Beef Enchiladas Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a bold, savory punch, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine tender tortillas stuffed with hearty ground beef and melty cheese, all smothered in a tangy, flavorful red enchilada sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or when you just crave classic Mexican-inspired flavors, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe never disappoints—it’s easy, satisfying, and will always have people asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef Enchiladas Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredient list. Each element brings something to the table—whether it’s richness from the beef, spice from the seasoning, or gooey comfort from the cheese. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground beef: Brings hearty flavor and rich texture as the delicious base of the filling.
- Onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth to the beef mixture.
- Garlic (minced): Aromatic and bold, garlic rounds out the savoriness beautifully.
- Chili powder: Infuses the filling with classic enchilada warmth and a mild kick.
- Ground cumin: Gives an earthy note that’s essential for authentic, robust flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
- Salt: Enhances all of the other ingredients and balances flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Red enchilada sauce (divided): Bathe your enchiladas in this tangy, zesty sauce for authentic taste.
- Diced green chiles: Bring a little zing and extra layers of flavor to the filling.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For richness and that irresistible gooey finish.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Mild and creamy, it melts perfectly into the filling and topping.
- Flour tortillas (6–8 inches): Soft and pliable, making them ideal for rolling and baking.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Sprinkle on freshness and a pop of color before serving.
- Sour cream (optional): Adds creamy coolness to offset the spices—totally worth it!
How to Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your enchiladas won’t stick and the sauce bubbles up beautifully around the edges for that irresistible finish. A well-prepped dish really sets you up for success!
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, combine ground beef and diced onion. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until the beef is browned and crumbly, and the onion has softened. This is the time to really build flavor, so don’t rush this step—let the onions turn slightly golden for a deeper taste.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to your skillet. Give it a quick stir to wake up the spices, then mix in the diced green chiles and half a cup of the enchilada sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the meat to soak up all those incredible flavors.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in half a cup each of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. This step transforms the filling into a cheesy, savory delight that stays ultra-moist inside the tortillas—every bite is pure comfort.
Step 5: Fill and Roll the Tortillas
Spoon about a quarter cup of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll each one up snugly. Place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish, fitting them close together so they stay packed with flavor (and melty goodness) as they bake.
Step 6: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, making sure every inch gets coated. Sprinkle on the last of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a golden, bubbly crown once baked. This cheesy layer is essential for irresistible enchiladas!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When you see the cheese bubbling and the sauce thickening around the edges, you know it’s ready. Let it rest a couple of minutes before serving so everything sets up just right.
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your Beef Enchiladas Recipe, sprinkle generously with freshly chopped cilantro and add a dollop of rich sour cream on top. A little extra cheddar or some thinly sliced green onions also work wonders for both color and flavor. These garnishes cut through the richness and add a burst of freshness to every bite.
Side Dishes
You can’t go wrong pairing these enchiladas with classic Mexican rice or refried beans. If you’re after something lighter, a simple avocado and tomato salad balances the meal with cool, crisp contrast. Corn on the cob with a squeeze of lime is always a hit too, soaking up every bit of leftover enchilada sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Beef Enchiladas Recipe up a notch by serving it family-style straight from the baking dish for ultimate coziness. For parties, cut the enchiladas into halves or thirds and serve as hearty appetizers. Or make a casual taco-night spread with toppings like sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, and hot sauce for everyone to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the enchiladas cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days—making a perfect next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
This Beef Enchiladas Recipe freezes beautifully. Assemble the enchiladas as directed, but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake directly from frozen at 375°F, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes, until piping hot and bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover enchiladas in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until hot (about 15–20 minutes). For a quick fix, you can also microwave individual portions on medium heat—it keeps them tender and melty, ideal for a speedy lunch.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas deliver a more traditional flavor and are naturally gluten-free. Briefly warm them before rolling to prevent cracking—they’ll soak up the sauce beautifully.
How can I make this Beef Enchiladas Recipe spicier?
If you love extra heat, swap in a spicier enchilada sauce, add chopped jalapeños to the filling, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper over the top before baking. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your spice level!
Can I add extra veggies or beans to the filling?
Definitely! Stir in drained black beans, corn, spinach, or diced bell peppers to the beef mixture. This not only adds color and texture but also sneaks in extra nutrients—win-win.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead for a party?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if putting them directly from the fridge into the oven.
What’s the best way to keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
For a firmer texture, lightly toast or warm each tortilla before filling and rolling. This adds structure and helps the tortillas hold up to the sauce during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving hearty, crowd-pleasing flavor, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is pure satisfaction in every cheesy, saucy bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company—so gather your favorite people and give it a try. Your next dinner just found its new favorite star!
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Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 enchiladas each) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests. Flavorful seasoned ground beef, melted cheeses, and a savory enchilada sauce all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce, divided
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 flour tortillas (6–8 inches)
- Chopped cilantro and sour cream for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Add garlic, spices, green chiles, and ½ cup enchilada sauce. Simmer, then stir in ½ cup of each cheese.
- Fill and Roll: Spoon beef mixture into tortillas, roll up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Bake: Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, sprinkle with cheese, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and sour cream before serving.
Notes
- Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
- For a spicier version, use hot enchilada sauce or add jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
