Red Chile Ground Beef & Cheese Stacked Enchiladas

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Red Chile Ground Beef & Cheese Stacked Enchiladas Recipe

If you love classic Southwestern comfort food, Red Chile Ground Beef & Cheese Stacked Enchiladas are a delicious meal that brings together rich red chile sauce, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and soft corn tortillas. Unlike traditional rolled enchiladas, stacked enchiladas are layered like a savory casserole, making them easier to prepare while delivering bold flavors in every bite.

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Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or weekend meals, this recipe combines authentic Mexican-inspired ingredients with a hearty filling that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare and assemble
  • Rich, smoky red chile flavor
  • Loaded with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers
  • Comfort food that satisfies the whole family

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Filling

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Red Chile Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons red chile powder
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt

For Assembly

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
  • Chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sour cream for serving

Kitchen Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Red Chile Sauce

In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux.

Slowly whisk in the red chile powder. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Add garlic powder, oregano, and salt. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and develops a deep red color.

Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

Lightly warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. This helps prevent them from cracking and makes assembly easier.

You can also briefly dip each tortilla in warm red chile sauce for extra flavor and softness.

Step 4: Assemble the Stacked Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of red chile sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Place four tortillas side by side, overlapping slightly if needed.

Spread one-third of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the tortillas. Spoon some red chile sauce over the beef and sprinkle a generous layer of cheese.

Add another layer of tortillas and repeat the process with beef, sauce, and cheese.

Finish with a final layer of tortillas. Cover generously with the remaining red chile sauce and top with the rest of the shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

The cheese should be fully melted and bubbling, and the edges should be lightly golden.

Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

These stacked enchiladas pair beautifully with:

  • Mexican rice
  • Refried beans
  • Fresh avocado slices
  • Guacamole
  • Pico de gallo
  • Crisp green salad
  • Roasted vegetables

A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro add the perfect finishing touch.

Recipe Tips for Success

Use Quality Chile Powder

Authentic red chile powder provides the signature flavor. Look for high-quality New Mexico-style red chile powder if available.

Don’t Skip the Sauce

The sauce keeps the tortillas moist and flavorful. Make sure each layer receives enough sauce for the best texture.

Customize the Cheese

Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a wonderful combination, but you can also use pepper jack, queso quesadilla, or a Mexican cheese blend.

Add More Heat

For spicier enchiladas, add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or hot chile powder to the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

Make-Ahead Option

You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Add an extra 5 to 10 minutes of baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas?

Yes, although corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor and texture. Flour tortillas will create a softer casserole-style dish.

Can I freeze stacked enchiladas?

Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I substitute the beef?

Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives work wonderfully in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

Red Chile Ground Beef & Cheese Stacked Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of tender tortillas, savory beef, rich red chile sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy recipe delivers authentic Southwestern flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. Serve with your favorite Mexican-inspired side dishes and enjoy a meal that is hearty, satisfying, and packed with unforgettable flavor.

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