The Ultimate Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting delectable beef enchiladas sparks culinary excitement in my kitchen every single time.

Mexican flavors dance across my taste buds with each carefully rolled tortilla.

Authentic spices and tender meat create a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm embrace.

My grandmother’s traditional techniques inspire this remarkable dish that goes beyond simple ingredients.

Layers of rich sauce and melted cheese promise incredible depth and complexity.

Comfort emerges through each carefully constructed bite of these enchanting enchiladas.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible meal.

FAQs

• Are enchiladas spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili powder and sauce you use. You can control spiciness by choosing mild chili powder or reducing the amount.

• Can I use other meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like black beans work great in this recipe.

• Do I need to warm the tortillas before rolling?

It’s recommended to warm tortillas briefly to prevent cracking. You can microwave them for 15-20 seconds or heat on a skillet for flexibility.

• What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese are perfect. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack also melt wonderfully and add great flavor to the enchiladas.

Beef Enchiladas’ Flavorful Essentials

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that transform a simple chicken dish into a mouthwatering meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick and Delicious Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal ingredients and cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with optional add-ins like diced tomatoes or jalapenos, allowing you to personalize the heat and complexity of the dish to suit your taste preferences.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking technique mean you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without creating a mountain of dishes to wash afterward.

Ingredients Needed For Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main filling for the enchiladas.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the beef mixture.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that create a rich and warm flavor profile for the beef.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that hold the beef filling and create the classic enchilada shape.

• Enchilada Sauce, Cheese: Tangy sauce and melty cheese that cover and complement the beef-filled tortillas.

• Cilantro, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Fresh garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the dish.

Stepwise Preparation Of Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown The Meat Magic

Toss ground beef and chopped onions into a hot skillet.

Cook until the meat transforms into a delicious golden brown. Drain away any extra grease for a cleaner dish.

Step 3: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until the meat is completely coated with the spicy goodness.

Step 4: Create The Sauce Base

Spread a light layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

This creates a tasty foundation for your enchiladas.

Step 5: Roll And Stuff

• Spiced meat mixture
• Generous cheese sprinkle

Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 6: Sauce And Cheese Finale

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Shower the top with another layer of cheese for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden blanket.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Top with your favorite garnishes like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Cooking Notes For Beef Enchiladas

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner, healthier version of these enchiladas.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent soggy tortillas and ensure a crispy, golden texture when baking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a mix of cheddar and monterey jack for extra flavor complexity.
• Add chopped bell peppers or jalapeños to the beef mixture for increased nutrition and a spicy kick.
• Prep enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which helps ingredients meld together and intensifies overall taste.

Variations To Try With Beef Enchiladas

• Chicken Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick, tender protein option. Season chicken with same spices for consistent flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with black beans and sautéed bell peppers. Add corn kernels for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spicy Green Chile Enchiladas: Mix diced green chiles into beef mixture. Use green enchilada sauce instead of traditional red sauce for a tangy, zesty flavor.
• Breakfast Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and cheese. Top with salsa and serve with sour cream for a morning meal variation.

Complementary Dishes For Beef Enchiladas

• Serve these sizzling beef enchiladas with Mexican-style rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal that'll make everyone happy. The crisp salad cuts through the rich, cheesy enchiladas perfectly.
• Transform your regular taco night by presenting these enchiladas as the star dish. Add colorful toppings like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream to create a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.
• Slice enchiladas into smaller portions for an easy-to-eat game day appetizer. Arrange on a large platter with extra sauce for dipping and watch guests devour these flavor-packed bites during sports watching parties.

Storing Beef Enchiladas Properly

• Store leftover beef enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Divide enchiladas into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go meals. Label with the date and contents to track freshness.

Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent beef enchiladas from Mexico blend rich, spicy flavors with tender meat and melted cheese. Comforting and hearty, this dish offers a delightful culinary experience you will savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 tortillas (flour or corn)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: sliced jalapenos
• Optional: chopped cilantro
• Optional: sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Sauté ground beef and onions in a skillet over medium heat until meat turns brown, carefully draining any excess fat.
3. Incorporate chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, ensuring even seasoning distribution.
4. Create a thin sauce base in a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a layer of enchilada sauce.
5. Carefully load each tortilla with seasoned beef mixture and a handful of cheese, then tightly roll and position seam-side down in the prepared dish.
6. Generously drench the rolled tortillas with remaining enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Scatter additional cheese across the top of the enchiladas for a rich, melted finish.
8. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer.
9. Allow enchiladas to rest briefly before adorning with optional fresh garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, or diced green onions.
10. Serve immediately while hot and cheese remains deliciously melted.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier, leaner protein option that keeps the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and checking that enchilada sauce is gluten-free.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing beef mixture in advance and storing in refrigerator for up to 2 days, making weeknight dinners faster and easier.
• Balance spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or adding fresh jalapeños for those who enjoy extra heat, allowing customization for different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg