Craving a hearty and flavorful Mexican dish that’s sure to please the whole family? Look no further than Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas. This recipe takes the classic enchilada and elevates it with a rich red sauce and a simple yet satisfying beef filling. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. Get ready to experience the taste of authentic, homemade Beef Enchiladas Pioneer Woman style.
Close-up of beef enchiladas on a plate, showcasing the red sauce and melted cheese
What makes these beef enchiladas stand out? It’s all about the combination of simple, high-quality ingredients and a cooking method that maximizes flavor. Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s approach to home cooking, this recipe emphasizes straightforward techniques and readily available ingredients to create a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Forget complicated steps and hard-to-find items – this recipe is designed for real people who want to enjoy fantastic food without spending hours in the kitchen.
One of the secrets to truly great enchiladas lies in the tortillas. While flour tortillas might be convenient, corn tortillas offer an authentic flavor that perfectly complements the beef and red sauce. However, corn tortillas can be tricky to work with as they tend to crack and break. This Pioneer Woman inspired recipe solves that problem with a simple step: lightly frying the tortillas before filling and rolling. This quick fry softens the tortillas, making them pliable and preventing them from falling apart. It might seem like an extra step, but it makes all the difference in creating enchiladas that are easy to assemble and hold their shape beautifully during baking.
The beef filling for these enchiladas is wonderfully simple, yet packed with flavor. Ground beef is combined with diced green chilies and cheese for a classic Tex-Mex taste. The beauty of this filling is its versatility. While ground beef is the star here, you could easily substitute shredded chicken or pork if you prefer. The green chilies add a touch of heat and Southwestern flair, while the cheese melts into a gooey, delicious binder that holds everything together.
To top it all off, these enchiladas are smothered in a generous layer of cheese and a sprinkle of green onions. When serving, consider adding a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or your favorite toppings. Diced tomatoes, hot sauce, avocado, guacamole, or olives would all be fantastic additions, allowing everyone to customize their enchiladas to their own taste. A little salsa on the side is always a welcome accompaniment.
This recipe conveniently serves six, making it perfect for a family dinner. However, be warned – these enchiladas are so good that you might find everyone going back for seconds (and thirds!). Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, reheat beautifully, making this dish a great option for meal prepping or a satisfying lunch the next day.
Overhead view of enchiladas in a baking dish, showcasing the layers of tortillas, beef filling, and red sauce
What You’ll Need to Make Pioneer Woman Style Beef Enchiladas:
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Canola Oil
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose Flour
- 28 oz can Red Enchilada Sauce
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Chopped Cilantro
Beef Filling Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 Small Onion, finely diced
- 4 oz can Diced Green Chilies
- ½ teaspoon Salt
Tortilla Ingredients:
- 12-14 Corn Tortillas
- ½ cup Canola Oil
Assembly & Topping Ingredients:
- 3 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
- Sour Cream (for serving, optional)
- Chopped Green Onion (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Inspired Beef Enchiladas:
- Prepare the Red Enchilada Sauce: In a large saucepan set over medium heat, heat the canola oil. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the red enchilada sauce and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Stir in the chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the remaining components.
- Cook the Beef Filling: While the sauce simmers, brown the ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the diced green chilies and salt. Set the cooked beef filling aside.
- Soften the Corn Tortillas: 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 but not crispy. Remove the softened tortillas to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat until all tortillas are softened.
- 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 simmering red sauce to lightly coat both sides. Lay the sauced tortilla on a clean work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a little grated cheddar cheese and some chopped green onion 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.
- Bake the Enchiladas: Pour the remaining red enchilada sauce evenly over the assembled enchiladas in the pan. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese and chopped green onions over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Serve: Let the enchiladas cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sour cream and additional chopped green onion, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Enchiladas being assembled, showing the process of filling tortillas with beef and cheese
Looking for More Delicious Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
If you enjoyed these Pioneer Woman Beef Enchiladas, you might also love these other Mexican-inspired dishes:
- Slow Cooker Verde Chicken Chili
- Fried Ice Cream Cake
- White Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Tamale Casserole
- Simple Instant Pot Pork Verde Tacos
- Sheet Pan Chili Lime Chicken Fajitas
