Savory Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Step-by-Step Recipe for Flavorful Fiesta
Enchiladas are a beloved Mexican dish, known for their comforting warmth and customizable fillings. Among the many variations, ground beef enchiladas stand out as a classic, crowd-pleasing option. This recipe provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating delicious and satisfying ground beef enchiladas in your own kitchen. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family!
Why Ground Beef Enchiladas are a Winner
Ground beef enchiladas offer several advantages:
* **Affordable:** Ground beef is generally a budget-friendly protein source, making this dish accessible for everyday meals.
* **Easy to Prepare:** The recipe is relatively straightforward, requiring common ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
* **Customizable:** The filling can be easily adapted to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or cheeses.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Enchiladas are a universally appealing dish that is sure to satisfy both adults and children.
* **Freezable:** Enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and frozen for a convenient and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:
**For the Filling:**
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 green bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
**For the Enchiladas:**
* 12 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch size recommended)
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and Colby Jack)
* 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
* Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives
Equipment Needed
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Spatula or wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect ground beef enchiladas:
**1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling:**
* **Brown the Beef:** In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
* **Sauté the Vegetables:** Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* **Add the Sauce and Spices:** Stir in the tomato sauce, chopped green chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
* **Simmer the Filling:** Reduce the heat to low, add beef broth, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
**2. Warm the Tortillas (Important!):**
* **Why Warming is Crucial:** Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them. This step is essential for creating enchiladas that hold their shape.
* **Methods for Warming:**
* **Microwave:** Stack the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm and pliable.
* **Oven:** Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes.
* **Skillet:** Heat a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Warm each tortilla individually for a few seconds per side, until pliable.
**3. Assemble the Enchiladas:**
* **Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
* **Enchilada Sauce Base:** Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 cup) of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds flavor.
* **Filling and Rolling:** Take a warmed tortilla and dip it briefly into the enchilada sauce, coating both sides. Place the tortilla on a plate. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the ground beef filling down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese.
* **Rolling Technique:** Tightly roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling, and cheese, arranging the enchiladas snugly in the dish.
**4. Baking the Enchiladas:**
* **Top with Sauce and Cheese:** Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
* **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* **Let Cool Slightly:** Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth.
* **Garnish:** Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
Tips for Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your enchiladas. Use fresh vegetables, good-quality ground beef, and flavorful enchilada sauce.
* **Don’t Overfill the Tortillas:** Overfilling the tortillas will make them difficult to roll and may cause them to tear. Stick to the recommended amount of filling.
* **Don’t Skip the Warming Step:** Warming the tortillas is crucial for preventing them from cracking. Make sure to warm them thoroughly before filling and rolling.
* **Use Enough Sauce:** Ensure the enchiladas are well-covered with enchilada sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. The sauce also helps the cheese melt evenly.
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, cumin, and other spices to your liking. Taste the filling and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* **Experiment with Different Cheeses:** Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate additional vegetables into the filling, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
* **Use Homemade Enchilada Sauce:** For the best flavor, try making your own enchilada sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and tastes much better than store-bought.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
**Make-Ahead:**
You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
**Freezing:**
* **Assemble the Enchiladas:** Assemble the enchiladas as instructed, but do not bake them.
* **Wrap Tightly:** Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with foil. This will prevent freezer burn.
* **Freeze:** Freeze for up to 3 months.
* **Thaw:** Thaw the enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
* **Bake:** Bake as instructed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
While this recipe provides a solid foundation, feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Chicken Enchiladas:** Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken.
* **Cheese Enchiladas:** Omit the ground beef and simply fill the tortillas with cheese.
* **Black Bean Enchiladas:** Use black beans as the primary filling ingredient.
* **Enchiladas Suizas:** Top the enchiladas with a creamy white sauce instead of enchilada sauce.
* **Green Chile Enchiladas:** Use green chile enchilada sauce instead of red enchilada sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Ground beef enchiladas are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with the following sides:
* **Mexican Rice:** A classic pairing for enchiladas.
* **Refried Beans:** Another traditional side dish.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** Perfect for snacking while the enchiladas bake.
* **Salsa:** Adds a burst of flavor and freshness.
* **Mexican Salad:** A refreshing and light side dish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
(Per serving, based on 6 servings, using the ingredients and amounts listed above):
* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Conclusion
Ground beef enchiladas are a versatile and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can easily create restaurant-quality enchiladas in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful fiesta! Happy cooking!