Beef Enchiladas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these enchiladas are hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Their bold spices and comforting textures make them a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefoniongarlicchili powdersmoked paprikacuminoreganoenchilada saucetomato pastebeef brothsaltblack peppercorn tortillasshredded cheddar cheeseshredded Monterey Jack cheeseolive oilfresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté diced onion until soft.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Stir in chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and a splash of beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, spreading it evenly.

Top with the remaining shredded cheeses.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 enchiladas.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 50 minutes

Variations

Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or turkey for a lighter version.

Add black beans or corn to the filling for added texture and nutrition.

Use green enchilada sauce for a tangy twist.

Make it spicy with diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo.

Top with sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced olives before serving.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.Freeze baked enchiladas tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes, store-bought sauce works well, but homemade adds extra flavor.

What type of tortillas should I use?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work too if preferred.

Why are my enchiladas soggy?

Lightly fry the tortillas or warm them before assembling to prevent sogginess.

Can I assemble these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing?

Warm them first or dip briefly in warm sauce before rolling.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, this recipe scales well for larger servings or meal prep.

What cheeses melt best?

A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack offers flavor and great meltability.

Can I use ground turkey?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works great in this dish.

Conclusion

Beef Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together savory meat, bold spices, melty cheese, and rich sauce in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this satisfying dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

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