Beef Enchiladas

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef Enchiladas are a classic, comforting Mexican dish filled with savory ground beef, cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Baked to perfection, these enchiladas are a satisfying meal that’s full of flavor, and they make a great option for dinner with family or friends. With a combination of tender beef and gooey cheese, topped with tangy sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the beef filling: ground beefonion (diced)garlic (minced)ground cuminchili powderpaprikasaltpepperrefried beans (optional)shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

For the enchilada sauce: canned tomato saucechili powderground cumingarlic powderonion powdersaltolive oil (for sautéing)

For assembly: corn or flour tortillas (6-8)shredded cheese (for topping)cilantro (optional, for garnish)

directions

For the enchilada sauce:

In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the tomato sauce and salt, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

For the beef filling:

In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.

Stir in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing to combine. If using, add the refried beans and stir to incorporate. Remove from heat.

Assembling the enchiladas:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Lightly warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave so they are easier to roll. Dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, then spoon a generous amount of the beef filling down the center. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef filling, arranging them side by side in the baking dish.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle the top with shredded cheese.

Baking:

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

To serve:

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve hot with a side of rice, beans, or a simple salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 enchiladas.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 35-40 minutesTotal time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Add diced green chilies or jalapeños to the beef filling for an extra kick.

Use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef for a leaner option.

For a cheesy twist, add a layer of cheese in the middle of the tortillas before rolling.

Top with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for added flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them before baking. Just bake them as directed when ready to serve, but allow for extra baking time if cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?

Yes, these enchiladas freeze well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, or bake directly from frozen (with extra time).

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes, store-bought enchilada sauce can be used, but making your own gives the dish a more personalized flavor.

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but corn tortillas are more traditional and offer a slightly different texture.

How do I make the beef filling spicier?

You can add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the beef filling for more heat.

Conclusion

Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican comfort food that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds with their savory filling, tangy sauce, and cheesy topping. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or a weeknight meal. With customizable ingredients and a hearty, delicious result, these enchiladas will quickly become a go-to recipe!

Print