Beef enchiladas are a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion. This classic Mexican-inspired dish features flavorful ground beef wrapped in soft flour tortillas, topped with tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese. The combination of seasonings, cheese, and sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy family dinner, beef enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible beef enchiladas from scratch!
Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas
To make these beef enchiladas, you’ll need a handful of essential ingredients. While the ingredients are simple, they pack a lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you begin:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) – You can use either ground beef or ground turkey depending on your preference. Both work wonderfully, with ground beef offering a richer flavor and ground turkey being a leaner alternative.
- 1 onion, diced – The onion adds a savory depth to the filling, giving it an aromatic touch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic brings a deliciously fragrant element that enhances the overall flavor of the beef mixture.
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce – The enchilada sauce is the heart of this recipe, adding moisture and bold flavor to the enchiladas.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies – Green chilies provide a mild heat and subtle tang that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) – Cheese adds a creamy, melty finish to the enchiladas. You can use cheddar or a Mexican blend of cheeses.
- 8-10 flour tortillas (8-inch size) – Flour tortillas are the perfect vehicle to wrap around the beef filling, though you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer.
- 1 tsp ground cumin – Cumin is an essential spice in Mexican cooking, adding warm, earthy notes to the beef.
- 1 tsp chili powder – Chili powder enhances the flavor of the beef and gives the dish its signature Mexican spice.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Simple seasonings like salt and pepper help bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Olive oil for cooking – Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, infusing them with flavor.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) – Cilantro adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to the finished dish.
Directions and Preparation Method
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking to the pan as they bake.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, which should take around 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid browning the onions. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
3. Brown the Ground Beef
Once the onions and garlic are fragrant and cooked through, add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the skillet. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it browns. Continue cooking until the beef is no longer pink and fully cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Beef Mixture
After the beef has browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Return the skillet to the heat and season the beef with ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the diced green chilies and ½ cup of the red enchilada sauce. Mix everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the seasonings and sauce. Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Assemble the Enchiladas
To assemble the enchiladas, spoon approximately ¼ cup of the beef mixture onto the center of each flour tortilla. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Continue this process until all the tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.
6. Top with Enchilada Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are assembled in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Use a spatula to spread the sauce, ensuring that each enchilada is fully coated. Next, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend) generously over the top of the enchiladas.
7. Bake the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. The enchilada sauce should be hot and slightly thickened.
8. Garnish and Serve
Once the enchiladas are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve the beef enchiladas with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
FAQs for Beef Enchiladas
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can absolutely use corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more traditional in Mexican cuisine and provide a slightly different texture. To prevent them from breaking while rolling, it’s a good idea to warm the corn tortillas before assembling the enchiladas.
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you enjoy spicy food, there are several ways to amp up the heat in this recipe. You can add more diced green chilies, use hot enchilada sauce, or add jalapeños to the beef mixture. You could also sprinkle in extra chili powder or cayenne pepper for an additional kick.
3. Can I make beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, beef enchiladas are a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered with foil. When ready to bake, simply remove the foil and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if necessary.
4. Can I freeze beef enchiladas?
Absolutely! Beef enchiladas freeze well. To freeze, assemble the enchiladas in a baking dish and cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
5. What toppings go well with beef enchiladas?
There are so many delicious toppings you can serve with beef enchiladas! Some popular options include sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, shredded lettuce, diced onions, black olives, and hot sauce. Choose your favorites and customize your enchiladas to your liking.
6. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef in this recipe with other types of meat. Ground turkey, ground chicken, or even shredded beef or pork would work well in this dish. The seasonings and sauce will complement any of these meats.
7. How do I store leftover enchiladas?
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Beef enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. This recipe is easy to make, versatile, and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you stick to the classic beef filling or try variations with different meats and toppings, enchiladas are always a crowd-pleaser.
With this detailed guide, you now have everything you need to make delicious beef enchiladas from scratch. From the rich, seasoned beef to the gooey melted cheese and tangy enchilada sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and sides to create your perfect enchilada meal. Happy cooking!