Cheese Enchiladas Smothered in Chile with Rice, and Refried Beans

Classic Cheese Enchiladas with Chile Con Carne, Mexican Rice, and Refried Beans

This classic Mexican meal combines cheesy, savory enchiladas with hearty chile con carne, flavorful rice, and creamy refried beans for a complete and satisfying experience. The homemade chile con carne sauce adds depth, while the melted cheese brings comfort and warmth. Serve it all with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for an authentic, restaurant-style meal at home.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s a closer look at each component of this meal and the ingredients that make it special.

Cheese Enchiladas

• Corn Tortillas: Use 8 corn tortillas for a traditional texture and taste. Warming them beforehand helps prevent them from cracking when rolled.
• Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses works best for a gooey, melty texture. You’ll need about 2 cups.
• Enchilada Sauce: Use 1 cup of enchilada sauce, store-bought or homemade. For a homemade version, you can blend tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic, and spices.

Chile Con Carne Sauce

• Ground Beef: Use 1 pound of ground beef as the base for the chile con carne sauce, which adds a hearty, savory flavor.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics bring out the flavor in the sauce. Use ½ chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
• Diced Tomatoes: A 15 oz can of diced tomatoes adds texture and a slight acidity to balance the spices.
• Chili Powder and Cumin: These spices provide warmth and depth. Use 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cumin.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.

Mexican Rice

• Long-Grain Rice: One cup of long-grain rice will yield fluffy, separate grains, which is ideal for this dish.
• Chicken Broth: Use 2 cups of chicken broth to cook the rice, which infuses it with savory flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes (Optional): Add ½ cup of diced tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• Cumin: Add 1 teaspoon of cumin for a touch of earthiness.
• Salt: Season to taste.

Refried Beans

• Pinto Beans: A 15 oz can of pinto beans provides a creamy texture. Drain and rinse before use.
• Lard or Oil: Use 1 tablespoon of lard or oil for an authentic flavor.
• Onion: Chop ½ an onion to add flavor to the beans.
• Salt: Season to taste.

Making the Chile Con Carne Sauce

The chile con carne sauce adds a rich, spiced flavor to the enchiladas. Here’s how to prepare it.

Cook the Beef

1. In a skillet, cook 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.

Add Tomatoes and Spices

1. Add the can of diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Set aside the chile con carne sauce while you prepare the other components.

Preparing the Cheese Enchiladas

The cheese enchiladas are the star of this dish. Follow these steps to make them perfect.

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature will melt the cheese without drying out the tortillas.

Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds. This makes them easier to roll without cracking.
2. Place a handful of shredded cheese in the center of each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish.
3. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas, then sprinkle additional shredded cheese over them for extra meltiness.

Bake the Enchiladas

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
2. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Cooking the Mexican Rice

Mexican rice complements the enchiladas and beans perfectly. Here’s how to make it.

Combine Ingredients

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, diced tomatoes (if using), cumin, and salt.
2. Stir the mixture to ensure the rice is evenly coated with seasoning.

Cook the Rice

1. Bring the rice mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
3. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Preparing the Refried Beans

Refried beans add creaminess and protein to the meal. Here’s a quick method to make them from canned beans.

Sauté the Onion

1. In a skillet, heat the lard or oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Mash the Beans

1. Add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet with the onion.
2. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the beans until they reach your desired consistency.
3. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until heated through and creamy. Season with salt to taste.

Serving the Meal

To serve this classic Mexican meal, arrange the cheese enchiladas smothered in chile con carne sauce on a plate, with a side of Mexican rice and a scoop of refried beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican Meal

• Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas briefly before filling and rolling to prevent cracking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the spice level in the chile con carne by adjusting the chili powder or adding crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Add Cheese to Refried Beans: For a creamier texture, stir in a small amount of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream while mashing the beans.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro or parsley can add brightness and enhance the flavors of the enchiladas, rice, and beans.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add toppings like sliced avocados, chopped green onions, or pickled jalapeños to personalize the dish.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the enchiladas, chile con carne sauce, and rice ahead of time. Store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving and assemble on the plate.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

You can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer, though corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor and texture. Flour tortillas may require a slightly longer bake time.

What cheese works best for enchiladas?

Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese are great options, but you can also use queso fresco or a blend of Mexican cheeses for authentic flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or place them in a low oven until warmed through.

Can I make this meal vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef from the chile con carne and add more diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetarian version. You can also use vegetarian refried beans.

This Mexican-style meal brings together a hearty combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a satisfying and delicious dining experience.