These Easy Cheesy Birria Enchiladas are packed with mouthwatering flavors! Soft tortillas are filled with tender birria meat and lots of cheesy goodness, all topped with tasty sauce.
Who can resist the cheesy goodness? I love serving these with a side of rice or beans, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime for a zesty touch—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Birria Beef: Shredded birria beef is the star of these enchiladas. If you don’t have birria on hand, slow-cooked beef stew meat can work well. It should be tender for the best texture.
Tortillas: You may choose corn or flour tortillas. I prefer corn for a classic taste, but flour provides a softer bite. If gluten is a concern, use gluten-free tortillas!
Cheese: A Mexican blend is ideal for these enchiladas. Cheddar is always a winner, or you can go for Monterey Jack for a mild flavor. If you can find Oaxaca cheese, it adds a lovely stretchiness!
Birria Consommé/Broth: If you don’t have birria consommé, simple beef broth works too. You can enhance it with spices or add the enchilada sauce for extra flavor.
How Do I Fry Tortillas Without Making Them Crispy?
Frying the tortillas helps make them pliable, so they roll nicely without tearing. The key is to use just a little oil and fry them quickly:
- Heat a skillet on medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil.
- Fry each tortilla for about 10-15 seconds per side. You’re looking for a slight softening, not browning.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil before assembling your enchiladas.
This step ensures your enchiladas are easy to roll and have great flavor!
Easy Cheesy Birria Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked birria beef, shredded (can substitute with slow-cooked beef stew meat)
- 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese)
- 2 cups birria consommé or beef broth
- 1 cup red enchilada sauce or birria sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Cooking oil for frying tortillas
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional: diced radishes for garnish
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30-40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 15 minutes for preparation, including frying the tortillas and assembling the enchiladas, followed by about 20 minutes of baking time. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Birria Sauce/Consommé:
If you have birria broth or consommé, warm it in a saucepan along with the red enchilada sauce. If you don’t have birria broth available, mix beef broth with enchilada sauce in the saucepan to create a flavorful base.
2. Fry the Tortillas:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, lightly fry each tortilla for about 10-15 seconds on each side until they are pliable but not crispy. This step will help prevent them from tearing when you roll them.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
Take each fried tortilla and dip it into the warm birria sauce, coating it well. Place the tortilla on a plate and add a generous spoonful of the shredded birria beef, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly, and then place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.
4. Top and Bake:
Once all the tortillas are rolled and in the baking dish, pour any remaining birria sauce over the top. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that cheesy goodness!
5. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the enchiladas for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Garnish and Serve:
After baking, remove the enchiladas from the oven. Top them with chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, and optional diced radishes for a crunchy touch. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy your meal!
These Easy Cheesy Birria Enchiladas will surely become a family favorite, bringing warmth and comfort to your table! Enjoy!
FAQ about Easy Cheesy Birria Enchiladas
Can I Use Store-Bought Birria Meat?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought shredded birria or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Just make sure to heat it well before assembling your enchiladas.
What Can I Substitute for the Tortillas?
If you prefer a low-carb option, you can use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas. Just make sure to use sturdy lettuce, such as butter or romaine, to hold the filling. You can also use gluten-free tortillas if needed!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave or warm them in the oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth to keep them moist if needed!
Can I Make These Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store in the fridge. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to allow for the chill from the fridge.
