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Red Chile Beef Enchiladas and Whole Pinto Beans

Red Chile Beef Enchiladas and Whole Pinto Beans: tender shredded beef in corn tortillas with smoky red chile sauce and melty cheese, served alongside slow‑simmered pinto beans. Bold flavor, comforting texture, authentic Southwestern taste.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

Enchiladas:
  • 3 cups shredded roast beef or brisket, slow‑cooked if needed
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cups grated Mexican cheese blend PLUS 1 additional cup for topping
  • 1 15 oz can Hatch red chile enchilada sauce (gluten‑free)
  • 8 –10 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup sour cream
Whole Pinto Beans:
  • 1  lb dried pinto beans
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion chopped fine
  • 2 –3 green onions white/light green parts, chopped fine
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 4.24 oz can chopped green chiles
  • 1 fresh jalapeño pepper: half minced half added whole
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 cups reserved soaking water from beans add in as needed
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

Enchiladas:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Shred the roast beef and set aside. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté the diced onion until translucent (~3‑5 minutes). Let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, combine shredded beef, sautéed onion and 2 cups of the grated cheese blend. Mix well.
  4. Pour the red chile sauce into a flat bowl. Dip each tortilla in the sauce, then fill with the beef mixture and roll. Arrange the rolled tortillas in a 9×13‑inch casserole dish (8‑10 tortillas total).
  5. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese (1 cup) on top.
  6. Bake covered for ~20‑25 minutes until sauce is hot and cheese is melted.
  7. Remove from oven and garnish with lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, olives and dollops of sour cream.
Whole Pinto Beans:
  1. Rinse and pick over the dried beans, removing any debris. Soak overnight in water covering beans by ~2‑3 inches. Reserve ~2 cups of the soaking water.
  2. In a Dutch oven (or heavy pot) heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until softened (~3‑5 minutes). Add green onion, garlic, minced jalapeño and cilantro, cook another minute.
  3. Add the soaked beans, reserved soaking water (~2 cups), chopped green chiles, whole jalapeño half, broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for ~1 hour.
  4. After first hour, remove lid, add salt & pepper, and simmer uncovered for another ~1 hour or until beans are very tender and liquid has thickened slightly. Remove bay leaves and whole jalapeño half before serving.

Notes

Warm corn tortillas briefly (in microwave wrapped in damp towel or skillet) before filling to prevent cracking.
Use a high‑quality Hatch red chile sauce or make your own for best flavor.
For beans: Soaking helps even cooking; cooking low and slow yields creamy texture.
If beans cook too fast or look dry, add more broth/reserved water to maintain good consistency.