Oven-Baked Beef Enchiladas: A Tex-Mex Delight with a Roux-Based Sauce

Welcome to all the food lovers out there! Today, we will be guiding you through the creation of delicious oven-baked beef enchiladas. For a change from the commonly found red enchilada sauce, we will be exploring the rich flavors of a roux-based sauce that you can find in Texas restaurants. This dish is not only creamy and comforting but also a comforting way to understand the intricacies of Tex-Mex cooking.

The Roux-Based Sauce: A Taste of Texas

Instead of relying on red enchilada sauce, we will be making a roux-based sauce that brings a deep, savory flavor to your enchiladas. The roux, which is a base made of equal parts fat and flour cooked until lightly colored, forms the foundation of this rich and flavorful sauce. To this roux, we add beef or chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, and other spices to create a perfect balance of flavors.

Preparation and Baking of Beef Enchiladas

Start by browning a pound of beef in a skillet until it is well-cooked. Once your beef is ready, you can move on to making the roux-based sauce. Heat the fat and flour in a separate pot until the roux is lightly colored. Then, gradually add the beef broth and spices, stirring constantly until you achieve a smooth and thick sauce. This sauce will bring an extra layer of flavor to your enchiladas.

Take several flour tortillas and roll each one around a spoonful of the browned beef. Place these rolled tortillas in a greased casserole dish, layer by layer, ensuring that you coat them with your roux-based sauce and shredded cheese. Fill the dish until it is about three-quarters full.

After adding sauce and cheese to the tortillas, cover the dish with a layer of sauce and sprinkle additional cheese on top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.

This method not only ensures that the enchiladas retain their shape but also allows them to soak in the flavorful sauce, resulting in a meltingly tender and delicious dish.

Successfully Adding Seasonings to Your Enchiladas

There are several modifications you can make to this dish to suit your taste. For instance, you can use an enchilada seasoning packet, such as those made by brands like Lawry and Shilling McCormick, to make your sauce. Simply sauté a pound of ground beef or shredded chicken in a skillet, add the seasoning packet with a can of tomato sauce or paste, and a bit of water to form a sauce.

For those who want to add an extra touch of saltiness, sliced black olives can be a great addition, but they are entirely optional. You can also use shredded chicken instead of ground beef if you prefer. Both options will yield equally fantastic results.

Conclusion

Baking beef enchiladas with a roux-based sauce is a delightful process that brings a unique twist to a classic Tex-Mex dish. Whether you use the roux-based method or the seasoning packet method, the end result is bound to be a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy this authentic and comforting dish with your loved ones and take pride in the rich flavors you have created. Happy cooking!