West Of The Pecos Enchiladas
West of the Pecos Enchiladas feature savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, wrapped in tortillas for a hearty, flavorful Mexican-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add salt and cook until done. Remove from heat and stir in half of the grated cheese, chopped onions, and chopped olives.
- In a saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, tomato soup, tomato paste, water, cooking oil, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer.
- Dip a flour tortilla into the sauce to soften. Place it on a plate.
- Put a heaping spoonful of the meat mixture onto the tortilla and roll it up.
- Place the rolled tortilla in a greased baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Pour 1 cup of sauce over the assembled enchiladas. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot with remaining sauce on the side.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or jalapeños with the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils. Using corn tortillas instead of flour can also provide a different texture. To save time, prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Browse more Mexican recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
These enchiladas are best served hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices. Pair them with a side of Spanish rice or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. They also go well with a zesty salsa or the remaining sauce on the side. For a fun twist, serve alongside Easy Beef Tortilla Pizzas for a themed dinner night.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel, for about 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of West Of The Pecos Enchiladas contains roughly 776 calories, with 39g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (79% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1523mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of Longhorn cheese?
If you can't find Longhorn cheese, you can substitute it with Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese. Both options will melt nicely and add a delicious flavor to the enchiladas.
Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to eat, bake them directly from the freezer, adding extra time to ensure they are heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).