Jul 09 2026
RestaurantsThe Original Carolina's Mexican FoodCheese Enchilada, Red Beef Tamale, Rice, Beans Recipe

Cheese Enchilada, Red Beef Tamale, Rice, Beans Recipe

Time2h 30m
Serves4

Make Cheese Enchilada, Red Beef Tamale, Rice, Beans Recipe in just 2h 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Enchilada

Method

Cheese Enchilada

  1. 1

    Warm a dry skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the corn tortillas just until pliable, about 5-8 seconds per side. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a small skillet, heat a little oil. Lightly sauté onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more.

  3. 3

    Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into a shallow dish. Dip each tortilla into the sauce to coat, then add about 1/4 cup shredded cheese and a touch of the sautéed onion mixture.

  4. 4

    Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas in a single layer.

  5. 5

    Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

  6. 6

    Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling.

  7. 7

    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Red Beef Tamale

  1. 8

    Soak corn husks in warm water for 30 minutes until pliable, then drain.

  2. 9

    In a bowl, combine masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Mix in warm chicken broth and oil to form a soft, spreadable dough. If dough is dry, add a little more broth.

  3. 10

    Season shredded beef with diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Stir in red chili sauce to coat the meat.

  4. 11

    Spread about 1/4 cup of masa onto a softened corn husk. Place 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling in the center, then fold husk sides and roll to form a tamale. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

  5. 12

    Place tamales in a steamer basket, seam side down. Steam over simmering water for 60-90 minutes, or until masa is fully set and dough is firm.

  6. 13

    Remove tamales carefully and let rest a few minutes. Serve with additional red sauce or salsa on the side.

Rice

  1. 14

    Rinse rice under cold water until the rinse runs clear; drain.

  2. 15

    Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent and fragrant.

  3. 16

    Add the rice and cook, stirring, until it toasts lightly and becomes glossy, about 4-5 minutes.

  4. 17

    Stir in tomato sauce and chicken broth; season with salt.

  5. 18

    Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.

  6. 19

    Fluff with a fork. Stir in peas and carrots if using, and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Beans

  1. 20

    Drain and rinse canned pinto beans.

  2. 21

    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. 22

    Add garlic and cumin; sauté 1 minute more.

  4. 23

    Stir in beans and mash about half with the back of a spoon to thicken. Cook 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to reach desired consistency.

  5. 24

    Season with salt to taste. Optional: finish with chopped cilantro and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

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