New Mexico Hatch Red Chile Beef Enchiladas are a delightful dish that captures the bold and rich flavors of the Southwest. With a savory red chile sauce made from dried New Mexican chile pods and a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, these enchiladas are perfect for any meal. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
For the Red Chile Sauce:
- 8 oz dried whole red New Mexican chile pods (about 20-25 pods), you can choose mild, medium, or hot, or a combination to suit your taste.
- 2-4 cups water (enough to cover the chiles while simmering)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1-2 tsps Mexican Oregano, crushed
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
For the Filling and Assembly:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
- 12 corn tortillas
- Oil for frying the corn tortillas
- 1/2-1 lb cheddar cheese, grated (you can also mix in Monterey Jack for a blend)
- Salt and pepper to season the ground beef
- Prepared Red Chile Sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Red Chile Sauce
- Clean the Chile Pods: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chile pods. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dust or dirt.
- Simmer the Chiles: Place the cleaned chile pods in a pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and rehydrated.
- Blend the Chiles: Once softened, transfer the chile pods to a blender. Add about 2 cups of the water used for simmering (you may add more if needed). Blend until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any skins or seeds, leaving a smooth sauce.
- Cook the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the blended chile sauce, Mexican oregano, and salt. Stir well and simmer the sauce on low heat for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the finely chopped white onion and cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Season the beef with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
- Fry the Tortillas: In a small skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Quickly fry each corn tortilla for about 10-15 seconds on each side until they are pliable but not crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Dip and Fill: Dip each tortilla in the prepared red chile sauce to coat it. Place a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef in the center of the tortilla, sprinkle with some grated cheese, and roll up the tortilla. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat: Continue this process with the remaining tortillas, arranging them in the baking dish. Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour any remaining red chile sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the enchiladas with finely chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, use more mild chile pods or reduce the amount of hotter chiles. For a spicier kick, add more of the hotter variety or include some crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Make Ahead: The red chile sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. This allows you to quickly assemble the enchiladas on a busy weeknight.
- Substitute Cheese: While cheddar and Monterey Jack are traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like queso fresco or even a sharp white cheddar for different flavor profiles.
New Mexico Hatch Red Chile Beef Enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful dish that brings the authentic taste of the Southwest to your table. The rich, earthy red chile sauce pairs beautifully with the seasoned beef and melted cheese, creating a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a gathering, these enchiladas are sure to impress.
