Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you’re looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is an ideal choice for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas is hard to resist. Best of all, this recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the process of making delicious beef enchiladas, including tips, substitutions, and how to make sure your enchiladas turn out perfectly every time. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas

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

Beef Filling

• 1 lb. ground beef (lean or standard, depending on preference)
• ½ medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (1 oz.) packet taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles

Enchiladas

• 1 (15 oz.) can red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 corn tortillas (warm them to make rolling easier)
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

Toppings (optional but highly recommended)

• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Pico de gallo
• Diced avocado
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped red onions
• Cotija cheese
• Hot sauce

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Equipment

To make these beef enchiladas, you’ll need:

• Skillet for browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Casserole dish (9×13 inch) for baking the enchiladas.
• Mixing bowl for preparing the filling.
• Spatula for cooking and assembling the enchiladas.
• Aluminum foil (optional) if you want to cover the dish while baking to prevent excess browning.

Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Break it apart as it cooks, ensuring an even texture. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to avoid a greasy filling.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: After removing the beef from the skillet, add a small amount of oil (if needed) and sauté the diced onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Season the Filling: Return the beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, and diced green chiles. Add water according to the instructions on the taco seasoning packet and let the mixture simmer until the water evaporates and the flavors meld together, about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Assembling the Beef Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Casserole Dish: Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of your casserole dish. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking and add flavor to the bottom layer.
2. Fill the Tortillas: Take a corn tortilla and spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture in a straight line down the center. Add ¼ cup of shredded Mexican cheese on top of the beef.
3. Roll and Place: Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the casserole dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas until the dish is filled.
4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese across the enchiladas.

Baking the Enchiladas

1. Bake: Place the casserole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If you like your enchiladas with a bit of a crispy top, you can broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
2. Serve Hot: Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes the enchiladas easier to plate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For the best presentation, top your beef enchiladas with a variety of fresh toppings. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and some pico de gallo can add brightness and flavor. You can also serve them with shredded lettuce, diced avocado, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.

Arrange the enchiladas on individual plates or serve family-style, garnished with colorful toppings for an appealing look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the Tortillas: It’s tempting to fill the tortillas generously, but overstuffing can make them difficult to roll and cause them to break apart during baking.
• Soggy Enchiladas: To prevent soggy enchiladas, warm your tortillas before filling to make them more pliable, and don’t overdo it with the enchilada sauce. Just enough sauce is key for moisture without making the dish too wet.
• Uneven Cheese Distribution: Be sure to evenly distribute the cheese inside and on top of the enchiladas for consistent bites of cheesy goodness.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Alternatives: You can easily substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian version.
• Tortilla Choice: While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas can also be used if you prefer a softer, less crumbly texture.
• Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier enchilada, add chopped jalapeños to the beef filling or use a spicier variety of enchilada sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Beef enchiladas store well and can be easily reheated for later enjoyment.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: To freeze, wrap individual enchiladas in foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: To reheat, bake the enchiladas at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the texture might not be as crispy.

FAQ Section

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are labeled gluten-free.

What can I serve with beef enchiladas? Serve them with classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh guacamole salad for a complete meal.

Can I prepare beef enchiladas ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a versatile, flavorful, and easy dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes!

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