BBQ Beef Enchiladas Recipe – Homemade

Just like Texas transformed the humble brisket into a smoky sensation, I’ve given traditional enchiladas an irresistible BBQ twist! I’m thrilled to share my BBQ Beef Enchiladas recipe with you today, it’s where Mexican comfort food meets backyard barbecue flavours in the most mouthwatering way. These saucy, cheesy rolls of heaven come together in under an hour and never fail to impress at the dinner table. Wait until you uncover my secret ingredient that makes them absolutely unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love these BBQ Beef Enchiladas

If you’re looking for a twist on traditional enchiladas, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! These BBQ beef enchiladas combine the smoky-sweet flavours of barbecue with the comfort of Mexican cuisine in one irresistible dish.

Every taste test confirms what I already know, the flavour profile is absolutely mouthwatering. The tangy barbecue sauce perfectly complements the savoury minced beef and melty cheese.

Plus, they’re super adaptable – you can make them as mild or spicy as you like!

What I love most is how easy they are to prepare. In just about 30 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a dinner that looks impressive but didn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Trust me, these will quickly become a family favourite!

What ingredients are in BBQ beef enchiladas?

For these BBQ Beef Enchiladas, we’ll be taking a classic enchilada recipe and giving it a delicious barbecue twist. The ingredient list is straightforward, and you likely have many of these items in your pantry already.

I’m all about recipes that don’t require a special trip to some fancy grocery shop, and this one definitely fits the bill. The combination of savoury beef with sweet and tangy barbecue flavours creates something truly special that the whole family will enjoy.

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
• 16 ounces refried beans
• 1 can Campbell’s condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 cup cooked long-grain rice
• 12 flour tortillas, warmed (10-inch)
• 1 1/2 cups enchilada sauce
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Barbecue sauce (to replace or mix with enchilada sauce for the BBQ twist)

When shopping for these ingredients, consider the type of barbecue sauce you prefer, smoky, sweet, spicy, or a combination. This choice will greatly impact the final flavour profile of your enchiladas.

Also, while the recipe calls for flour tortillas, corn tortillas would work brilliantly for a more authentic texture, though they’re a bit more fragile when rolling.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try a blend of cheeses rather than just cheddar? A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and perhaps a touch of smoked cheese would complement those barbecue flavours wonderfully.

How to Make these BBQ Beef Enchiladas

Making BBQ Beef Enchiladas on your outdoor cooker brings a whole new dimension to this family favourite. I’m particularly fond of using the indirect cooking method on a Kamado BBQ for this recipe, but you can adapt to whatever outdoor cooking setup you have available.

To start, preheat your BBQ to around 180°C for indirect cooking. While your BBQ is heating up, take 1 lb of minced beef and cook it in a cast iron skillet placed directly on the grill. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring often to break it up into smaller pieces. Once your beef is nicely browned, drain off any excess fat, then return the skillet to the grill.

Add 1 ounce of taco seasoning mix, 16 ounces of refried beans, 1 can of Campbell’s condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 medium chopped onion (about 1/2 cup), and 1 cup of cooked long-grain rice if desired. For the BBQ twist, stir in about 3-4 tablespoons of your favourite barbecue sauce to the mixture, giving it that smoky-sweet flavour that makes these enchiladas special. Allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Now comes the assembly. Warm your 12 flour tortillas by wrapping them in foil and placing them on the cooler part of the grill for a couple of minutes. Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture down the centre. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in a disposable aluminium tray or BBQ-safe baking dish.

For the sauce, mix 1 1/2 cups of enchilada sauce with about 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, then pour this over your enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese, then cover the dish with foil. Place this back on your BBQ using indirect heat, close the lid, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes until everything is hot and bubbling, with the cheese melted to perfection.

The smoke from your BBQ will infuse these enchiladas with an incredible flavour you simply can’t achieve in a conventional oven.

BBQ Beef Enchiladas Substitutions and Variations

Monolith Kamado BBQ Method

• Use indirect cooking at 350°F (about 175°C) with a heat deflector.
• Prepare the beef mixture in a cast iron skillet directly on the grill.
• Assemble enchiladas in a BBQ-safe baking dish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes with the lid closed.
• Optional: Add soaked wood chips for a smoky flavour. High-quality charcoal sourced from certified European forestry enhances the grilling experience.

Ozpig & Big Pig Stoves Method

• Brown the beef using direct grilling on the cooktop.
• Mix the ingredients in a pot on the stove.
• Transfer the assembled enchiladas to the oven attachment.
• Bake at medium heat for 20-25 minutes.
• For a smokier flavour, add wood chips to the oven attachment.

Pit Barrel Cooker Method

• Brown the beef in a cast iron skillet placed on the grill grate.
• Prepare the mixture, then assemble the enchiladas in a heat-resistant dish.
• Use the indirect heat method by placing charcoal to one side.
• Cook at approximately 350°F (about 175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• For enhanced flavour, add hickory or mesquite wood chips.

Ingredient Variations

• Substitute shredded brisket or pulled pork for ground beef.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce to the meat mixture.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for an authentic flavour.
• Add grilled corn, peppers, or jalapeños to the filling.
• Top with BBQ sauce mixed with enchilada sauce for a smoky finish.

What to Serve with BBQ Beef Enchiladas

Now that you’ve perfected cooking these delicious BBQ beef enchiladas on various outdoor cooking equipment, let’s discuss what to serve alongside them.

I’m a big fan of keeping sides simple but complementary.

For side suggestions, consider a crisp Mexican-style coleslaw with lime dressing, or a fresh corn salad with bell peppers and coriander.

Black beans with a hint of cumin make another perfect companion, as does Spanish rice with diced tomatoes.

For drink pairings, you can’t go wrong with an ice-cold Mexican beer or a margarita!

If you’re keeping it non-alcoholic, try Horchata or a tangy limeade.

My personal favourite is a hibiscus tea (Jamaica) that cuts through the richness of the enchiladas beautifully.

What’s your go-to side for enchiladas?

Final Thoughts

After spending time with these BBQ beef enchiladas, I truly believe they deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

They’re that perfect blend of comfort food and flavour journey that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

For meal prep enthusiasts, these enchiladas are a dream, prepare them on Sunday, refrigerate, and enjoy throughout the week.

Just add a few minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

My top cooking tips? Don’t skimp on warming those tortillas before rolling—it prevents cracking.

And while the recipe is forgiving, that careful balance of BBQ sauce and traditional enchilada flavours is what makes these special.

Trust me, once you’ve made these enchiladas, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These BBQ Beef Enchiladas in Advance?

Ready tortillas, waiting in the fridge. Yes, I would say make these in advance! Assemble everything, cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. For the best storage tips, wait to add the sauce until you’re ready to bake.

How Long Do Leftover BBQ Beef Enchiladas Remain Good?

I would store leftover enchiladas in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavour combinations actually improve overnight as the spices meld together. Just reheat thoroughly before enjoying again.

Are BBQ Beef Enchiladas Spicy?

Wondering about spice levels? I’d say traditionally, enchiladas aren’t inherently spicy. The flavour profiles depend entirely on your chosen taco seasoning and enchilada sauce. You control the heat!

Can I freeze BBQ beef enchiladas?

Yes, I can freeze enchiladas! For the best enchilada storage, I would assemble them without sauce, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, add sauce and bake. Freezing tips: thaw overnight first.

What BBQ sauce works best for these enchiladas?

I would recommend a balance between sweet and savoury BBQ sauces. Popular sauce brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s, Stubb’s, or Bull’s-Eye work well depending on your flavour preference for these enchiladas.