Who can resist the savory, comforting taste of ground beef enchiladas? These culinary delights bring together the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with a touch of your own personal flair. From taco Tuesdays to festive gatherings, ground beef enchiladas always seem to be the star of the show. Today, I’ll take you through a simple yet delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Oil for frying (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipments
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Oven
- Baking dish
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas – Step By Step
Step 1 – Sauté Aromatics:
Start by heating a little oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, typically about 5 minutes. Stir continuously to avoid any burning. Starting with these aromatic base notes is essential for layering flavor into your enchiladas and exciting everyone’s taste buds from the outset.
Step 2 – Cook the Ground Beef:
Once your onion and garlic are perfectly tender, it’s time to introduce the ground beef. Add the beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as you cook. You’re aiming for nicely browned, crumbly beef, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Season with taco seasoning and cook until thoroughly incorporated—smelling this will make your kitchen feel like a warm haven of flavors.
Step 3 – Prepare the Enchilada Filling:
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a mixing bowl. Add half of the shredded cheese and a couple of tablespoons of enchilada sauce. Stir everything until your filling is well mixed. This cheese-infused beef mixture assures that each bite is gooey, savory perfection wrapped in a tortilla.
Step 4 – Roll the Enchiladas:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Start assembling your enchiladas by placing a generous spoonful of the beef filling into each tortilla, rolling them tightly, and arranging seam-side down in the dish. Making them snug ensures they bake evenly and retain their delicious filling.
Step 5 – Top and Bake:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas, smothering them completely. Sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, establishing the enticing aroma of Mexican cuisine wafting through your home.
Step 6 – Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, let them cool slightly before serving. Top with dollops of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. The cooling sour cream complements the hot, spicy filling, while the cilantro adds a fresh burst of flavor. Slice, serve, and watch them disappear from plates!
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Serve these cozy enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans, and don’t forget some salsa or guacamole on the side to enhance their vibrant flavor. These traditional enchiladas elevate any meal into a fiesta!
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To make the best enchiladas, ensure your tortillas are adequately warmed; cold tortillas tend to crack when rolled. You can warm them quickly in a pan or by popping them in the microwave wrapped in a damp cloth. For an extra depth of flavor, try blending your custom-made enchilada sauce. Feel free to customize with optional ingredients like olives or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Boost the Protein: High-Protein Ground Beef Enchiladas
Turn your basic enchiladas into a protein powerhouse by supplementing the filling with cooked quinoa or black beans. These additions not only provide additional protein but also texture and taste. Stack a little extra lean beef or even a couple of scrambled eggs for a breakfast twist.
Low-Carb Delight: Enjoying Enchiladas Without the Carbs
For a low-carb version, swap the tortillas for cabbage leaves or low-carb tortilla alternatives. Cut down the carb-heavy cheese and increase the use of protein-rich fillings like chicken, cheese, and avocado which keep the balance delicious while staying health-conscious.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, align them in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to two months. Reheat at 375°F directly from the freezer for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
FAQs
- Can I use corn tortillas instead? Absolutely! Corn tortillas can be a flavorful alternative, offering a bit more texture.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
- What cheeses work best? A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese blend brings great results.
- Can I prepare this recipe in advance? Yes, prepare and roll enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake for up to a day.
Join the Fiesta: Final Thoughts on Your Enchiladas
There you have it—the perfect recipe for deliciously hearty ground beef enchiladas. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try out the recipe, customize it with your favorite toppings or sides, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones. Your feedback and comments are always treasured!
Delicious and Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion
- garlic
- taco seasoning
- enchilada sauce
- tortillas
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- cilantro
- oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Steps
- Heat oil in a skillet and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned, then season with taco seasoning.
- Transfer beef to a bowl, add half the cheese, and a bit of sauce.
- Fill each tortilla with beef mixture, roll them, and place in a dish.
- Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas, top with cheese, and bake.
- Garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving hot.