Elk Enchiladas with Spicy Red Sauce
Delicious elk enchiladas baked with smoky chipotle red sauce, cheese, and fresh toppings—perfect for family meals or celebrating wild game flavors.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Cook Time45 minutes mins
Servings: 6
- 1 lb ground elk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- green onions, chopped for topping
Red Enchilada Sauce (yields 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp Mexican oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Heat a sauce pan over medium heat and add the oil. Whisk in the flour, seasonings, chipotle pepper and adobo sauce creating a paste like base. Carefully pour in broth whisking the sauce until smooth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat. (Note: you can make this sauce a day ahead and simply refrigerate overnight.)
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil, onions, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the ground game meat and cook until browned. Stir in the seasonings and remove from heat.
Pour ½ cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fill the flour tortillas with the meat mixture and a little cheese, then roll to enclose. Place seam-side down in the dish. Spread any remaining meat over the top of the filled tortillas. Pour the remaining red sauce over the enchiladas and top with shredded cheese, sliced black olives, and cilantro.
Bake uncovered for 40-45 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
- Works well with elk, venison, or antelope.
- Swap cheeses for Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or cheddar.
- Make the sauce a day ahead to save time.
- Add extra chipotle or cayenne for more heat.
- Serve with sliced avocado, sour cream, or a side of rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers reheat well and make great enchilada-style tacos.