastic option for a quick and tasty meal the next day.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas on a plate
What Ingredients Do You Need for Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas?
This recipe is divided into sections for easy preparation: Sauce, Filling, Tortillas, and Assembly. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
Sauce:
- Canola Oil
- All-purpose Flour
- Red Enchilada Sauce (for authentic flavor, choose a good quality brand)
- Chicken Broth
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- Fresh Chopped Cilantro (adds a bright, fresh note)
Filling:
- Ground Beef (lean ground beef works best)
- Onion (yellow or white onion, finely diced)
- Diced Green Chilies (canned, mild or hot depending on your spice preference)
- Salt
Tortillas:
- Corn Tortillas (for the best flavor and authentic enchilada experience)
- Canola Oil (for frying the tortillas)
Assembly:
- Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese (divided for filling and topping, provides a sharp, cheesy flavor)
- Sour Cream (for serving, adds coolness and creaminess)
- Chopped Green Onions (for garnish and fresh flavor)
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create these amazing Pioneer Woman inspired enchiladas:
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Prepare the Red Enchilada Sauce: In a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine canola oil and all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the red enchilada sauce and chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the remaining components.
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Cook the Beef Filling: While the sauce simmers, prepare the beef filling. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the diced green chilies and salt. Set the beef filling aside.
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Soften the Corn Tortillas: Once the red sauce is simmering and the beef is cooked, heat canola oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Using tongs, carefully fry each corn tortilla in the hot oil for about 20 seconds per side, just until softened and pliable, not crispy. Remove the softened tortillas and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat this process until all tortillas are softened. This step is crucial for preventing the tortillas from cracking when rolling the enchiladas.
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Assemble and Bake the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Pour about ½ cup of the prepared red sauce into the bottom of a baking pan (9×13 inch pan recommended) and spread it evenly. Dip each softened corn tortilla into the warm red sauce to coat both sides. Remove the sauced tortilla to your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a small amount of grated cheddar cheese and some green onions over the filling. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking pan. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the pan. Pour any remaining red sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Top generously with the remaining grated cheddar cheese and sprinkle with green onions.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and nicely golden brown.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked Pioneer Woman enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and additional chopped green onions, if desired. Feel free to offer other toppings like cilantro, salsa, or guacamole on the side.
Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas on a plate ready to be served
Looking for More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
If you enjoyed these Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas, you might also love these other fantastic Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired recipes:
- Slow Cooker Verde Chicken Chili (for a flavorful and easy chili option)
- Fried Ice Cream Cake (a fun and unique dessert)
- White Chicken Enchiladas (a creamy and cheesy enchilada variation)
- Chicken Tamale Casserole (all the flavors of tamales in an easy casserole)
- Simple Instant Pot Pork Verde Tacos (quick and flavorful tacos)
- Sheet Pan Chili Lime Chicken Fajitas (easy fajitas for a weeknight meal)
Ready to Try Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas?
This Pioneer Woman Enchiladas recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves classic Mexican comfort food. With its flavorful beef filling, rich red sauce, and cheesy topping, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and delicious meal!
