Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas Verde

Name: Beef Enchiladas Verde
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak, sliced into thin strips; 4 tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seeded; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 8 corn tortillas; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 cups beef broth

By Otto Jephson · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

I still remember the first time I tasted my abuela's Beef Enchiladas Verde. The combination of tender beef, fresh tomatillos, and a hint of spice was love at first bite. As a second-generation Mexican-American, I'm proud to share this authentic recipe with you, just like my abuela taught me.

This recipe is special because it's a true representation of Mexican home cooking. It's not just about following a recipe, but about understanding the techniques and traditions behind it. From toasting the chiles to simmering the sauce, every step is a labor of love.

Beef Enchiladas Verde is a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. And the best part? It's easier to make than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a dish that's both delicious and authentic.

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's the use of fresh tomatillos, which give the sauce a unique flavor and texture. It's also the way the beef is cooked, with a nice balance of tenderness and flavor. And let's not forget the tortillas, which are wrapped around the beef and sauce to create a delicious, self-contained package.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through every step of the process, from preparing the ingredients to serving the finished dish. I'll share tips and tricks along the way, so you can make the most of your cooking experience. And, of course, I'll provide you with a list of ingredients and equipment you'll need to get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
The sauce is made with fresh tomatillos, which gives it a unique flavor and texture.
The beef is cooked in a mixture of spices and chiles, which gives it a deep, rich flavor.
The tortillas are wrapped around the beef and sauce, creating a delicious, self-contained package.
This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of protein and fiber.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the way the flavors are layered. First, you've got the beef, which is cooked in a mixture of spices and chiles. Then, you've got the sauce, which is made with fresh tomatillos, onions, and garlic. And finally, you've got the tortillas, which are wrapped around the beef and sauce to create a delicious, self-contained package.

The sauce is where the magic happens. By using fresh tomatillos, you get a unique flavor and texture that's hard to replicate with canned or jarred sauces. And by simmering the sauce for at least 20 minutes, you allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken, creating a rich and velvety texture.

The beef is also an important component of this dish. By cooking it in a mixture of spices and chiles, you get a deep, rich flavor that's perfect for wrapping in tortillas. And by using a nice balance of tenderness and flavor, you create a dish that's both satisfying and delicious.

Finally, the tortillas are what bring everything together. By wrapping them around the beef and sauce, you create a delicious, self-contained package that's perfect for serving. And by using a combination of corn and flour tortillas, you get a nice balance of texture and flavor that complements the beef and sauce perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including beef, tomatillos, onions, garlic, and tortillas. You'll also need some spices and chiles to give the dish its unique flavor. Don't worry if you're not familiar with some of the ingredients - I'll guide you through every step of the process and provide you with tips and tricks along the way.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for fresh tomatillos, which are usually found in the produce section of most grocery stores. You'll also want to choose a good quality beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, which is perfect for wrapping in tortillas. And don't forget to pick up some corn tortillas, which are the traditional choice for Beef Enchiladas Verde.

1 lb (450g) beef flank steak, sliced into thin stripsLook for a good quality beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, which is perfect for wrapping in tortillas. You can also use beef brisket or beef shank, but they may require longer cooking times.
4 tomatillos, husked and rinsedFresh tomatillos are essential for this recipe, as they give the sauce a unique flavor and texture. You can find them in the produce section of most grocery stores, usually near the tomatoes or peppers.
1 large onion, dicedUse a sweet onion, such as Vidalia or Maui, which is perfect for caramelizing and adding depth to the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely, as it will be sautéed with the onion and tomatillos to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
2 dried arbol chiles, stemmed and seededArbol chiles are a type of dried chile pepper that's commonly used in Mexican cooking. They have a bright, fruity flavor and a moderate level of heat, making them perfect for adding depth to the sauce.
1 tsp ground cuminCumin is a staple spice in Mexican cooking, and it adds a warm, earthy flavor to the sauce. Use a high-quality cumin that's fresh and fragrant, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
1 tsp smoked paprikaSmoked paprika is a type of paprika that's been smoked over oak wood, giving it a rich, savory flavor. It adds a deep, complex flavor to the sauce, and it's a great way to add a smoky element to the dish.
1/2 tsp saltUse a high-quality salt, such as kosher or sea salt, which is perfect for adding depth and texture to the sauce.
1/4 tsp black pepperFreshly ground black pepper is essential for adding a bright, peppery flavor to the sauce. Use a high-quality pepper mill to grind the pepper finely, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
8 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are the traditional choice for Beef Enchiladas Verde, and they're perfect for wrapping around the beef and sauce. Look for a high-quality tortilla that's fresh and pliable, as it will make a big difference in the texture of the dish.
2 tbsp vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed, which is perfect for sautéing the onion and garlic. You can also use avocado oil or olive oil, but they may add a slightly different flavor to the dish.
2 cups beef brothBeef broth is essential for adding moisture and flavor to the sauce. Use a high-quality broth that's low in sodium, as it will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometerBlender or food processorStrainer or fine-mesh sieveTortilla warmer or dry skillet

How to Make Beef Enchiladas Verde

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3
Add the tomatillos, arbol chiles, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatillos are softened and the chiles are fragrant.
4
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the beef broth and blend until smooth.
5
Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.
6
Return the sauce to the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced slightly.
7
Add the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes, until the beef is heated through.
8
Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
9
Assemble the enchiladas by dipping a tortilla in the sauce and then filling it with beef. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef.
10
Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the tortillas are tender.
11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is caramelized.
12
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, scallions, or sour cream.

Expert Tips

Use fresh tomatillos for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the beef, as it can become tough and dry.
Use a high-quality beef broth that's low in sodium.
Don't skip the step of straining the sauce, as it helps to remove excess solids and create a smooth texture.
Use a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed, for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Warm the tortillas before assembling the enchiladas, as it makes them more pliable and easier to roll.
Don't overfill the tortillas, as it can make them difficult to roll and can cause the filling to spill out during baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using canned or jarred sauces, which can lack flavor and texture.
Overcooking the beef, which can make it tough and dry.
Not straining the sauce, which can leave excess solids and create a chunky texture.
Using low-quality ingredients, such as old or stale spices, which can affect the flavor of the dish.
Not warming the tortillas, which can make them difficult to roll and can cause the filling to spill out during baking.
Overfilling the tortillas, which can make them difficult to roll and can cause the filling to spill out during baking.

Variations and Substitutions

Using chicken or pork instead of beef, which can add a different flavor and texture to the dish.
Adding diced bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce, which can add extra flavor and nutrients.
Using different types of chiles, such as jalapenos or habaneros, which can add more heat to the dish.
Adding a sprinkle of cheese, such as queso fresco or Monterey Jack, which can add extra flavor and creaminess.
Serving the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or beans, which can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Using homemade tortillas instead of store-bought, which can add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which can add extra creaminess and flavor to the dish.

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas Verde

Beef Enchiladas Verde are a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for serving with a variety of sides. Some ideas include Mexican rice, beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve the enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which can add extra creaminess and flavor to the dish.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the enchiladas with a side of grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, or with a variety of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. You can also serve the enchiladas with a side of warm tortillas, which can be used to scoop up the sauce and filling.

Mexican riceBeansRoasted vegetablesSimple green saladGrilled meatsWarm tortillas

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Beef Enchiladas Verde can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To refrigerate, simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in a covered dish in the refrigerator. To freeze, assemble the enchiladas and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the enchiladas to a freezer-safe bag or container and store in the freezer.

To reheat, simply bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the tortillas are tender. You can also reheat the enchiladas in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as it can cause the tortillas to become tough and dry.

It's also a good idea to make extra sauce and store it in the refrigerator or freezer, as it can be used to make additional enchiladas or as a dip for tortilla chips. Simply strain the sauce and store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for Beef Enchiladas Verde?

Beef flank steak or skirt steak is best for Beef Enchiladas Verde, as it's tender and flavorful. You can also use beef brisket or beef shank, but they may require longer cooking times.

Can I use canned or jarred sauces?

No, it's best to make the sauce from scratch using fresh tomatillos and spices. Canned or jarred sauces can lack flavor and texture.

How do I warm tortillas?

You can warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. You can also warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30-60 seconds on each side.

Can I make Beef Enchiladas Verde ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Beef Enchiladas Verde ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in a covered dish in the refrigerator or freeze on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

How do I reheat Beef Enchiladas Verde?

Can I use different types of chiles?

Yes, you can use different types of chiles, such as jalapenos or habaneros, which can add more heat to the dish. Simply substitute the arbol chiles with the desired type and amount of chile.

Can I add other ingredients to the sauce?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as diced bell peppers or zucchini, which can add extra flavor and nutrients. Simply sauté the ingredients with the onion and garlic before adding the tomatillos and spices.

Can I use homemade tortillas?

Yes, you can use homemade tortillas instead of store-bought. Simply make the tortillas according to your recipe and use them in place of store-bought tortillas.

Can I serve Beef Enchiladas Verde with other dishes?

Yes, you can serve Beef Enchiladas Verde with a variety of other dishes, such as Mexican rice, beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You can also serve the enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which can add extra creaminess and flavor to the dish.

The Full Recipe

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