‎Browse Recipes – Tex Mex

A Classic Tex-Mex Recipe: Flavorful Fusion of Texas and Mexican Cuisine

Tex-Mex, short for “Texas-Mexican,” is a vibrant and beloved regional cuisine that blends the bold flavors of traditional Mexican dishes with the heartiness of American Southern cooking. Rooted in the cultural intersections of the American Southwest, Tex-Mex has evolved into a distinct culinary tradition known for its use of spices, cheese, meats, beans, and flour tortillas.

In this article, we present a formal yet approachable recipe for one of the most iconic Tex-Mex dishes: Beef Enchiladas with Chili Gravy.

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🌮 Classic Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas with Chili Gravy

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Enchiladas:

• 8 flour tortillas (6-8 inch)

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for softening tortillas)

For the Chili Gravy Sauce:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp dried oregano

• 2 cups chicken or beef broth

• Salt to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chili Gravy Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together flour and oil to make a light roux (about 2 minutes).

2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano.

3. Gradually whisk in the broth until smooth.

4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened. Season with salt.

2. Cook the Beef Filling

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is soft.

2. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Drain excess fat and mix in half of the shredded cheese. Set aside.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Lightly fry each tortilla in a small amount of oil for 10 seconds to make them pliable.

2. Place a few tablespoons of the beef mixture in the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

3. Pour the chili gravy sauce over the enchiladas and top with the remaining shredded cheese.

4. Bake

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

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🧀 Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. A side of Spanish rice and refried beans perfectly complements the dish for a complete Tex-Mex meal.

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🌎 Cultural Context

Tex-Mex is more than just a style of cooking; it is a culinary reflection of the shared heritage of Mexican and American cultures in Texas. This recipe, rooted in simplicity and rich flavor, showcases the essence of Tex-Mex comfort food that continues to thrive in both home kitchens and restaurants across the world.