Sep 01 2026
RestaurantsTumbleweeds DinerEnchiladas Recipe

Enchiladas Recipe

Inspired by Tumbleweeds Diner
Time1h
Serves6

Make Enchiladas Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Filling

Method

Filling

  1. 1

    Cook aromatics

    Heat 2 tbs oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

  2. 2

    Brown the meat

    Increase heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef (or shredded chicken/pork) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving a tablespoon in the pan for flavor.

  3. 3

    Season and finish filling

    Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Mix in the tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup broth, scrape up browned bits, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro and 1 tbs lime juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Enchilada Sauce

  1. 4

    Make roux

    In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tbs oil over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbs flour and cook, whisking constantly, 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell cooks out but before it browns.

  2. 5

    Add spices and liquids

    Whisk in 3 tbs chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp salt. Gradually whisk in 2 cups tomato sauce and 1 cup water or broth until smooth.

  3. 6

    Simmer sauce

    Bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt or chili to preference. Keep warm.

Assembly & Baking

  1. 7

    Preheat oven and prepare dish

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

  2. 8

    Warm tortillas (optional)

    To prevent tearing, warm each tortilla for about 15–20 seconds per side in a dry skillet or briefly wrap a stack in damp paper towels and microwave 30–40 seconds. Lightly brush or spray with 1 tbs oil if using to make them more pliable.

  3. 9

    Fill and roll

    Place about 2–3 tbs of the meat filling down the center of a tortilla, sprinkle with 1–2 tbs shredded cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas (you should get about 8–10 enchiladas depending on filling).

  4. 10

    Top and bake

    Pour remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, then sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese (reserve a small handful for garnish if desired). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5–8 minutes more until cheese is melted and edges bubble.

  5. 11

    Garnish and serve

    Let the enchiladas rest 5 minutes. Garnish with sour cream, sliced green onions, extra cilantro, and pickled or fresh jalapeños as desired. Serve hot.

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