Beef Enchiladas

There’s something irresistible about Beef Enchiladas that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. It’s a dish that I fondly remember making with my mom when I was a kid, the aroma of the spices filling the kitchen as we prepared our feast. Every bite of these enchiladas transports me back to those vibrant moments, surrounded by laughter and love. The best part about them is how versatile they are; whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive family celebration, Beef Enchiladas never fail to impress. After a long day, the thought of cheesy, savory goodness wrapped in warm tortillas makes everything feel just right. I love how they can be customized with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied. It’s truly a comfort food that warms your heart and nourishes your soul.

Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas

When it comes to making delicious Beef Enchiladas, the right ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture, creating the perfect bite. From the savory ground beef to the zesty enchilada sauce, these ingredients come together harmoniously. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the beef and building depth of flavor.
• 1 lb ground beef: The star of the dish, providing protein and richness.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin: Adds earthy warmth and enhances the meat’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder: A key ingredient for that classic enchilada taste.
• salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning the beef to perfection.
• 12 oz Mexican Blend Cheese: For that creamy, melty topping; feel free to use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
• 8 fajita size flour tortillas: Soft wraps that hold all the delicious fillings.
• 19 oz red enchilada sauce: The tangy sauce that ties everything together.
• cilantro: Optional, for garnish and a fresh touch.

Preparation Steps for Beef Enchiladas

Making Beef Enchiladas is a fun and satisfying process that brings together all the elements of this delicious dish. Follow these steps for a delightful experience in your kitchen. Let’s dive into the instructions!

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F. This is key for achieving that perfectly cooked enchiladas. While the oven is heating, lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure your enchiladas don’t stick.
2. In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. You want it browned evenly. As it cooks, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Now, add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce to the bottom of the prepared baking pan. This will prevent the enchiladas from drying out as they bake. You’ll also want to reserve half the cheese for later.
4. Take the cooked meat mixture and divide it into 8 even portions. I usually do this right in the pan, but you can eyeball it if you prefer. Now, take a flour tortilla and fill it with a portion of the beef and about 2 tablespoons of the grated cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled and placed in the dish.
5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring the sauce pools in between them. This helps keep them moist. Use a butter knife or spoon to gently separate each enchilada, allowing the sauce to drip in between.
6. Top your enchiladas with the reserved cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, which helps trap steam and moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
7. Once done, carefully remove the foil and check if the cheese is bubbly and golden. If it’s not, you can broil it for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
8. When done, let your Beef Enchiladas cool for a few minutes. Then, garnish with cilantro and any other toppings you love. Serve with a side of sour cream or guacamole for a refreshing contrast.

Variations to Try

There’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to Beef Enchiladas. You can try various spins on this classic dish to keep it interesting. Below are some ideas to get you started.

• Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Spicy Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded chicken instead of beef, and add diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
• Green Sauce: For a twist, try using green enchilada sauce in place of the red. It gives a different flavor profile that many love!
• Breakfast Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of veggies for a hearty breakfast version.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to three months. Just assemble them, cover tightly, and pop them in the freezer. Bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat, adding extra time to the cooking process.
• Serving Sizes: Consider making smaller enchiladas for appetizers or party platters—perfect for gatherings!
• Garnish Ideas: Besides cilantro, try garnishing with sliced green onions or fresh lime wedges for a zesty twist.

What to Serve Alongside Beef Enchiladas

Pairing is key when enjoying Beef Enchiladas. Here are some delightful options that complement the dish beautifully.

• Mexican Rice: A classic side that adds heartiness to your meal. The flavors of the rice will blend beautifully with the enchiladas.
• Refried Beans: Serve a scoop of refried beans on the side for added protein and creaminess.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the enchiladas.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole is always a hit! It pairs perfectly with the flavors of the enchiladas.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top can help balance the spices and add creaminess.
• Chips and Salsa: As an appetizer or side, chips and salsa are a great way to start off the meal.
• Occasions: These enchiladas are perfect for casual dinners, family gatherings, or even game day celebrations. They fit right in during potlucks as well.

FAQ

Conclusion

Beef Enchiladas are a beloved classic that never fails to impress with their comforting flavors and satisfying textures. They’re perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; once you do, it’ll likely become a regular favorite in your meal rotation!

Beef Enchiladas

The ultimate comfort food, Beef Enchiladas are packed with savory beef, melty cheese, and rich enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, these enchiladas are sure to satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight for a delightful experience!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 8 enchiladas

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Blender
• Oven
• Grater
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef I used 93/7
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• 12 oz Mexican Blend Cheese grated, divided (or sharp cheddar cheese)
• 8 fajita size flour tortillas
• 19 oz red enchilada sauce I used mild
• cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375° F. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and brown ground beef, breaking apart as it cooks. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Once the beef is completely cooked, remove from heat.
• Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup enchilada sauce to the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve half of the cheese.
• Divide the cooked meat into 8 even portions. Fill each flour tortilla with ground beef and about 2 tablespoons of grated cheese. Roll up and place seam side down into the pan.
• Top enchiladas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring it pools between them. Use a butter knife or spoon to separate each enchilada so the sauce can fall in between.
• Top enchiladas with remaining cheese and bake covered for 30 to 40 minutes.
• Let cool slightly before serving. Top with cilantro and any other toppings you prefer.

Keyword beef enchiladas recipe, comfort food recipes, easy beef enchiladas, homemade enchiladas

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Meet Layla Reed

I’m Layla! I am happiest when I’m cooking with ingredients that are fresh from the market and in season. I love creating rustic, wholesome dishes that truly celebrate the natural flavors of the produce. I worked alongside Romina to ensure this recipe feels grounded, authentic, and absolutely delicious. I hope it brings a taste of the season to your home!