Delicious Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Published:

by Clara Harper

Leave a Comment

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy beef enchilada that bursts with flavors and aromas. The spicy-sweet smell wafts through your kitchen like a siren call, urging you to grab a plate and indulge.

Beef Enchiladas Dish
Jump to:

Many evenings spent cooking with my family revolved around these hearty delights. They are perfect for everything from cozy weeknight dinners to lively taco nights with friends. The anticipation builds as the enchiladas bubble away in the oven, transforming humble ingredients into a fiesta on your plate.

Four compelling bullet points highlighting the recipe’s standout features without writing or typing dashes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • These beef enchiladas are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
  • The rich flavor profile will satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table.
  • Their vibrant colors and cheesy goodness make them visually appealing for any occasion or celebration.
  • Versatile enough to customize fillings based on personal preferences or dietary needs.

The first time I made these beef enchiladas, my kids devoured them so fast I barely got one!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease but still plenty of flavor; 80/20 is ideal.
  • Tortillas: Choose soft corn or flour tortillas; they should be pliable enough to roll without tearing.
  • Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack gives that melty texture we all crave.
  • Chili Powder: This spice adds warmth and depth; adjust according to your heat preference.
  • Canned Tomato Sauce: Use plain sauce for a simple base; it enhances moisture without overwhelming flavors.
  • Onion: Finely chopped onion brings sweetness; sauté until translucent for best results.
  • Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; use three cloves for optimal taste.
  • Cumin: A dash of cumin adds an earthy note that pairs beautifully with chili powder.
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil to sauté your onions and garlic; it adds richness.
  • Sour Cream (optional): For serving, it cools down the spice and adds creaminess; your choice!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Filling: Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until they turn golden and fragrant.

Add Beef & Spices: Toss in ground beef along with minced garlic and sprinkle chili powder and cumin over it. Cook until browned while breaking it apart.

Warm Tortillas: In another pan or microwave, heat tortillas briefly until soft and pliable. This step prevents them from cracking when filled.

Assemble Your Enchiladas: Place some of the beef filling in each tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top, then roll tightly like burritos.

Create Your Sauce: Pour canned tomato sauce over rolled enchiladas in a baking dish. Top generously with remaining shredded cheese.

Bake & Serve: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.

Enjoy diving into these delectable beef enchiladas, where every bite is an explosion of flavors!

You Must Know

  • Mastering Beef Enchiladas means understanding flavors and textures.
  • Use fresh tortillas for a soft, chewy base that enhances each bite.
  • The aroma of spices simmering will have everyone racing to the table, craving every delicious layer.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant. Brown the beef next, then assemble enchiladas before baking them in a preheated oven for a perfect finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef with shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian option. Spice things up with green chilies or jalapeños for an extra kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring they stay delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • When making Beef Enchiladas, opt for homemade sauce using tomatoes for a fresher taste.
  • Avoid overfilling the tortillas; it makes rolling tricky!
  • Lastly, let them rest after baking to enhance flavors and texture.

Cooking Beef Enchiladas reminds me of my grandmother’s laughter as she’d sneak bites while assembling them, insisting they were “just too good to wait.”

FAQs

FAQ

Can I prepare Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate before baking for up to 24 hours.

What kind of cheese works best for enchiladas?

Choose a melting cheese like Monterey Jack or Cheddar for optimal flavor and texture.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add chili powder or chopped jalapeños into the sauce for an extra kick!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Beef Enchiladas Dish

Beef Enchiladas


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Sophie
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Savor these cheesy beef enchiladas, bursting with flavor and warmth. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 cup canned tomato sauce
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Sour cream (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until golden and fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef, minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Warm tortillas in another pan or microwave until soft.
  4. Assemble enchiladas by placing some beef filling in each tortilla, sprinkling with cheese, and rolling tightly.
  5. Pour tomato sauce over the rolled enchiladas in a baking dish. Top generously with remaining cheese.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option.
  •  Spice up your enchiladas by adding green chilies or jalapeños to the filling.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Next Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star