Beef enchiladas are a timeless comfort food, and at the heart of a truly great enchilada lies the sauce. If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that delivers authentic, mouthwatering flavor, look no further than Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas. This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about crafting a rich, savory red enchilada sauce that elevates simple beef enchiladas to something truly special.
enchiladas on a plate
What makes Pioneer Woman’s enchilada sauce so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of spice, depth, and homemade goodness. Unlike store-bought sauces that can sometimes taste bland or overly processed, this enchilada sauce is made from scratch with simple pantry staples, resulting in a vibrant and robust flavor that permeates every bite of your enchiladas. This recipe understands that the enchilada sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a key component that binds all the elements together.
One of the secrets to this recipe’s success is the technique of lightly frying the corn tortillas before filling and baking. While some might skip this step to save time, it’s a game-changer. Frying the tortillas briefly in oil softens them, prevents them from becoming soggy, and imparts a subtle toasted corn flavor that complements the rich beef filling and enchilada sauce beautifully. Corn tortillas are indeed the authentic choice for enchiladas, offering a flavor that flour tortillas simply can’t match. Yes, they might require a touch more finesse than flour tortillas, but the reward in taste and texture is well worth the minimal extra effort.
The filling for these Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas is wonderfully straightforward yet satisfying. Ground beef, seasoned and combined with mild green chilies and cheese, creates a hearty and flavorful center for each enchilada. The simplicity of the filling allows the star of the show – the Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce – to truly shine. While ground beef is classic and convenient, you could easily adapt this recipe with shredded chicken or pork if you prefer.
enchiladas on a plate
To finish these enchiladas, a generous blanket of cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of green onions are all you need. Upon serving, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or even a touch of guacamole can add extra layers of flavor and coolness to balance the warm, savory enchiladas. Feel free to customize your toppings to your liking – diced tomatoes, olives, hot sauce, or your favorite salsa would all be fantastic additions.
This Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas recipe is perfect for a family dinner and comfortably serves six. However, be warned – they are so delicious that you might find everyone going back for seconds (or thirds!). Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, reheat beautifully, making this dish an excellent option for meal prepping or a satisfying lunch the next day.
What Goes into Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas?
Let’s break down the key ingredients you’ll need to create this enchilada masterpiece:
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For the Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce:
- Canola Oil: Used to create a roux, the base of the sauce.
- All-purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Red Enchilada Sauce (canned): The primary flavor component – choose a good quality brand for the best taste.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and thins the sauce to the right texture.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Fresh Chopped Cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the sauce.
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For the Beef Filling:
- Ground Beef: The hearty protein base of the enchiladas.
- Onion: Adds savory depth to the beef filling.
- Diced Green Chilies: Provide a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
- Salt: Seasons the beef filling.
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For the Tortillas:
- Corn Tortillas: The authentic and flavorful choice for enchiladas.
- Canola Oil: For lightly frying the tortillas.
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For Assembly & Topping:
- Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Divided for both filling and topping, providing cheesy goodness.
- Sour Cream & Chopped Green Onion: For serving, adding coolness and freshness.
Making Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas: Step-by-Step
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your own pan of delicious Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas:
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Prepare the Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together canola oil and flour to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the red enchilada sauce and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add cilantro, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating that signature Pioneer Woman enchilada sauce taste.
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Make the Beef Filling: While the sauce simmers, brown the ground beef with diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat. 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: Heat canola oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Using tongs, carefully fry each corn tortilla for about 20 seconds per side, just until softened and pliable, not crispy. Remove the softened tortillas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all tortillas are softened. This step is crucial for preventing cracks and ensuring easy rolling.
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Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour about ½ cup of the red enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. Dip each softened tortilla into the remaining red enchilada sauce, coating both sides. Place the sauced tortilla on a work surface. Spoon a portion of the beef filling down the center of the tortilla, sprinkle with a little grated cheddar cheese and some green onions. Roll up the enchilada tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking pan. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and sauce, arranging the enchiladas snugly in the pan.
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Bake to Perfection: Pour any remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas in the pan. Top generously with the remaining grated cheddar cheese and green onions. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
enchiladas on a plate
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sour cream and additional chopped green onion, if desired. Serve hot and prepare for rave reviews!
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas:
- Don’t skip frying the tortillas: This step is key to preventing soggy enchiladas and enhancing the corn flavor.
- Simmer the sauce properly: The 20-minute simmer time is essential for developing the rich flavor of the Pioneer Woman enchilada sauce.
- Use good quality enchilada sauce: Since it’s a star ingredient, choose a red enchilada sauce you enjoy the taste of.
- Warm the tortillas before frying (optional): If your corn tortillas are very stiff, you can lightly warm them in a dry skillet or microwave to make them more pliable before frying.
- Customize your cheese: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend would also work well.
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
These Pioneer Woman’s Beef Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they are an experience. The homemade Pioneer Woman enchilada sauce truly makes this recipe stand out, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up a crowd-pleasing, comforting, and delicious meal. Give this recipe a try and discover why Pioneer Woman’s enchilada sauce is the secret to truly amazing beef enchiladas!
