Houston, TX Making time for family, adventure, good manners and giving back. For Gabby Stevenson and family, and for so many Texans, that’s time well spent.
Sunday at the Stevenson house just outside of Houston is that of a traditional Texan family. They’re spending their afternoon at home, enjoying their time as a family. What brings them together is a multi-generational Sunday dinner favorite—homemade steak enchiladas.
Scott Stevenson grills steaks bound for the evening’s enchiladas, and the week’s lunches, while Gabby looks on.
The Stevensons are celebrating the end of a typically busy weekend by making the most of their time in each other’s company. Savoring each moment together as much as their meal is particularly important to the Stevensons. Gabby’s husband Scott’s work schedule takes him on the road and away from his family 3-4 days out of the week.
The quick and easy preparation of the enchiladas helps the Stevensons not only make the most of their weekend, but also plan for week ahead. This evening, Scott is grilling a few extra steaks, bound for sandwiches for the week. Taking the time now will serve him up for a little taste of home while he’s traveling. It’s a tip passed down from Gabby’s mom, who raised a total of five very active daughters, including Gabby.
Love is the most important ingredient, you can taste it.
Gabby Stevenson
Gabby’s mother is from Mexico, her father from Del Rio, Texas. Her authentic Tex-Mex recipe, like those she enjoyed with her family growing up and still does today, isn’t written down. It was picked up firsthand by spending time with her mother in the kitchen preparing the family meals, watching and learning, and using taste as their guide.
“Love is the most important ingredient. You can taste it,” Gabby says as she prepares the colorful, fragrant and flavorful enchiladas.
When it comes to preparing the meal, in true Texan form, the Stevensons all lend a hand. As Scott mindfully grills the steaks, their son Nicholas, 12, picks fresh vegetables from the garden that he and his father maintain.
Nicholas is home-schooled on Fridays and Monday in yet another effort towards bringing the family closer together, and more often. The family photos lining the halls of the house are a testament to the many adventures the Stevensons take, and the advantage they take of their opportunities to be together.
In the kitchen, Gabby uses two spatulas to gently flip the tortillas that she briefly heats in a pan with oil and a dash of enchilada sauce. It lends rich flavor and a blush of color while ensuring that the tortillas don’t tear.
When they sit down for mealtime, the Stevensons take their time and quiet things down. They truly enjoy the moment, the company, and the steak enchiladas.
“We’re not rushed, and we make sure that the TV is off,” Gabby says. “We want to learn about each other’s day.”
I’m a Texan, and I want to give back. That’s just what we do.
Gabby Stevenson
Gabby is refueling from her day spent training for an upcoming marathon. Nicholas tagged along for the day’s run. Her goal for the race is besting her personal records while also advancing a greater cause. She competes not only on behalf of the Texas BEEF Team, but numerous veteran associations for which she’s raised thousands of dollars.
“If I’m running a marathon, I want it to help somebody else,” she says. “I’m a Texan, and I want to give back. That’s just what we do.”
Her post-race meal?
“A hamburger,” Gabby says.
Gabby also reinforces that putting your time to good use ties back to good Texan manners—taking the time to say sir and ma’am, to give a firm handshake, or even wave to a stranger passing by.
“In Texas, everybody waves at each other in their cars,” she says. “When you get in the country, it’s like a rule.”
For Gabby and so many other families, living on Texas time means something special. We’d like to think it means getting together, grilling out, and giving back.
“It’s so important to spend time with family and to listen to them,” Gabby says. “Because it goes
It’s so important to spend time with family and to listen to them, because it goes so fast.
Gabby Stevenson
Steak Enchiladas
Nutrition information per serving: Calories 530; Total fat 19g (Sat. fat 6g; Trans fat 0g); Cholest. 70mg; Sodium 1520mg; Total Carb. 57g; Fiber 4g; Total Sugars 10g; Protein 32g; Vit D (0% DV); Calcium (20% DV); Iron (30% DV); Potas. (15%DV)
Stevenson Family Recipe
Steak Enchiladas
- 11 Cook Steps
- 4 Servings
- 45M Cook Time
Gather Ingredients
Ingredients
1 lb. cooked steak
Directions
Slice grilled sirloin. Set aside.
Ingredients
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. cumin
1 onion powder
1 garlic powder
Directions
Mix dry ingredients. Sprinkle onto steak.
Ingredients
Season steak
1 Tbsp. enchilada sauce
Directions
Heat seasoned steak on skillet with 1 Tbsp. of enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
1 white medium onion
1 red medium onion
Directions
Dice onions. Set aside.
Ingredients
1/4 cup oil
1 Tbsp. of enchilada sauce
Directions
Heat 1/4 cup oil and 1 Tbsp. of enchilada sauce in skillet over medium heat.
Ingredients
24 tortillas
Directions
Fry tortillas flipping three times.
Ingredients
Enchilada sauce
Directions
Coat bottom of baking pan with enchilada sauce.
Ingredients
Cooked steak
Diced onions
Shredded cheese
Directions
Roll steak, onions and cheese into cooled tortilla.
Ingredients
12-24 rolled enchiladas
Directions
Line rolled enchiladas tightly into baking pan.
Ingredients
Diced tomatoes
Enchiladas sauce
Diced Onions
Shredded cheese
Directions
Top with remaining sauce, cheese, tomatoes and red onion. Bake at 350ºF for 15 minutes.
Ingredients
1 bunch cilantro
Directions
Garnish with fresh cilantro.
