Classic Chili Con Carne Enchiladas: Your New Favorite Tex-Mex Dinner

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Tex-Mex with these incredibly satisfying Chili Con Carne Enchiladas. Imagine tender flour tortillas generously filled with savory cheddar cheese, then bathed in a rich, meaty chili con carne sauce that’s bursting with aromatic Tex-Mex spices. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this dish offers an explosion of flavors and textures, making it an undeniable crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal, these enchiladas are surprisingly easy to prepare and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with a vibrant Southwest flair.

Dinner with an Irresistible Southwest Flair

There’s something uniquely comforting about a dish that combines creamy, melted cheese with a robust, flavorful meat sauce, and these Chili Con Carne Enchiladas deliver precisely that. When you blanket soft, cheesy enchiladas with a homemade chili con carne and a final layer of more melting cheese, you create a culinary masterpiece that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal, bringing the vibrant flavors of the American Southwest straight to your dinner table. It’s the kind of delicious, easy-to-make dish that becomes an instant family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Prepare for a symphony of tastes that will have your loved ones requesting this recipe again and again.

A Timeless Tex-Mex Favorite You’ll Crave

Chili Con Carne Enchiladas aren’t just a meal; they’re a celebrated staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, beloved for their hearty nature and incredible depth of flavor. This recipe embodies everything wonderful about Tex-Mex: simple, fresh ingredients expertly combined to create a truly delicious experience. Their undeniable appeal makes them a must-add to your regular dinner rotation, especially on your designated “Mexican night.” Alongside other popular choices like Baked Tacos and savory Chicken Fajita Sheet Pan Quesadillas, these enchiladas are consistently a top request. And for the perfect sweet ending, don’t forget delightful treats like Homemade Choco Tacos to complete your feast!

What truly elevates these easy enchiladas is the masterful blend of Tex-Mex spices. A generous touch of earthy cumin, vibrant chili powder, sweet paprika, and pungent garlic powder infuses the dish with its signature Southwest character. This aromatic foundation, combined with the freshness of chopped cilantro and a hint of white onion, transforms a simple mid-week meal into a remarkably delicious and satisfying culinary event. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of spice, richness, and fresh zest, making these enchiladas a truly unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love These Chili Con Carne Enchiladas

• Effortlessly Delicious: Despite their impressive flavor, these enchiladas are surprisingly simple to assemble, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Authentic Tex-Mex Flavor: The homemade chili con carne sauce, seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices, delivers an authentic and rich taste that beats any store-bought alternative.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Loaded with savory ground beef and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is pure comfort food that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level or add your favorite fillings and toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These enchiladas are excellent for making ahead and reheating, offering a convenient and delicious option for future meals.

Gather Your Ingredients and Essential Supplies

Crafting these exceptional Chili Con Carne Enchiladas begins with selecting quality ingredients and having the right tools on hand. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each component contributes to a rich, cohesive flavor profile. (For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Key Ingredients:

• Lean Ground Beef: Essential for the chili con carne. Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease, or drain thoroughly after browning. You can also experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Chopped White Onion: Provides a foundational aromatic flavor for the chili sauce. Freshly chopped is always best for maximum flavor.
• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder: This powerful quartet of spices is the heart of our Tex-Mex flavor. Ensure your spices are fresh for the most vibrant taste.
• Canned Tomato Sauce: Forms the rich, tangy base of our chili con carne sauce, adding depth and a touch of sweetness.
• Kosher Salt: To season the meat and sauce perfectly, enhancing all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the chili sauce, giving it a luxurious, clingy consistency that coats the enchiladas beautifully.
• Beef Broth: Adds moisture and incredible savory depth to the sauce, ensuring it’s rich and flavorful.
• 8-inch Soft Flour Tortillas: The perfect vessel for our cheesy filling. Soft flour tortillas roll easily and become wonderfully tender when baked.
• Freshly Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential enchilada cheese. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. You’ll use it both inside and on top!
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro & White Onion: Optional, but highly recommended for garnishing. They add a burst of freshness and a mild crunch that brightens the entire dish.

Essential Supplies:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: The ideal size for baking a batch of these glorious enchiladas, ensuring even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: To prepare your baking dish, preventing sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
• Large Skillet: Crucial for browning the ground beef and simmering the flavorful chili con carne sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Handy for whisking together the flour and beef broth to create a smooth slurry for the sauce.

Mastering the Method: How to Craft Perfect Chili Con Carne Enchiladas

Creating these Chili Con Carne Enchiladas is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure every bite is packed with delicious Tex-Mex flavor and comforting goodness.

1. Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the enchiladas from sticking and ensures easy serving and cleanup.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In your large skillet, heat the ground beef over medium heat. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart into small crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and any excess grease has evaporated. If there’s a significant amount of grease, carefully drain it off to prevent a greasy sauce.
3. Infuse with Spices: Once the beef is browned, stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromatic oils. This step significantly deepens the flavor profile of your chili.
4. Build the Chili Base: Pour in the canned tomato sauce, stirring until it’s well combined with the seasoned beef. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat. Allowing it to simmer briefly helps meld the flavors together.

5. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and beef broth until the flour is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This creates a smooth slurry that will thicken your chili sauce without any grittiness.
6. Combine and Simmer: Gradually stir the flour and beef broth mixture into the simmering meat sauce in your skillet. Continue to simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has noticeably thickened to a rich, luxurious consistency. Remove the skillet from the heat.

7. Assemble the Enchiladas: Now for the fun part! Take each 8-inch soft flour tortilla and fill it with approximately 1/4 cup of the freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Roll each tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. As you fill and roll, remember to reserve about 1 cup of the shredded cheese to sprinkle generously over the top of the enchiladas later.
8. Top with Chili and Cheese: Once all the tortillas are neatly arranged in the baking dish, pour the rich, thickened meat sauce evenly over the cheese-rolled tortillas, ensuring every inch is covered. Finally, scatter the reserved 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish. This final layer of cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust.

9. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the chili sauce is bubbling enticingly around the edges, and the top layer of cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and lightly browned.

10. Serve and Garnish: Carefully remove the hot enchiladas from the oven. For an added touch of freshness and authentic flavor, garnish generously with freshly chopped white onion and vibrant cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas Every Time

• Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chili con carne if you prefer more heat.
• Warm Tortillas: Briefly warming your tortillas (in the microwave or a dry skillet) before filling and rolling makes them more pliable and less prone to tearing.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the enchiladas rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to settle and the cheese to firm up slightly, making them easier to slice and serve.

Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Tex-Mex Feast

These Chili Con Carne Enchiladas are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a variety of classic Tex-Mex side dishes to create a full, satisfying feast.

• Rice and Beans: A classic pairing! Serve with a side of fluffy Mexican rice and creamy refried beans or black beans.
• Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette can offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the enchiladas.
• Guacamole and Salsa: Offer bowls of fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite salsa for dipping or topping.
• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop of cool sour cream or Mexican crema provides a lovely balance to the spicy chili.
• Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, perhaps seasoned with chili-lime, is a fantastic seasonal addition.

Storage and Reheating Made Easy

Have leftovers? Lucky you! These Chili Con Carne Enchiladas are just as delicious the next day. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and flavorful.

Storage: Allow any leftover enchiladas to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the enchiladas in an oven-safe dish. For best results, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the sauce is bubbling. You can also microwave individual portions until warm, though the oven method usually yields a better texture.

The Recipe Card: Chili Con Carne Enchiladas

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Chili Con Carne Enchiladas

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• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Cheddar cheese enchiladas smothered in a meaty chili sauce flavored with your favorite Tex-Mex spices. These Chili Con Carne Enchiladas make an easy, delicious meal that’s a crowd favorite.

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Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups beef broth
• 8 (8 inch) soft flour tortillas
• 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• chopped white onion, for garnishing
• chopped fresh cilantro, for garnishing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Heat ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring to crumble, until well browned and most of the grease has evaporated.
3. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder and salt. Mix in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer over low heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and beef broth until the flour is completely dissolved. Stir into the simmering meat sauce and continue to simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese, roll up tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish, reserving 1 cup of the cheese to sprinkle on top.
6. Pour the meat sauce evenly over the cheese rolled tortillas. Top with the remaining cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.
8. Serve garnished with chopped white onion and cilantro, if desired.

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If you’ve been inspired to make these mouth-watering Chili Con Carne Enchiladas, don’t forget to capture your delicious creation and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. I absolutely love seeing your culinary triumphs! For more kitchen inspiration and a community of fellow food lovers, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group on Facebook. It’s a wonderful place to connect, share your experiences, and discover even more fun and yummy recipes from my collection. Your creativity and enthusiasm truly make my day. Enjoy every savory bite!

xoxo,