AUTHENTIC CHEESE ENCHILADAS RECIPES

Steps:

• Make Enchilada Gravy Sauce.
• Heat oil in large stockpot (at least 3 qt).
• Add flour and cook until browned, stirring constantly, you are making a roux, do not let it burn NOTE: this will have almost a "dough" consistency, don't be scared once the water is added it will thin into a thick gravy.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt and pepper.
• Cook roux, stirring constantly, for at least 2-3 minutes. If you do not thoroughly cook the roux it will taste like flour mixed with oil.
• Gradually add the water, stirring until smooth.
• Boil gently for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile make the Chili con Carne.
• Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.
• Add the garlic, cumin, bay leaf, salt and pepper.
• Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding a little water if the pan becomes dry.
• Add the chili powder and 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.
• Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove the bay leaf and add the beans if using.
• Meanwhile make the Enchiladas.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Soften tortillas, fill with American cheese and roll up.
• Place them seam side down in a baking dish and cover with Enchilada Gravy Sauce and Chili con Carne.
• Top with Pico de Gallo and more cheese to taste.
• Heat in oven for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and enchiladas are heated through.

Steps:

• In a medium size mixing bowl, add shredded beef and diced onions, mix well and set aside.
• In a medium size sauce pan, add the oil, flour, and chili powder. Turn to medium heat and whisk the ingredients together.
• Continue to whisk as the mixture begins to boil for one minute, then whisk in the water, tomato paste, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Allow the sauce to come up to a simmer. Once it reaches a simmering boil it will begin to thicken slightly after about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add salt to taste and 1/4 teaspoon sugar, mix to combine and then add about 1/4 cup of sauce to the shredded beef mixture and stir to combine. Set aside remaining sauce for enchiladas.
• In a small size skillet, add oil to medium-high heat. Gently add one tortilla at a time and fry to a semi soft stage. Dab each tortilla with paper towels to remove excess oil.
• As each tortilla is fried and dabbed with paper towels, stack them to keep them soft for rolling.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or spray with a nonstick cooking spray a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.
• Lay (one at a time) fried tortilla on a flat surface, add about 2 tablespoons shredded beef mixture to the middle of the fried tortilla and top with about 1 teaspoon shredded cheese.
• Roll the tortilla tightly and place in the baking dish (seam side down). Repeat until all 12 tortillas are filled. (For best results, line the enchiladas into two rows of 6).
• Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the filled tortillas, and then add remaining shredded cheese evenly to the top of the sauce and top with the sliced olives.
• Cover baking dish with foil and bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until bubbly and hot. Serve with sour cream, optional.
• Makes: 6 servings.