Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that can bring rich flavors and a satisfying meal to your table. The Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe combines the perfect amount of spiciness, savory beef, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a luscious red enchilada sauce. This recipe ensures a balanced, hearty, and flavorful dish that will become a family favorite for any occasion.

Introduction

Enchiladas are beloved for their versatility and comforting nature. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering, or simply because you’re craving a hearty meal, these Ground Beef Enchiladas are sure to please. The savory ground beef is spiced with classic Mexican seasonings, simmered in a rich sauce, and then wrapped in soft tortillas. Topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, these enchiladas are satisfying and bursting with flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make these Best Ground Beef Enchiladas.

Step 1: Preparing the Beef Filling

1. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
   • Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onions become soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
3. Season the Beef:
   • Stir in the taco seasoning (or your homemade mix) along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well so that the beef is evenly coated with the spices.
   • If the beef mixture is too dry, you can add a splash of water to help distribute the seasonings evenly.
   • Remove from heat and set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Making the Enchilada Sauce

1. Cook the Sauce Ingredients:
   • In a separate saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced green chilies and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor.
   • Add the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
2. Simmer the Sauce:
   • Add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth to the sauce mixture, and stir to achieve a smooth consistency. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally and taste for seasoning, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Assembling the Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Tortillas:
   • Heat the corn tortillas lightly by placing them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side. This helps soften them and makes them more pliable for rolling. Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
2. Fill the Tortillas:
   • Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish (9×13-inch is ideal). This helps prevent the tortillas from sticking to the dish.
   • Take one tortilla and place about 1/4 cup of beef filling in the center. Sprinkle a little of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on top of the beef.
   • Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
   • Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish.

Step 4: Baking the Enchiladas

1. Top with Sauce and Cheese:
   • Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to coat each enchilada evenly.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the sauce.
2. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the enchiladas in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes.
   • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish the Enchiladas:
   • Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and slices of avocado. If you like extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños and a few wedges of lime on the side.
2. Serve:
   • Serve the enchiladas immediately, either as an appetizer or paired with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Prevent soggy enchiladas: If you want to avoid soggy enchiladas, make sure the tortillas are warmed and slightly crisped before rolling. This helps them hold up better when baking.
• Use quality tortillas: The texture of your tortillas can affect the overall dish. Opt for fresh, soft corn tortillas that will absorb the sauce without falling apart.
• Customize the sauce: You can make the enchilada sauce spicier by adding more chili powder or fresh chili peppers. If you prefer a milder version, skip the cayenne pepper or use a mild salsa verde instead of the red sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses: Combining cheddar with Monterey Jack gives the enchiladas the perfect blend of sharp and creamy flavors, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack or Oaxaca cheese for a different flavor profile.

Creative Variations

1. Ground Turkey or Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still delivers delicious flavor.
2. Vegetarian Enchiladas: Skip the meat and use a combination of beans, roasted vegetables, or even sautéed mushrooms as a filling for a vegetarian version.
3. Cheese Enchiladas: If you’re a cheese lover, skip the meat and fill the tortillas with a blend of cheese for a simple and indulgent dish.
4. Spicy Enchiladas: Add extra heat with chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers in the beef filling or sauce. For an even spicier touch, try adding a few dashes of hot sauce or chipotle chili powder.

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican Rice: Serve the enchiladas alongside a bowl of fluffy, flavorful Mexican rice to complete the meal.
• Refried Beans: A classic pairing, refried beans provide a creamy texture that complements the enchiladas.
• Side Salad: A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the enchiladas.
• Guacamole and Chips: Pair your enchiladas with a side of fresh guacamole and crispy tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer or side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious and Flavorful: The combination of the savory beef filling, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
• Customizable: From the meat choice to the spice level and the toppings, you can easily customize these enchiladas to fit your preferences.
• Easy to Make: With a bit of prep and under an hour of cooking time, this recipe makes a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Enchiladas taste even better the next day! They reheat well, making them a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Conclusion

These Best Ground Beef Enchiladas are a savory, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a dish for guests, or just looking for a comforting meal, these enchiladas are sure to impress. The rich, flavorful beef filling combined with the homemade enchilada sauce and melted cheese makes for a delicious and hearty meal everyone will enjoy.

Yield: 6

Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Print

Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that can bring rich flavors and a satisfying meal to your table. The Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe combines the perfect amount of spiciness, savory beef, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a luscious red enchilada sauce. This recipe ensures a balanced, hearty, and flavorful dish that will become a family favorite for any occasion.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Filling:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• For the Enchiladas:
• 8-10 corn or flour tortillas (corn for a more authentic flavor)
• 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce (or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for softening tortillas if using corn)
• For Garnish (Optional):
• Chopped cilantro
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado
• Sliced olives
• Chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
   In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
   Add the ground beef and garlic to the pan, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
   Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and diced green chilies (if using). Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
   Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
   
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
   If you're using corn tortillas, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry the tortillas for 10-15 seconds on each side to soften them. This step prevents the tortillas from cracking when rolled.
   If you're using flour tortillas, you can skip this step.
   
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking.
   Take each tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese over the filling.
   Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
   
4. Top the Enchiladas:
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled-up tortillas.
   Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top, covering all the enchiladas.
   
5. Bake the Enchiladas:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
6. Serve:
   Once the enchiladas are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
   Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, or other toppings of your choice.

Notes

For extra flavor: You can add a small can of black beans or corn to the beef mixture for more texture and taste.

If you prefer homemade enchilada sauce, you can easily make it with tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and spices.

Make-ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.