Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Beef enchiladas are a delicious, hearty Mexican dish loved by many for their rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal, a casual gathering, or just craving something indulgent, beef enchiladas make the perfect dish.

In this detailed guide, you will learn how to make beef enchiladas from scratch, from preparing the beef filling to rolling the tortillas and smothering everything in a delicious homemade enchilada sauce. With tips, variations, and serving suggestions, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality enchilada experience right in your own kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up into smaller pieces with a spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain any excess fat.

2. Add the Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

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3. Season the Beef: Stir in the diced green chilies (if using), cumin, chili powder, paprika, coriander, cinnamon (optional), black pepper, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the beef.

4. Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth (or water), stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the beef mixture is flavorful and moist. Remove from heat.

5. Add Cheese and Cilantro: Stir in the shredded cheese and fresh cilantro (if using). The cheese will melt into the beef, giving the filling a delicious creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the enchilada sauce and tortillas.

Step 2: Preparing the Enchilada Sauce

1. Heat the Oil: In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.

2. Add the Spices: Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper to the oil. Stir for 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant and slightly darken.

3. Add the Tomato Sauce and Broth: Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine the spices and liquids. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.

4. Balance the Acidity: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. If the sauce is too acidic, add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Add the lime juice (optional) for an extra layer of acidity. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes and remove from heat.

Step 3: Assembling the Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly fry the tortillas for about 20-30 seconds on each side, just until they are warm and pliable. This step helps prevent the tortillas from breaking when you roll them. You can skip this step if you prefer, but the fried tortillas will hold up better and have a better texture when baked.

2. Coat the Tortillas: Lightly dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, coating both sides. This step ensures that the tortillas are flavorful and helps keep them moist during baking.

3. Fill the Tortillas: Place a generous amount of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla (about 3-4 tablespoons per tortilla). Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top of the filling before rolling.

4. Roll the Enchiladas: Carefully roll the tortillas around the filling, folding in the edges slightly to secure the contents inside.

5. Place in Baking Dish: Arrange the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Continue filling and rolling the remaining tortillas, placing them in the dish until the dish is full.

Step 4: Baking the Enchiladas

1. Cover with Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, making sure each enchilada is well coated.

2. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.

3. Bake the Enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Serving the Enchiladas

1. Let the Enchiladas Rest: Once the enchiladas are baked, let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes them easier to serve.

2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and color. Serve with a side of sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for an added touch. Enjoy with your favorite sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.

Tips for the Perfect Beef Enchiladas

1. Use Quality Beef: The beef filling is the heart of the enchiladas, so choose a good-quality ground beef, ideally 80/20, for the right balance of flavor and moisture. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

2. Prepare Ahead of Time: You can prepare the beef filling and enchilada sauce a day ahead of time. Store the components in the fridge, then assemble and bake the enchiladas when ready to serve.

3. Customize the Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness of the enchiladas by adding more or less chili powder or cayenne pepper. If you like it extra spicy, top the enchiladas with sliced fresh jalapeños before baking.

4. Tortilla Choices: While corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas, you can use flour tortillas for a softer texture. Keep in mind that corn tortillas absorb the sauce better, making them ideal for this dish.

5. Make It Your Own: Experiment with different cheeses, fillings, or toppings. You can add black beans, diced bell peppers, or even shredded chicken to the beef mixture for variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish for enchiladas, the fluffy, flavorful rice is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, refried beans pair beautifully with the enchiladas for a complete meal.
• Salsa or Guacamole: Serve with fresh salsa or homemade guacamole for a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with lime vinaigrette can help balance out the richness of the enchiladas.

Conclusion

Beef enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful, and filling dish that brings the taste of Mexico into your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress. By making your own enchilada sauce and using fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can enjoy enchiladas that are much better than anything you’d get from a restaurant or a can.

With the right technique and a little creativity, you’ll be able to customize these enchiladas to suit your tastes and preferences. Whether you like them mild or spicy, with beef or chicken, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this classic Mexican dish.

Yield: 8 Enchiladas

Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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Beef enchiladas are a delicious, hearty Mexican dish loved by many for their rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you're cooking for a family meal, a casual gathering, or just craving something indulgent, beef enchiladas make the perfect dish.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 8 flour tortillas (10-inch)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Sliced olives, jalapeños, or avocado for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Beef Filling:
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
   Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
   Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
   
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them more pliable (about 10-15 seconds).
   Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla.
   Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
   
4. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
   Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
   
5. Bake:
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
   Serve with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and any optional toppings like sliced olives or jalapeños.

Notes

• You can customize the beef filling by adding chopped bell peppers or green chilies for extra flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, try adding some chili powder or hot sauce to the beef mixture.
• For a healthier twist, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• You can make these enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking for a few hours or overnight. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if they’re chilled.