Enchilada Wontons With Red Chile Beef

As a native New Mexican, I’ve always been passionate about our regional cuisine’s bold and vibrant flavors.

Experimenting with new ways to enjoy the comforting dishes I grew up with. That’s how these enchilada wontons were born – a fun and creative spin on the classic red chile beef enchilada.

These bite-sized wonders combine red chile beef’s rich, spicy goodness with the crispy, satisfying texture of fried wonton wrappers. This fusion of two beloved New Mexican staples will delight your taste buds and transport you to the Land of Enchantment.

Ingredients:

For the Red Chile Beef: 

• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• One small onion, diced
• Three cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• One teaspoon of ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3/4 cup prepared red chile sauce

For the Wontons: 

• 24 wonton wrappers
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Oil for frying

For the Dipping Sauce: 

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• One teaspoon of prepared red chile sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over moderate heat. Add the diced onion and cook until tenderized, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced, chopped garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add the minced beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it nicely cooks. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in the prepared red chile sauce and stir to combine. Let the heat simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Line a work surface with 4-6 wonton wrappers at a time. Place one teaspoon of the red chile beef mixture in the center of each wrapper, then top with a sprinkle of tattered cheddar cheese.
5. Using your finger, lightly wet the sides of the wonton wrapper with water. Fold it half to form a triangle, then press the edges firmly to seal.
6. Trace the bottom of the sealed wonton with water, then bring the two corners together to create a cute, slight purse shape.
7. In a big pot or deep skillet, heat about 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F. Carefully add the stuffed wontons in batches and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Transfer the fried wontons to a paper towel-lined plate.
8. Add the sour cream and one teaspoon of prepared red chile sauce in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve the enchilada wontons warm, with the red chile sour cream dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Ten variations for Enchilada Wontons With Red Chile Beef:

1. Spicy Enchilada Wontons: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle chiles to the beef filling.  
2. Cheesy Enchilada Wontons: Before baking, top the wontons with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese.
3. Veggie Enchilada Wontons: Sauté diced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms to mix into the beef filling.
4. Black Bean Enchilada Wontons: Stir drained and rinsed black beans into the beef mixture.
5. Corn Enchilada Wontons: Mix drained and rinsed corn kernels into the filling.
6. Enchilada Wonton Bites: Make mini wontons using a mini muffin tin and baking for less time.
7. Enchilada Wonton Lasagna: Layer the wontons in a baking dish with enchilada sauce and cheese for a casserole-style dish.
8. Chicken Enchilada Wontons: Use shredded chicken enchilada instead of ground beef in the filling.
9. Breakfast Enchilada Wontons: Fill the wontons with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese.
10. Enchilada Wonton Soup: Float the wontons in a spicy enchilada-style broth.

Tips:

1. Use high-quality wonton wrappers for a delicate texture.
2. Make the red chile beef filling in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Brush the wonton wrappers with water before sealing them to help them stick together.
4. Bake the wontons instead of frying for a healthier option.
5. Serve the enchilada wontons with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
6. Experiment with different fillings like shredded chicken or pork for variety.
7. Freeze extra wontons uncooked for easy reheating later.

Fusion appetizer ideas:

1. Enchilada Wontons With Red Chile Beef Crispy wonton wrappers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, enchilada sauce, and Mexican spices.
2. Crispy Wonton Cups with Spicy Chicken Filling Bite-sized Wonton cups baked until golden and filled with a zesty shredded chicken mixture.
3. Baked Breen Croute with Cranberry Compote Creamy baked brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry, served with a sweet and tangy cranberry compote.
4. Caprese Skewers with Balsamic Glaze Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with a thick balsamic reduction.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Dates Stuffed with Goat Cheese Plump dates filled with creamy goat cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon.

Ending note:

These enchilada wontons are the perfect fusion of New Mexican flavors and fun, bite-sized appeal. The crispy wonton wrapper gives way to the rich, spicy red chile beef, all tied together with the melty cheddar cheese.

The excellent, creamy red chile sour cream dipping sauce provides the perfect contrast to balance out the dish. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta, looking for a unique appetizer, or simply craving a taste of New Mexico, these enchilada wontons are sure to delight.

I hope you’ll try them and let me know what you think!