Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce are a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and creamy textures to your table. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual meals, these enchiladas showcase thinly sliced steak sautéed with onions and peppers, all topped with a rich jalapeño cilantro cream sauce and plenty of cheese. The combination of spicy, savory, and creamy elements makes this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a wonderful mix of savory steak and zesty jalapeños balanced by creamy sauce.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Ideal for Gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for serving friends and family at any gathering.
• Satisfying Meal: Hearty enough to keep everyone full, making it great for dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools at hand will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Frying pan
• Sauce pot
• Baking dish (9×13 casserole)
• Cooking spatula
• Knife set

Why These Tools Matter

• Frying pan: Ideal for sautéing steak and vegetables evenly.
• Sauce pot: Perfect for creating the smooth jalapeño cilantro cream sauce.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking of enchiladas so they come out perfectly melted and hot.
• Knife set: Sharp knives make slicing steak and vegetables quick and easy.

Ingredients

Steak Enchiladas made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed with onions and peppers, and topped with delicious jalapeno cilantro cream sauce and lots of cheese!

For the Steak Mixture

• 1.25 lb eye of round steak
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 small yellow onion
• Salt (white pepper)
• 1/4 tsp cumin

For the Sauce

• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 jalapenos (seeded and minced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
• salt (white pepper)
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp chili powder
• 2 Tbsp minced cilantro

For the Enchiladas

• 7-8 large flour tortillas
• 4 oz Monterrey Jack cheese (shredded)
• More cheese for topping (Optional)
• Cilantro for topping (Optional)
• Jalapeno for topping (Optional)

How to Make Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small sauce pot, heat up oil over medium heat. Sauté minced jalapeno and garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and sour cream; whisk until smooth. Bring to a low boil, then add cheese, salt, white pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes before stirring in cilantro. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Cook the Steak Mixture

Slice steaks as thinly as possible. Also slice onions and bell pepper thinly. In a medium frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add steak along with onion and peppers. Season with salt, white pepper, and cumin. Cook until the steak is fully done.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread some sauce over the bottom of a baking dish (9×13 or similar size). On one side of each tortilla, spread some shredded cheese followed by a portion of the steak mixture. Roll up tortillas tightly and place them seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled.

Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas

Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas ensuring they are well covered. Top off with additional shredded cheese if desired. Bake in preheated oven for 17-19 minutes or until bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and top off with extra cilantro and jalapenos if you wish. Enjoy your flavorful Steak Enchiladas!

How to Serve Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

Serving Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce is all about complementing the rich flavors of the dish. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Chopped Cilantro – Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Sliced Jalapeños – Add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy an extra kick of spice.

Pair with Traditional Sides

• Mexican Rice – Serve with fluffy Mexican rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that balances the enchiladas.

Offer Tasty Condiments

• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds richness and coolness to each bite.
• Guacamole – Creamy guacamole complements the spicy flavors perfectly.

How to Perfect Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

To achieve the best results with your Steak Enchiladas, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients – Select fresh vegetables and high-quality steak for maximum flavor.
• Slice Thinly – Slice your steak and vegetables as thin as possible to ensure even cooking and easy wrapping.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas – Use just enough filling to roll the tortillas without tearing them.
• Preheat Properly – Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
• Customize Spice Levels – Adjust the amount of jalapeños in the sauce based on your heat preference.
• Let Rest Before Serving – Allow enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Steak Enchiladas can enhance the meal significantly. Here are some delightful options to serve alongside.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime juice brings vibrant flavors.
2. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make a perfect appetizer or side.
3. Pico de Gallo – A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness to the meal.
4. Cabbage Slaw – A zesty cabbage slaw provides crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the enchiladas.
5. Black Beans – Seasoned black beans offer a nutritious and flavorful complement to the dish.
6. Queso Dip – Warm cheese dip served with tortilla chips is always a crowd-pleaser at any Mexican meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your steak and vegetables properly can lead to bland enchiladas. Always use salt, pepper, and spices to enhance flavors.
• Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak too long can make it tough. Aim for a medium doneness to keep it tender and juicy.
• Not warming the tortillas: Cold tortillas can crack when rolling. Warm them slightly in a dry skillet or microwave before filling them for easier handling.
• Ignoring cheese quality: Using low-quality cheese can affect texture and flavor. Opt for good-quality Monterrey Jack cheese for the best creamy results.
• Rushing the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer briefly helps meld flavors. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for a delicious cream sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container.
• item Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

• item Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• item Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, place enchiladas seam-side down, and heat until warmed through, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce?

Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce are filled tortillas made with thinly sliced steak, sautéed vegetables, and topped with a creamy jalapeño sauce.

Can I use other meats instead of steak?

Yes! Chicken or ground turkey also work well in this recipe and provide delicious flavors while maintaining the dish’s essence.

How do I spice up my Steak Enchiladas?

Adding more jalapeños or some diced green chilies can elevate the heat level of your Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the jalapeño cilantro cream sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble your enchiladas.

Conclusion

These Steak Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cilantro Cream Sauce are not just flavorful but also versatile. You can customize them by choosing different proteins or adding more vegetables. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!