Sizzling Beef Enchiladas Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Mexican kitchens have perfected beef enchiladas as a comfort dish that warms every corner of your soul.

Savory spices dance through tender meat wrapped in soft tortillas.

Families across Mexico cherish this traditional meal with passion and pride.

Authentic ingredients blend together, creating layers of rich, complex flavors that tell a culinary story.

Regional variations add unique twists to this beloved classic, making each bite a delightful surprise.

Cheese melts into every crevice, promising a hearty and satisfying experience.

You’ll fall in love with these enchiladas that bring the spirit of Mexico right to your dinner table.

Tips For Beef Enchiladas

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for extra flavor complexity.
• Allow enchiladas to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier.
• Substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or plant-based alternatives for dietary variety.
• Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more authentic texture and gluten-free option.

Alternative Versions Of Beef Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based crumbles for a meat-free version packed with protein and flavor.
• Chicken Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken breasts for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Enchiladas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free. Check spice labels for potential gluten contamination.
• Spicy Southwest Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in some chipotle pepper for an extra kick of heat and smoky flavor.

Serving Suggestions For Beef Enchiladas

• Fiesta Night Platter: Arrange enchiladas on a colorful platter with vibrant garnishes like sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and lime wedges for a festive presentation.
• Cool Comfort Combo: Serve alongside sour cream, guacamole, and Mexican rice to create a balanced, satisfying meal that complements the enchiladas' spicy flavors.
• Fresh Flavor Boost: Top with extra chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of Mexican crema to elevate the dish's freshness and add creamy texture.
• Weekend Crowd-Pleaser: Create a build-your-own enchilada bar with various toppings like pickled onions, salsa verde, and different cheese options for interactive family dining.

How To Store Beef Enchiladas

• Refrigerate leftover beef enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze individual enchiladas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum 2 months.
• Store in shallow containers to help cool quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow enchiladas to cool completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent condensation.

FAQs

• What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have some spices?

You can replace chili powder with paprika and cayenne mix, swap cumin with ground coriander, and use dried oregano if you’re missing paprika.

• Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or shredded chicken works perfectly as a substitute. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked and seasoned similarly.

• How do I prevent my tortillas from getting soggy?

Use slightly warmed, fresh tortillas and don’t oversaturate them with sauce. Pat your meat mixture dry and avoid adding extra liquid to keep tortillas firm and crisp.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild spice levels from chili powder. If you want less heat, reduce chili powder or use mild paprika. For more heat, add extra cayenne or hot sauce.

Beef Enchiladas Packed With Flavor

• Boost Family Dining: Perfect for gathering loved ones around the table with a crowd-pleasing Mexican-inspired meal that everyone will enjoy.
• Customize with Ease: Switch up ingredients by adding beans, different cheeses, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Requires minimal prep work and cooking steps, making it an ideal solution for busy households craving a delicious, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers bold, hearty flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, transforming a simple ground beef recipe into a restaurant-worthy experience at home.

Ingredients For Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that serves as the main filling for the enchiladas.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: These spices create a rich and warm flavor profile for the beef mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the beef filling.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that wrap around the beef mixture.
• Enchilada Sauce: A zesty sauce that provides moisture and additional flavor to the dish.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts to create a creamy and gooey topping for the enchiladas.

• Fresh Cilantro: A bright and fresh herb that adds a pop of color and herbal flavor to the finished dish.

How To Prepare Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a delicious Mexican-inspired meal.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into delicious crumbles.

Drain away any excess grease to keep things light and tasty.

Step 3: Develop the Flavor Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the vegetables become soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and let the spices dance together for about a minute, releasing their incredible aromas.

Step 5: Set the Enchilada Stage

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a flavorful foundation.

Step 6: Roll and Tuck

Fill tortillas with the spiced beef mixture, rolling them into perfect little packages. Place each enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish, nestling them close together.

Step 7: Sauce and Cheese Finale

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, creating a rich, saucy blanket. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top for that irresistible melty goodness.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement!

Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican beef enchiladas blend hearty ground beef with zesty spices in a comforting rolled tortilla dish. Melted cheese and rich sauce complete this classic southwestern favorite that brings warmth and flavor to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican cheese blend

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce and Garnish:

• 1 can (10 oz or 280 ml) red enchilada sauce
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Ignite the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a sizzling Mexican-inspired feast.
2. Transform ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, fracturing it into delicate crumbles until perfectly browned. Eliminate excess fat through thorough draining.
3. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they soften and release their aromatic essence, approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Infuse the meat mixture with a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously and allow spices to bloom for a brief moment.
5. Create a foundational layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking vessel, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Lovingly distribute the seasoned beef mixture into tortillas, rolling each into compact cylinders. Nestle these enchiladas seam-side down within the sauced baking dish.
7. Cascade the remaining enchilada sauce generously over the tortilla rolls, then crown with a lavish blanket of shredded cheese.
8. Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 20 minutes. Unveil the foil and continue baking an additional 10 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden landscape.
9. Scatter fresh cilantro across the top, presenting a vibrant, aromatic finish to this Mexican-inspired delicacy.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne for extra heat or reducing for mild flavor.
• Swap corn tortillas with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and make assembly quick and easy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 625 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg