Easy & Authentic Entomatadas de Carne Molida (Ground Beef Entomatadas) Recipe
Discover the ultimate comfort food with these savory Entomatadas de Carne Molida, a classic Mexican dish featuring lightly fried corn tortillas generously filled with seasoned ground beef and smothered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. This hearty and budget-friendly recipe is a guaranteed family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. If you’re searching for authentic Mexican flavors that truly satisfy, look no further than these delicious ground beef entomatadas.
For many, Entomatadas de Carne Molida evoke cherished memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. In my childhood home, this dish was a constant request, especially from my younger brother, Javier. He adored these tomato-smothered tortillas, often asking our mom to make them and, even as adults, he’d still inquire about her secret recipe.
Today, I continue this tradition, preparing them for my own family, and they have quickly become a staple in our weeknight dinner rotation. The beauty of this dish lies in its incredible depth of flavor, achieved with surprisingly simple and accessible ingredients. If you appreciate the comforting embrace of lightly fried tortillas draped in a flavorful sauce, much like Enchiladas Rojas or Chicken Enchiladas Suizas, then this entomatadas recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
I’m excited to share my easy-to-follow method for creating these beloved Mexican entomatadas. Let’s get cooking!
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Craving more delicious ground beef recipes? Explore our favorites like Open-Faced Ground Beef Tortas, Sopes de Picadillo, or Tostadas de Carne Molida.
What are Entomatadas? A Mexican Comfort Food Explained
Entomatadas are a quintessential Mexican comfort food, often described as a close cousin to enchiladas, yet distinct in their signature sauce. The name “entomatadas” literally translates to “in tomato” or “covered in tomato,” perfectly describing this dish where lightly fried corn tortillas are enveloped in a smooth, rich, and flavorful tomato-based sauce. Unlike enchiladas, which typically feature a chile-based sauce, entomatadas shine with the bright, tangy, and subtly sweet notes of fresh tomatoes.
While many variations exist, with fillings ranging from simple cheese and onions to beans or shredded chicken, this particular recipe elevates the classic with a robust and savory ground beef filling. The combination of the tender, saucy tortillas and the well-seasoned beef creates a truly satisfying culinary experience that is both authentic and incredibly delicious. Entomatadas are a testament to the versatility of Mexican cuisine, offering a comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and deeply flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Entomatadas Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the true essence of traditional Mexican entomatadas, bringing a taste of Mexico right to your table.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild yet flavorful tomato sauce and savory ground beef, this dish is a hit with both adults and children, making it perfect for any family dinner.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with common, affordable ingredients like ground beef, corn tortillas, and fresh tomatoes, it’s an economical choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the filling or add your favorite toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
- Comforting & Hearty: There’s nothing quite like warm, saucy tortillas filled with flavorful meat and melted cheese to provide ultimate comfort and satisfaction.
- Weeknight Approved: While it might look impressive, this recipe is straightforward to follow, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
One of the best aspects of this entomatadas recipe is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt it to your pantry:
- Corn Tortillas: The foundation of any good entomatada. Corn tortillas hold up well to frying and soaking in sauce. While fresh, locally made tortillas are always best, any good quality store-bought corn tortillas will work beautifully. Avoid flour tortillas for this dish, as they tend to become soggy.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) is ideal for the filling. It browns beautifully and absorbs the seasonings to create a rich flavor. For a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken. Just be sure to season them well.
- Roma Tomatoes: These are the star of our vibrant tomato sauce. Roma tomatoes are preferred for their firm flesh and lower water content, which yields a thicker, more flavorful sauce when boiled and blended. If Romas aren’t available, other ripe, meaty tomatoes can be used.
- Tomato Sauce: A can of low-sodium tomato sauce adds depth and consistency to our homemade tomato base, ensuring a perfectly smooth texture.
- Aromatics (Onion & Garlic): Freshly diced onion and garlic are crucial for building the flavor profile of both the ground beef filling and the tomato sauce. Don’t skip these!
- Spices: Cumin, salt, pepper, and dried oregano are the essential seasonings that bring authentic Mexican flavor to this dish. Adjust quantities to your personal taste.
- Chicken Broth: Used to thin the tomato sauce to the perfect consistency for dipping tortillas. Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian alternative.
- Oil for Frying: Avocado oil or a light-tasting olive oil is recommended for frying the tortillas and sautéing the sauce. You need enough oil to lightly soften the tortillas without making them crispy.
- Shredded Mexican Cheese: A key topping that melts into gooey perfection. Traditional Mexican melting cheeses like asadero, Chihuahua, or Oaxaca are fantastic choices. If these are hard to find, mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese are excellent and widely available alternatives that melt beautifully.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients with precise quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Entomatadas
Creating these delightful Entomatadas de Carne Molida is a straightforward process, broken down into three main parts: preparing the ground beef filling, crafting the rich tomato sauce, and finally, assembling and baking your entomatadas. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result every time.
- Prepare the Ground Beef Filling: In a large skillet or cast-iron pan, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once mostly browned, drain any excess fat. Add the diced garlic, onion, cumin, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the vegetables are softened. Taste and adjust the seasonings to ensure it’s perfectly savory, then set aside.
- Boil the Tomatoes: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add the whole Roma tomatoes and cook until they are tender and their skins begin to crack, which usually takes about 10 minutes. This step helps soften the tomatoes for a smooth sauce.
- Blend the Sauce: Carefully transfer the boiled tomatoes to a blender. Add the low-sodium tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chicken broth. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This creates the signature silky texture of the entomatada sauce.
- Simmer the Sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil (or olive oil) in a saucepan over medium heat. Carefully pour the blended tomato mixture into the hot oil. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then set aside.
- Lightly Fry the Tortillas: In a separate skillet, heat about half an inch of oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully fry each corn tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side. The goal is to soften them, making them pliable and easy to roll, not to make them crispy. Place the softened tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) at this stage.
- Dip Tortillas in Sauce: Once all tortillas are fried, one by one, dip each softened tortilla into the warm tomato sauce, ensuring both sides are fully coated. This step is crucial for the tortillas to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce.
- Add Filling: Place a dipped tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared ground beef filling along the center of the tortilla.
- Roll the Entomatadas: Carefully roll up each filled tortilla into a neat cylinder. Be gentle to prevent tearing, as the tortillas are soft from the sauce.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the rolled entomatadas seam-side down, side by side, in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange them snugly to help them hold their shape during baking.
- Finish and Bake: Pour any remaining tomato sauce evenly over the arranged entomatadas. Generously sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Entomatadas
Achieving restaurant-quality entomatadas at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:
- Don’t Over-Fry Tortillas: The key is to soften, not crisp, the tortillas. They should be pliable enough to roll without cracking. Over-frying will make them brittle.
- Season Generously: Taste the ground beef filling and the tomato sauce as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, and cumin as needed. Bold flavors are what make this dish shine.
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes are ideal for the sauce due to their meaty texture and less watery pulp, resulting in a richer, thicker sauce.
- Even Sauce Coverage: Dipping the tortillas directly in the sauce ensures every bite is infused with flavor. If you prefer, you can also pour a little sauce on the bottom of the pan, place unfilled fried tortillas, then pour more sauce over them before adding the cheese.
- Let it Rest: After baking, allow the entomatadas to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes them easier to handle.
- Batch Cooking: The ground beef filling and tomato sauce can be made a day in advance, making assembly on a busy weeknight much quicker. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this ground beef version is incredibly satisfying, entomatadas are wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:
- Chicken Entomatadas: Shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) can be seasoned and used as a filling instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Entomatadas: For a simpler, vegetarian option, fill the tortillas with a blend of your favorite Mexican cheeses (like Monterey Jack, Oaxaca, or a Mexican blend) mixed with a little finely diced onion.
- Bean Entomatadas: Refried beans, seasoned with a touch of cumin and chili powder, make a hearty and delicious vegetarian filling.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped serrano/jalapeño to the tomato sauce while blending.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Mexican crema into the tomato sauce just before pouring it over the entomatadas for an extra creamy finish.
How to Serve Your Entomatadas
These Entomatadas de Carne Molida are a complete meal on their own, but they truly shine when paired with classic Mexican side dishes. The rich tomato sauce and savory beef filling complement a variety of accompaniments, creating a balanced and satisfying feast. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Mexican Red Rice (Arroz Rojo): A classic and always welcome addition.
- Mexican White Rice with Corn: A lighter alternative to red rice, offering a subtly sweet contrast.
- Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice): For a vibrant and herbaceous touch.
- Mexican Refried Beans (Frijoles Refritos): A creamy and essential side that pairs perfectly.
Don’t forget to offer additional toppings like a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a side of sliced radishes for added freshness and crunch.
Storing and Reheating Entomatadas
Entomatadas are fantastic for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze!
Storage: Store any leftover entomatadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep them in the baking dish if possible, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap, to maintain their moisture.
Reheating:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it loosely, and warm for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
- Oven: To reheat a larger batch or to restore some crispness to the edges, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and hot in the center.
- Stovetop: You can also reheat individual entomatadas in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, allowing them to gently steam until warm.
We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these authentic Entomatadas de Carne Molida! If you try this recipe, please leave me a commentwith a star rating below – your feedback means a lot! Also, make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest to stay connected for more delicious Latin-inspired recipes. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and updates!
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for other satisfying Mexican-inspired meals? Discover these related recipes:
- Entomatadas de Carne Molida (Entomatadas with Ground Beef)
- Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa
- Green Chile Picadillo
- Green Chile Turkey Soup
Recipe: Entomatadas de Carne Molida
Entomatadas de Carne Molida (Entomatadas with Ground Beef)
by Gemma Aguayo-Murphy
Pin Recipe
Equipment
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Cast-Iron Skillet or pan
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Wooden Spoon
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Saucepan
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Blender
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9×13 Baking dish
Ingredients
Ground Beef Filling
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 diced garlic clove
- ¼ diced onion
- ⅛ teaspoon cumin powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes
- 8 oz low sodium tomato sauce
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or light-tasting olive oil
Assembling Entomatadas
- 14 corn tortillas
- ¼ cup oil for frying such as avocado oil
- 1 cup shredded white Mexican cheese such as asadero, Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese
Instructions
Ground Beef Filling
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In a medium pan or skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until almost browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
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Drain any excess fat. Add the diced garlic clove, diced onion, a pinch of cumin powder (about ⅛ teaspoon), and salt and pepper to taste.
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Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Tomato Sauce
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While the beef cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the whole Roma tomatoes and boil them, covered, for about 10 minutes until they are soft and their skins begin to crack.
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Carefully transfer the soft tomatoes to a blender. Add the low sodium tomato sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chicken broth. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and free of any tomato chunks.
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In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat.
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Carefully pour the blended tomato sauce into the saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens to a desirable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
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Remove the sauce from heat and set aside while you prepare the tortillas.
Assembling Entomatadas
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a medium cast-iron skillet or a similar pan, add about ½ inch of avocado oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking.
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Using tongs, carefully fry each corn tortilla for 30-45 seconds per side, just until it’s soft and pliable. Avoid making them crispy. Transfer the softened tortillas to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
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Once all tortillas are fried, begin assembling. Dip each softened tortilla completely into the warm tomato sauce. Then, place it on a clean surface, fill with about 1-2 tablespoons of the ground beef filling, and carefully roll it into a cylinder.
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Place the rolled entomatadas seam-side down, side by side, in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Pour any remaining tomato sauce evenly over the arranged entomatadas, ensuring they are well-covered. Generously sprinkle 1 cup of shredded white Mexican cheese over the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
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Serve your warm and comforting Entomatadas de Carne Molida immediately, alongside Mexican rice or your favorite traditional side dishes. Enjoy!
Notes
Dipping each of the tortillas in the sauce before filling and rolling helps the tortillas soak up the flavor and ensures they’re coated evenly. However, if you are looking for a simpler method, you can do the following:
- Pour ¼ cup of the tomato sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Fill and roll the lightly-fried tortillas without dipping them into the sauce first, then place them seam-side down into the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Nutrition
Originally published April 14, 2020. Updated photos and post May 2025.