Savory Beef Enchiladas: A Step-by-Step Recipe for a Fiesta in Your Mouth
Beef enchiladas are a classic comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. This recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the beef filling to assembling and baking the enchiladas, ensuring a delicious and authentic result. Get ready to experience a fiesta in your mouth!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Recipe
* **Flavorful and Authentic:** This recipe uses a blend of spices and high-quality ingredients to create a truly authentic enchilada experience.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by adjusting the spice level, cheese, or toppings.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the beef filling and even assemble the enchiladas ahead of time for a quick and easy meal.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** Nothing beats the warmth and satisfaction of a cheesy, beefy enchilada.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious beef enchilada recipe:
* **For the Beef Filling:**
* 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend is recommended for flavor)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (such as Rotel), undrained
* 1 packet (1.25 ounces) taco seasoning
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
* **For the Enchiladas:**
* 12 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
* 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a Mexican blend (divided)
* 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade – see recipe below)
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Sour cream
* Guacamole
* Chopped green onions
* Diced tomatoes
* Black olives
* Shredded lettuce
* Jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect beef enchiladas:
**1. Prepare the Beef Filling:**
* **Brown the Beef:** Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* **Add Garlic and Spices:** Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
* **Simmer the Filling:** Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and green chilies. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the beef filling and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cumin to your liking. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water or beef broth.
**2. Warm the Tortillas:**
Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them. There are several ways to warm your tortillas:
* **Microwave:** Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until softened.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for a few seconds per side, until softened. Be careful not to burn them!
**3. Assemble the Enchiladas:**
* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* **Prepare Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
* **Assemble Enchiladas:** Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking.
* **Fill Tortillas:** Take a warmed tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef filling down the center. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
* **Roll Up Enchiladas:** Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese.
* **Top with Sauce and Cheese:** Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
**4. Bake the Enchiladas:**
* **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. The sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
* **Rest:** Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* **Garnish:** Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños.
* **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and diced tomatoes and green chilies to control the spice level. For a milder flavor, use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies or omit the chili powder. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use hot diced tomatoes and green chilies.
* **Cheese:** Use your favorite type of cheese for the enchiladas. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or even pepper jack are all great options.
* **Tortillas:** Corn tortillas are the traditional choice for enchiladas, but flour tortillas can also be used. Flour tortillas are more pliable and may be easier to work with, especially for beginners.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or pinto beans for a vegetarian version.
* **Chicken Enchiladas:** Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef for chicken enchiladas.
* **Make-Ahead Instructions:** Prepare the beef filling and assemble the enchiladas ahead of time. Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assemble the enchiladas and freeze them before baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. Remove the plastic wrap and foil and bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
* **Homemade Enchilada Sauce:** For an even more authentic flavor, make your own enchilada sauce. Here’s a simple recipe:
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 tablespoons chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions:
* Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until smooth.
* Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
* Gradually whisk in the chicken broth or vegetable broth until smooth. Stir in the tomato paste.
* Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
* Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
Beef enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but here are some delicious side dishes to complement them:
* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with enchiladas.
* **Refried Beans:** Another traditional Mexican side dish that adds a creamy texture and flavor.
* **Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites):** A refreshing and flavorful salad that balances the richness of the enchiladas.
* **Guacamole and Tortilla Chips:** A must-have appetizer or side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal.
* **Simple Salad:** A light and refreshing salad with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Enchilada)
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Conclusion
These beef enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can create a delicious and authentic Mexican meal that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta in your mouth! Don’t forget to customize the recipe to your liking and experiment with different toppings and side dishes to create your perfect enchilada experience. Happy cooking!
Enjoy these other Mexican Inspired Recipes:
*Tacos Al Pastor
*Chicken Fajitas
*Queso Dip
*Mexican Street Corn
*Churro Recipe
*Margarita Recipe