The Best Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Your Fiesta Night

Crafting delectable beef enchiladas sparks joy in every kitchen adventure.

Layers of savory flavors dance across tortillas, promising a mouthwatering experience.

Authentic mexican cuisine brings warmth and comfort to your dining table.

Tender beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a symphony of taste.

Rich spices weave through each bite, telling a culinary story.

Hearty and satisfying, these enchiladas will become your new go-to comfort meal.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that turns ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Why These Beef Enchiladas Are a Hit

• Enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout, with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that guarantee success every time.
• Swap ingredients easily, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary preferences, spice levels, and taste buds while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
• Create a festive meal that brings everyone together, whether it's a casual family dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends who love bold, cheesy flavors.

Everything You Need for Beef Enchiladas

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that forms the primary filling for the enchiladas.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients provide a rich, savory foundation that enhances the overall taste of the beef mixture.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Salt, Pepper: These spices add depth, warmth, and balanced seasoning to the beef filling.

• Corn Tortillas: A traditional Mexican staple that serves as the wrap for the beef mixture.

• Enchilada Sauce, Shredded Cheese: These components add moisture, tanginess, and a creamy, melted topping to the enchiladas.

• Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro: These toppings provide a cool, creamy contrast and a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.

Instructions for Rolling Enchiladas

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 180C (350F) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Beef Mixture

In a large skillet, dance some onions around until they turn translucent.

Toss in garlic and let it sizzle for a moment.

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Brown the beef until it’s fully cooked and bursting with flavor, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Warm Tortilla Magic

Gently warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them supple and rolling-friendly.

Step 4: Build Enchilada Towers

Splash a bit of enchilada sauce in your baking dish.

Lay out a tortilla, spoon beef down the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll into a cozy bundle.

Nestle each enchilada seam-side down in the dish.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Shower

Drench your enchilada towers with remaining sauce.

Rain down the rest of the cheese on top for maximum deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbling.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Rescue your enchiladas from the oven.

Let them rest for a moment.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Cheesy and Flavorful Layers

• Gently heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to prevent cracking and make rolling easier, ensuring perfect enchilada assembly.
• Cook ground beef until it's deeply browned and no pink remains, which develops rich, caramelized flavors and prevents watery filling.
• Use a blend of sharp cheddar and monterey jack for maximum flavor complexity and perfect melting consistency.
• Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the baking dish bottom and generously coat the rolled enchiladas to prevent drying out and enhance moisture.
• Swap corn tortillas with large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas for a lighter version that maintains authentic enchilada taste and texture.

Storing and Heating Up Enchiladas

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the enchiladas whole or separate the components to maintain better texture.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 180C (350F). Place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

Pair These Enchiladas with These Sides

• Pair Perfectly with Mexican Lager: Crack open a crisp, cold Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to complement the rich, spicy flavors of the beef enchiladas. The light, refreshing beer cuts through the heaviness of the dish.
• Boost with Fresh Salsa Verde: Whip up a quick salsa verde using tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. This tangy, bright condiment adds a zesty punch that elevates the enchiladas' deep, meaty taste.
• Cool Down with Creamy Guacamole: Blend ripe avocados with diced onions, lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro. The smooth, creamy texture and fresh flavor of guacamole balances the warm, spicy enchiladas perfectly.
• Refresh with Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare fluffy white rice and mix in chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. This light, herbal side dish provides a clean, bright contrast to the rich, cheesy enchiladas.

Enchilada Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternative for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Enchilada Boats: Skip tortillas and use large bell peppers or zucchini as vessels, filling them with seasoned meat and cheese for a low-carbohydrate option.
• Chicken Enchilada Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a different protein profile while maintaining the same delicious flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas and ensure enchilada sauce is gluten-free, checking ingredient labels carefully to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this enchilada recipe. Just ensure you cook it thoroughly and season it well to maintain flavor.

• How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe uses standard chili powder and cumin, which provide mild warmth. If you want more heat, add extra chili powder or include some diced jalapeños in the beef mixture.

• Do I need special tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditional and recommended, but flour tortillas will work too. Just warm them slightly to prevent cracking when rolling.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the enchiladas in advance, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve. They also reheat well for delicious leftovers.

Ultimate Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent beef enchiladas bring Mexican culinary passion straight to your dinner table. Cheesy, spicy layers meld together in a mouthwatering dance of flavors that promise to satisfy and delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 500 g (1.1 pounds) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt
• Pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce and Filling Ingredients:

• 1 can (400 g) enchilada sauce
• 8 corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Serving Accompaniments:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 180C (350F), ensuring a stable cooking environment for the enchiladas.
2. In a large skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, incorporating chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Brown the meat thoroughly, stirring consistently for 6-7 minutes.
4. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to increase flexibility and prevent cracking.
5. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef mixture, ensuring even distribution. Sprinkle cheese inside before carefully rolling.
7. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, creating a snug arrangement.
8. Generously pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, covering them completely.
9. Distribute the remaining cheese evenly across the top, creating a rich, melty surface.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbling, indicating perfect doneness.
11. Allow enchiladas to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven to set the filling.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Notes

• Warm tortillas gently to prevent cracking, ensuring smooth rolling without breaking.
• Drain excess beef fat after cooking to reduce greasiness and create a lighter, cleaner-tasting filling.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for a healthier version without compromising rich flavor.
• Experiment with corn or flour tortillas based on personal dietary preferences or gluten sensitivities.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg