Enchiladas

Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado

Name: Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 dried ancho chiles; 1 lb (450g) beef brisket or beef shank; 1 large onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8-10 corn tortillas; 1 cup (115g) queso fresco, crumbled; 1 cup (115g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 2 tbsp vegetable oil

By Zadie Penhallow · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook60 min

Total120 min

Serves6

Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado, a classic Mexican dish that originated in the northern regions of Mexico, is a staple in my household. Growing up in a Mexican-American family, I was lucky to have a mother who was an exceptional cook and taught me the secrets of traditional Mexican cuisine. This recipe is a testament to her love and dedication to cooking, and I'm excited to share it with you.

The key to making great Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado is in the details. From toasting the dried chiles to achieve that deep, smoky flavor to using the right type of beef, every step counts. In this recipe, we'll take you through the process of making this iconic dish from scratch, using accessible ingredients and straightforward techniques.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to try their hand at traditional Mexican cooking. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, the steps are easy to follow, and the result is well worth the effort. So, let's get started and make some delicious Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado!

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from Mexican rice and beans to roasted vegetables or a simple green salad. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as the enchiladas can be assembled and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

In my household, Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado is a special occasion dish, often served at family gatherings and holidays. But it's also a great weeknight dinner option, as it's relatively easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. So, whether you're looking for a quick and delicious meal or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
The dish is perfect for special occasions and family gatherings.
Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado is a great weeknight dinner option.
The recipe can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
The dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides.
The recipe is a great way to experience traditional Mexican cuisine.
The dish is rich in flavor and texture, making it a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The dried chiles provide a deep, smoky flavor, while the beef adds tenderness and richness. The tortillas, which are lightly fried to give them a delicate crunch, help to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layers. The beef is cooked in a flavorful broth, which is then used to make the chile sauce. This sauce is then poured over the tortillas, which are filled with the beef and cheese. The result is a dish that's full of flavor and texture, with each bite a perfect balance of tender beef, rich sauce, and crunchy tortillas.

The technique of toasting the dried chiles is also crucial in this recipe. By toasting the chiles, we're able to bring out their natural oils and flavor compounds, which adds depth and complexity to the dish. This technique is a staple of Mexican cuisine and is used in many traditional dishes, from salsas to soups.

Finally, the use of high-quality ingredients is essential in making great Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado. From the tender beef to the rich cheese, every ingredient plays a crucial role in the final dish. By using the best ingredients we can find, we're able to create a dish that's not only delicious but also authentic and traditional.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado, you'll need a few key ingredients. These include dried chiles, beef, cheese, and tortillas. You'll also need some basic pantry staples, such as onion, garlic, and cumin. When shopping for ingredients, look for high-quality items that are fresh and flavorful.

One of the most important ingredients in this recipe is the dried chiles. These can be found in most Mexican markets or online. Look for chiles that are pliable and have a deep red color. You'll also need to use a variety of cheese, including queso fresco and Monterey Jack. These can be found in most supermarkets or specialty cheese shops.

4 dried ancho chilesDried ancho chiles have a deep, slightly sweet flavor and are a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican dishes. They can be found in most Mexican markets or online.
1 lb (450g) beef brisket or beef shankBeef brisket or beef shank is a great cut of meat for this recipe, as it's tender and flavorful. Look for a cut that's well-marbled, as this will add flavor to the dish.
1 large onion, choppedOnion adds a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish. Look for a large, sweet onion, such as a Vidalia or Maui onion.
3 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a fundamental ingredient in many Mexican dishes, and adds a pungent flavor to the sauce. Look for fresh, high-quality garlic, and mince it finely before adding it to the recipe.
1 tsp ground cuminCumin is a warm, earthy spice that's commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Look for high-quality cumin that's fresh and fragrant.
1 tsp paprikaPaprika adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Look for sweet or smoked paprika, as these will add the most flavor to the recipe.
1/2 tsp saltSalt is a fundamental ingredient in many dishes, and helps to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Look for high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt.
1/4 tsp black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality pepper, and grind it freshly before adding it to the recipe.
8-10 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and are used to make the enchiladas. Look for fresh, high-quality tortillas that are pliable and have a delicate texture.
1 cup (115g) queso fresco, crumbledQueso fresco is a type of Mexican cheese that's crumbly and tangy. Look for high-quality queso fresco, and crumble it finely before adding it to the recipe.
1 cup (115g) Monterey Jack cheese, shreddedMonterey Jack cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that's perfect for melting. Look for high-quality Monterey Jack, and shred it finely before adding it to the recipe.
2 tbsp vegetable oilVegetable oil is used to fry the tortillas and add flavor to the dish. Look for a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil.

Ingredients for Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenComal or griddleBlender or food processorInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardColander or strainer

How to Make Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado

1
Start by toasting the dried chiles on a comal or griddle over medium heat, turning frequently, until fragrant and slightly puffed, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Once the chiles are toasted, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Then, stem and seed the chiles, and place them in a blender or food processor with 2 cups of water. Blend the chiles until smooth, then strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
3
In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
4
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5
Add the beef to the pot, cutting it into large pieces if necessary, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot, stirring to combine, and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
7
Add the blended chile mixture to the pot, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
8
While the beef is cooking, prepare the tortillas by frying them in a little vegetable oil until pliable and lightly browned, about 30-45 seconds per side. Drain the tortillas on paper towels.
9
To assemble the enchiladas, dip a tortilla in the sauce to coat, then fill with some of the beef and cheese. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
10
Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly.
12
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, onion, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Expert Tips

To toast the chiles, make sure they are dry and free of moisture. This will help them toast evenly and prevent them from becoming bitter.
When cooking the beef, make sure to brown it on all sides. This will add flavor to the dish and help to create a rich, complex sauce.
To prevent the tortillas from becoming too brittle, make sure to fry them in a little oil until pliable and lightly browned.
When assembling the enchiladas, make sure to handle the tortillas gently to prevent them from tearing.
To add extra flavor to the dish, try adding some diced onion or garlic to the sauce before serving.
To make the dish more substantial, try serving it with some Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
To make the dish ahead of time, try assembling the enchiladas and refrigerating or freezing them until ready to bake.
To reheat the enchiladas, try covering them with foil and baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the chiles properly, resulting in a bitter or unpleasant flavor.
Overcooking the beef, resulting in a tough or dry texture.
Not frying the tortillas enough, resulting in a brittle or fragile texture.
Not handling the tortillas gently, resulting in tears or breaks.
Not adding enough sauce to the dish, resulting in a dry or flavorless enchilada.
Not letting the dish rest before serving, resulting in a messy or difficult-to-serve enchilada.

Variations and Substitutions

Try using different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or Oaxaca cheese, for a unique flavor.
Add some diced onion or garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
Try using different types of meat, such as chicken or pork, for a variation on the dish.
Add some roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Try serving the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables for a more substantial meal.
Try using different types of tortillas, such as corn or flour, for a unique texture and flavor.
Add some heat to the dish by using hot sauce or diced jalapenos.

What to Serve With Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado

Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some options include Mexican rice, beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also try serving the dish with some warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa for a more authentic experience.

One of the best things about this dish is its ability to be made ahead of time. You can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

Serve with Mexican rice and beansServe with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppersServe with a simple green saladServe with warm tortillas, sour cream, and salsa

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Enchiladas De Carne Con Chile Colorado can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store, let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze.

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. You can also try reheating the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to melt unevenly.

When reheating, make sure to check the dish frequently to ensure it's not overcooking. You can also try adding a little water or broth to the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chiles should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use dried ancho chiles or guajillo chiles. Both types of chiles have a rich, slightly sweet flavor and are commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Can I use beef broth instead of water to make the sauce?

Yes, you can use beef broth instead of water to make the sauce. This will add more flavor to the dish and help to create a richer, more complex sauce.

How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming too brittle?

To prevent the tortillas from becoming too brittle, make sure to fry them in a little oil until pliable and lightly browned. You can also try adding a little water to the tortillas to help them stay flexible.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate or freeze them until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

What type of cheese should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use a combination of queso fresco and Monterey Jack cheese. Queso fresco has a tangy, crumbly texture, while Monterey Jack has a mild, creamy flavor.

How do I reheat the enchiladas?

To reheat the enchiladas, cover them with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly. You can also try reheating the dish in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to melt unevenly.

Can I freeze the enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze the enchiladas. Assemble the dish and freeze it until ready to bake. This makes it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.

What type of tortillas should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you can use corn tortillas or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas have a delicate, pliable texture, while flour tortillas have a more robust, chewy texture.

The Full Recipe

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