Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the rich, savory aroma of Beef Enchiladas filling your kitchen. These hearty, flavorful enchiladas are packed with seasoned beef, smothered in a luscious red sauce, and topped with melted cheese. They’re the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

this Recipe

I first made this dish as a way to bring a little restaurant-style flair to our family table. Now, it’s become a household favorite that’s requested more times than I can count. Let me show you why these enchiladas are worth every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Get ready to savor a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This Beef Enchiladas Recipe will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

First, these enchiladas are incredibly simple to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of ground beef, you’ll have dinner on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those nights when you want something homemade but don’t have a lot of time.

They’re packed with bold, authentic flavors. From the savory, spiced beef to the zesty red enchilada sauce, every bite bursts with a taste of Mexico that will have your family asking for seconds.

This recipe is versatile and budget-friendly. You can customize the filling with beans, veggies, or even chicken if you’d like to switch things up. Plus, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find.

Finally, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or serving guests, they’re sure to impress.

Ready to start cooking? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one works together to create a perfect balance of taste and texture.

Ground Beef forms the hearty base of the filling. I recommend using lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) to keep things flavorful without too much grease. If you prefer, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Onion and Garlic add depth and aroma to the filling. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic for the best flavor distribution.

Taco Seasoning gives the beef its signature Mexican-inspired flavor. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own blend with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.

Red Enchilada Sauce is the star of the dish. Opt for a good-quality canned sauce or make your own for a truly homemade touch. The sauce ties everything together with its tangy, slightly spicy flavor.

Flour or Corn Tortillas serve as the perfect vessel for the beef filling. Choose whichever you prefer – flour tortillas are soft and pliable, while corn tortillas provide a slightly more traditional taste.

Cheese melts into a gooey topping that makes these enchiladas irresistible. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese.

You’ll also need a baking dish and some foil to assemble and bake the enchiladas to perfection.

How to Make This Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Making these enchiladas is easier than you might think. Let me guide you through the process step by step.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and preparing your baking dish with a light coating of nonstick spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup a breeze.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and fully cooked. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re softened and fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water to evenly coat the beef.

Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable and easy to roll. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds.

Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla, roll it tightly, and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat until all the filling is used.

Pour the red enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they’re fully covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once baked, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Storage Options

These enchiladas are just as delicious the next day, making them perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

To store, transfer the cooled enchiladas to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze the enchiladas before baking. Wrap the assembled dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking as directed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative with the ingredients.

For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for a mix of black beans, pinto beans, or even roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.

Add a spicy kick by including diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the beef mixture.

Switch up the cheese for a different flavor profile. Pepper Jack, Colby, or even a Mexican blend cheese work wonderfully.

If you prefer a creamier dish, mix a little cream cheese or sour cream into the beef filling before rolling the tortillas.

You can also use green enchilada sauce for a tangier, slightly milder flavor profile.

No matter how you make these beef enchiladas, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

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