Ingredients for Smoked Shredded Beef Enchiladas

• 10 corn tortillas
• 1 lb smoked shredded beef – see the full recipe for making smoked shredded beef.
• 3 cups grated cheese – medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack all work well.
• 3 cups homemade enchilada sauce

Ingredients Needed for Enchilada Sauce

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Making your own enchilada sauce is incredibly easy. Start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Once combined, add the remaining ingredients and whisk until everything is well blended and heated through. This should yield about 3 cups of sauce, enough to generously cover 10 enchiladas. If you prefer a lot of sauce, consider doubling the recipe.

Steps to Prepare Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Begin by warming the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds to make them pliable. Next, dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, ensuring both sides are coated. This essentially enhances the flavor while keeping the rolling process easy.

Position the sauced tortilla in a 9″x 13″ glass baking dish, add a small amount of smoked shredded beef onto the tortilla, and then roll it tightly. Repeat the process until all tortillas are filled, placing them seam-side down in the baking dish. Once done, pour the remaining sauce generously over the enchiladas.

Cover the dish with foil and bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven for 20 minutes until the cheese is nicely melted. Since the ingredients are already cooked, this step is simply to warm everything and melt the cheese.

Garnishing Smoked Beef Enchiladas

When serving these enchiladas, consider garnishing them with your favorites such as guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, or jalapeños. Adding these ingredients not only enhances the appearance but also elevates the flavor profile.

Exploring Variations of Enchiladas

If you want to switch things up, you can make vegetarian enchiladas with smoked tofu or portabella mushrooms. The smoky flavor from the tofu complements the rich homemade sauce beautifully. Additionally, you can substitute any kind of leftover meat to create variations — whether it’s pulled pork, smoked chicken, or shredded beef.

How Many Enchiladas per Person?

For serving, expect to allocate around 2-3 enchiladas per person, depending on their appetite and the accompanying side dishes. And don’t worry about having leftovers; enchiladas reheat wonderfully in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions for Smoked Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Traditionally, enchiladas are served with Mexican rice and refried beans. However, feel free to experiment by serving them alongside salads, fruit, guacamole, or tortilla chips with salsa for a more diverse meal.