If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you’re undoubtedly familiar with the rich, savory delight that is enchiladas. Among the countless variations, ground beef enchiladas stand out due to their hearty filling and deep, comforting flavors. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or looking to impress guests at a fiesta, this recipe will not disappoint. Join us as we dive into this step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect ground beef enchiladas that will surely become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 diced onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
How to Make Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients and ensure they are ready to be used. This means dicing the onion, shredding the cheese if not pre-shredded, and measuring out your spices. Taking the time to prep before you cook allows for a smoother process and helps prevent mishaps like burning your beef while looking for spices.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and let it warm. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine the flavors. Cook the mixture until the beef is browned and cooked through. This step creates the flavorful base for your enchiladas.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the beef is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensuring the oven is hot by the time you’re ready to bake the enchiladas will result in a perfectly cooked dish with just the right amount of crispy edges. A preheated oven also helps maintain the integrity of your tortillas, ensuring they don’t become too soggy.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Once the beef mixture is ready, prepare your baking dish by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Take one tortilla at a time and spoon a generous portion of the beef mixture down the center. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture. Ensuring each tortilla is nestled snugly in the dish helps them maintain their shape during baking.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
After all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top, making sure every tortilla is covered. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the enchiladas. This cheese layer will melt to golden perfection, creating a lovely gooey topping that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Bake the Enchiladas
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and let the enchiladas bake for about 20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly, and the edges slightly crispy. Baking not only melds all the flavors together but also ensures that the enchiladas are heated through to perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven using oven mitts. Let the enchiladas cool for a minute or two to set, then serve them hot. You can top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor and a dash of color. Enjoy the explosion of flavors with each bite!
How to Serve Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas
These enchiladas are best served hot, straight from the oven. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. To elevate the dining experience, consider garnishing with fresh lime wedges to add a zesty touch. Share the meal with family or guests for a festive atmosphere.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
Use fresh corn tortillas for the best texture and flavor. If you find them a bit stiff, warm them in the microwave, wrapped in a damp cloth, for easier rolling. For even more flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or black beans to the beef mixture. When choosing the enchilada sauce, opt for one that matches your heat preference, whether mild, medium, or spicy.
Pumped Up Protein: Ground Beef Enchiladas
If you’re looking to boost your protein intake, consider adding black or pinto beans to the beef mixture. Alternatively, you can mix in some cooked quinoa, which not only ups the protein but adds a delightful texture as well. For those who can’t get enough cheese, incorporate a medley of cheeses inside the enchiladas for a gooier experience.
Lighten Up: Low Carb Ground Beef Enchiladas
For a low-carb variation of this recipe, swap traditional corn tortillas with low-carb wraps or even use large lettuce leaves for wrapping. Consider making your own enchilada sauce to control the sugar content and keep it absolutely keto-friendly. With these tasteful modifications, you can enjoy delicious enchiladas while adhering to your dietary preferences.
Storage Instructions
These enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them until warm, or cover and reheat in the oven until bubbling. If you plan to freeze them, ensure they have cooled completely, then wrap each enchilada in foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm in the oven.
FAQs
- Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the enchiladas as directed, but stop before baking. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. - Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
A: Yes, flour tortillas can be a great substitute, though they will change the texture slightly. - Q: What can I serve with these enchiladas?
A: Pair with rice, beans, or a crisp salad for a complete meal. - Q: How can I make the dish spicier?
A: Adding chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or using a spicy enchilada sauce can give your enchiladas a nice kick. - Q: How do I prevent my tortillas from breaking?
A: Warm them up slightly before rolling to make them more pliable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe and What’s Next
Ground beef enchiladas offer a gratifying blend of savory, spicy, and cheesy flavors that are quintessentially comforting. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your culinary preferences, they invite creativity while promising delightful dining experiences. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family! We’d love to hear your feedback, so please leave a comment with your thoughts and any variations you tried!
Delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- corn tortillas
- enchilada sauce
- shredded cheddar cheese
- diced onion
- garlic powder
- cumin
- Salt and pepper
- olive oil
- Optional toppings
Instructions
Steps
- Prepare all the ingredients by dicing the onion, shredding the cheese, and measuring the spices.
- Sauté the diced onion in olive oil until translucent, then add ground beef and spices, cooking until browned.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble enchiladas by filling tortillas with beef mixture and placing them seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce and sprinkle shredded cheese over the assembled enchiladas.
- Bake enchiladas for 20 minutes in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool for a minute, and serve with optional toppings.