Name: Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h 25 min
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 pounds chuck roast or beef brisket; 2 cups red enchilada sauce; 10 flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 large onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

If comfort food had a spicy, cheesy, saucy cousin—it would be these irresistible shredded beef enchiladas. These enchiladas are melt-in-your-mouth tender, smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce, and covered in bubbly melted cheese that blankets a warm tortilla filled with flavorful slow-cooked beef.

This dish is everything you crave from a hearty Mexican-inspired meal. It’s cozy, satisfying, and surprisingly simple when you plan ahead with the right cut of beef and let your slow cooker (or oven) do most of the heavy lifting. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or when you need something to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Creating perfect shredded beef enchiladas starts with a well-prepped kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Slow Cooker or Dutch Oven: The key to ultra-tender shredded beef is slow cooking. Both tools allow the beef to braise gently in broth and spices, resulting in fork-tender meat.
Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic or warming tortillas.
Mixing Bowls: For combining shredded beef with seasoning and sauce.

Baking Dish (9×13): This dish will hold and bake your enchiladas evenly.
Tongs or Forks: For shredding the beef effortlessly after it’s cooked.
Ladle or Spoon: Helps pour sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas.

Having the right tools ready makes the process smoother and ensures your enchiladas come out cheesy, saucy, and baked to perfection.

Ingredients for the Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Every component in these enchiladas plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture:

Chuck Roast (or Beef Brisket): This cut is perfect for slow cooking and shredding, becoming incredibly tender and juicy.

Red Enchilada Sauce: The soul of the dish, adding spice, tang, and rich tomato-chili flavor to every bite.
Flour or Corn Tortillas: A soft wrap for the filling—choose flour for flexibility or corn for a more traditional flavor.
Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully over the enchiladas, giving a gooey, golden top.

Onions: Sautéed or slow-cooked with the beef, they enhance the overall savoriness.
Garlic Cloves: Infuses the beef with deep, aromatic flavor.
Beef Broth: Keeps the meat moist during cooking and adds richness.

Cumin & Chili Powder: Classic spices that bring warm, earthy depth to the beef.
Olive Oil: For searing and softening aromatics before cooking.
Cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herby contrast as a garnish.

How To Make the Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Sear and Season the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Sear the chuck roast on all sides until browned. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Place the beef in a slow cooker with beef broth, onions, and garlic. Cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat shreds easily with forks.

Step 3: Shred and Combine

Remove the beef, shred it with forks, and mix it in a bowl with a portion of enchilada sauce and a handful of cheese.

Step 4: Roll the Enchiladas

Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Fill each with the shredded beef mixture and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Sauce and Bake

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of sour cream if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!

Serving and Storing Your Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas

These enchiladas are best served hot, right from the oven. Pair them with classic sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad to balance the richness. A squeeze of lime adds a zesty pop, and sour cream or guacamole on the side brings cooling contrast.

If you’re planning ahead or dealing with leftovers, you’re in luck—these enchiladas store and reheat beautifully. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through. They also freeze well: wrap each enchilada in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick and delicious meal anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent my enchiladas from getting soggy?

Lightly frying or warming the tortillas before assembling helps create a barrier that prevents them from soaking up too much sauce. Also, avoid over-saucing the inside.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance, cover them tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just bake as directed.

Are corn or flour tortillas better?

It depends on your preference. Corn offers a more traditional flavor and texture, while flour is easier to roll and holds together better.

What can I use instead of beef?

Shredded chicken, pork, or even a vegetarian filling like beans and roasted vegetables work great with the same method.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and make sure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Can I spice it up more?

For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef filling or sauce.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If you love these irresistible shredded beef enchiladas, you’ll want to try these other satisfying meals too:

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a golden, cheesy twist on comfort.
Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes if you’re craving beefy sandwiches with flair.
Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for an ultra-creamy pasta bake.

Delicious Corned Beef Hash to turn leftovers into breakfast gold.
Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a pasta dish full of bold flavors.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go spicy or mild with the enchilada sauce? Did you try it with corn tortillas or flour?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are welcome too—let’s make dinnertime more delicious together.

For more cozy dinner inspiration, check out my daily recipe pins on Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Irresistible Shredded Beef Enchiladas

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 10 enchiladas

Print Recipe

Description

Melt-in-your-mouth tender shredded beef wrapped in warm tortillas, smothered with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese. These irresistible shredded beef enchiladas are cozy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Great for weeknight dinners, guests, or meal prepping.