My Go To TEX-MEX BEEFY ENCHILADAS: Fast & Easy Enchilada Recipe

My Go To TEX-MEX BEEFY ENCHILADAS: Fast & Easy Enchilada Recipe is a easy Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $10.45 total, $2.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 pieces Corn Tortillas (soft, 6-inch size)
  • 1/4 cup Vegetable Oil (for lightly frying tortillas)
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (smooth, no added salt)
  • 2 cups Beef Broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1 medium Onion (finely diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 pound Ground Beef (80% lean / 20% fat)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for thickening the sauce)
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or Mexican blend)

Instructions

  1. Lightly Fry Tortillas

    Heat a skillet over medium heat, add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom, and fry each tortilla for about 5 seconds until it blisters, then remove and set aside.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  2. Prepare Chili Gravy Base

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Sauté Onion

    Add a splash of oil to the skillet, heat until shimmering, then add the diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Add Garlic

    Add minced garlic to the onions and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Brown Ground Beef

    Add the ground beef to the pan, break it up, and season with cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Make Roux

    Push the cooked meat to the side of the pan, add the tablespoon of flour to the empty space, and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Simmer Sauce

    Pour the prepared broth mixture into the pan, whisk to combine, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium‑low and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Medium‑Low

  8. Preheat Oven

    While the sauce simmers, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  9. Prepare Baking Dish

    Spread about half of the thickened sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13‑inch baking dish.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Assemble Enchiladas

    Lay a fried tortilla on a clean surface, sprinkle with a handful of shredded cheese and a little diced onion (optional), roll tightly, and place seam‑side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all tortillas.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese

    Pour the remaining sauce over the stacked enchiladas, spreading evenly, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Bake

    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 350°F

  13. Serve

    Remove from oven, let rest 2 minutes, then serve hot with a side of rice and beans.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
26g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
22g
Fiber
5g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: July 1, 2026

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My Go To TEX-MEX BEEFY ENCHILADAS: Fast & Easy Enchilada Recipe

Recipe by Cooking Con Claudia

A quick and flavorful Tex-Mex enchilada recipe featuring lightly fried tortillas, a spicy beef chili gravy, and melty cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes if you multitask, this dish is perfect for a comforting dinner served with rice and beans.

EasyTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
14m
Prep
46m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.45
Total cost
$2.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Lightly frying tortillas without over‑cooking them.
  • Ensuring the beef is fully browned before adding flour.
  • Simmering the sauce until it thickens to a gravy consistency.
  • Baking until the cheese is completely melted.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle the hot skillet and oven with oven mitts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Tex-Mex enchiladas in Tex-Mex cuisine?

A

Tex-Mex enchiladas blend traditional Mexican corn‑tortilla dishes with American flavors like ground beef and cheddar cheese, reflecting the culinary exchange along the Texas–Mexico border that began in the 19th century.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of enchiladas in Tex-Mex cuisine?

A

In Texas, enchiladas often feature a richer, meat‑heavy chili sauce and use cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, while in central Mexico they may be filled with chicken, cheese, or beans and topped with a thinner red or green salsa.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Tex-Mex enchilada traditionally associated with in Texas culture?

A

Enchiladas are a staple at family gatherings, casual weekend meals, and Tex-Mex restaurant brunches, and they are frequently served at holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Independence Day celebrations.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in Tex-Mex enchiladas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Tex-Mex enchiladas use corn tortillas, beef broth, chili powder, and cheddar cheese; substitutes can include flour tortillas, chicken broth, or a Mexican blend cheese if cheddar is unavailable.

cultural
Q

What other Tex-Mex dishes pair well with Tex-Mex enchiladas?

A

Serve the enchiladas with classic sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and a simple pico de gallo for a balanced Tex-Mex meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Tex-Mex enchiladas?

A

Common errors include over‑frying the tortillas, under‑seasoning the beef, and not allowing the sauce to thicken; each can lead to brittle rolls, bland filling, or watery gravy.

technical
Q

Why does this Tex-Mex enchilada recipe use a flour thickener instead of corn‑starch?

A

Flour creates a smoother, richer gravy that coats the enchilada rolls better, while corn‑starch can give a glossy but thinner texture that may not hold up during baking.

technical
Q

Can I make Tex-Mex enchiladas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prepare the chili gravy and assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours ahead; keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Tex-Mex enchilada sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be glossy, coat the back of a spoon, and have a medium‑thick consistency similar to a gravy; it should not be watery nor overly thick like a paste.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with cultural twists, often featuring quick‑prep meals and step‑by‑step guidance.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia's approach to Tex-Mex cooking differ from other Tex-Mex cooking channels?

A

Claudia emphasizes simplicity and multitasking, using minimal equipment and offering clear visual cues, whereas many other channels may rely on more elaborate techniques or specialty ingredients.

channel
Q

What other Tex-Mex recipes is the YouTube channel Cooking Con Claudia known for?

A

Claudia is also known for her quick chicken fajitas, cheesy nacho bake, and homemade guacamole, all presented with her signature friendly narration and easy‑to‑follow steps.

channel

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