Beef Enchiladas

Flavorful and saucy beef enchiladas are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. They are perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing fiesta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and bursting with bold flavors. The combination of savory beef, warm spices, and gooey cheese is irresistible. It’s also highly customizable with various toppings and cheese blends, making it versatile for any taste or occasion. Plus, it’s a great dish to prepare ahead for busy nights or gatherings.

Ingredients

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

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

For the Enchiladas:

8 medium flour tortillas

2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)

Optional Toppings:

Chopped cilantro

Sliced green onions

Sour cream

Diced avocado

Directions

Prepare the Filling:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat.

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese. Set the filling aside.

Assemble the Enchiladas:

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

Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling into the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared dish.

Top and Bake:

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

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro, green onions, sour cream, or avocado as desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 enchiladas

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: Try shredded chicken, ground turkey, or beans as a filling instead of ground beef.

Spice Level: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor or gluten-free tortillas to suit dietary needs.

Cheese Options: Experiment with pepper jack, Colby, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors.

Vegetarian: Replace the beef with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes per enchilada.

Related Recipes:

• Chicken Enchiladas with Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce
• Cream Cheese Enchiladas
• Instant Pot Breakfast Enchiladas

FAQs

How do I prevent soggy enchiladas?

I like to lightly toast the tortillas before assembling to help them hold their shape and avoid becoming soggy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake them fresh when ready to serve.

What’s the best enchilada sauce to use?

I prefer a homemade sauce for its rich flavor, but a good-quality store-bought option works well too. Look for a sauce with authentic Mexican flavors.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free ones and ensure the enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

What side dishes go well with beef enchiladas?

I enjoy serving these enchiladas with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Beef enchiladas are a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to prepare, adaptable to various tastes, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, these enchiladas will leave everyone satisfied and craving more.

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