Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for this beef enchilada recipe! It’s one of those dishes that instantly takes me back to cozy family dinners, where the smells of spiced beef and melted cheese would waft through the house. Each bite is a delicious explosion of flavor, with the rich enchilada sauce and the warmth of cumin and chili powder dancing on your taste buds. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, these enchiladas are sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these beef enchiladas truly delicious. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for that gooey goodness!)
- 1 can enchilada sauce (store-bought works great, but homemade is even better if you have the time)
- 8 corn tortillas (make sure they’re nice and soft for rolling)
- 1 tsp cumin (this adds such a warm, earthy flavor)
- 1 tsp chili powder (for that perfect kick!)
- Salt to taste
These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Just imagine the savory aroma filling your kitchen as you cook—yum!
How to Prepare Beef Enchilada Recipe
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious beef enchiladas! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures that your enchiladas bake evenly and get that perfect golden-brown cheese topping. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Cook the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, add your ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook this over medium heat until the beef is nicely browned and the onions become translucent—about 7-10 minutes. You’ll want to break up the beef as it cooks so that it gets nice and crumbly. Once that’s done, stir in the cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together until the spices are well incorporated, and let those flavors meld for a minute or two. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
Assemble the Enchiladas
Now, let’s warm those corn tortillas! You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they’re pliable. This will make rolling them up a breeze! Once warmed, take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process until all the tortillas are filled and snugly arranged in the dish. It’s like creating a cozy little beef blanket!
Add Sauce and Cheese
Next up, pour that luscious enchilada sauce evenly over the top of your rolled tortillas. Make sure they’re all coated so they stay moist and flavorful while baking! Then, sprinkle your shredded cheese generously over the sauce. Don’t be shy—this is where the gooey goodness happens!
Bake the Enchiladas
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is wonderfully melted and bubbly, just begging to be devoured. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They’ll be hot, hot, hot! Enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef enchiladas turn out just right, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a bit more heat, feel free to add extra chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture. On the flip side, if you’re cooking for little ones or prefer milder flavors, you can tone it down by using less spice. It’s all about what you and your family enjoy!
- Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming your corn tortillas in a skillet is a game changer! It makes them more pliable and helps prevent tearing when you roll them up. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t crisp up—you’re aiming for soft and flexible!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic can really enhance the flavor of your filling. If you have time, try sautéing some bell peppers with the beef for an extra pop of color and taste!
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to load up those tortillas, but overfilling can make rolling them a challenge. Aim for a generous spoonful of filling, but leave some space to roll them up comfortably.
- Let Them Rest: After baking, let your enchiladas sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce soak in a bit more and makes them easier to serve without falling apart.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to enchilada perfection! Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to savor those delicious flavors when you dig in!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each beef enchilada. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This hearty meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs in a good amount of protein! Enjoy your delicious beef enchiladas, and remember, these numbers are just here to guide you. Feel free to tweak ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get a lot of questions about my beef enchilada recipe, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones here to make your cooking experience even smoother. Let’s jump in!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not in the mood for beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you’ll still have a delicious dish!
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
No worries! Flour tortillas work just fine in this recipe. They might be a bit softer, but they’ll still hold all that tasty filling. Just remember to warm them up before rolling to prevent tearing!
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any enchiladas left (which I doubt because they’re so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave before enjoying again!
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
You bet! Just assemble them without baking, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes. It’s like having a homemade meal ready to go!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love topping my enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of green onions. You could also add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick or serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal!
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare them a day in advance, cover them, and keep them in the fridge before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
Hopefully, this clears up any questions you might have about making these delightful beef enchiladas! If you have any more, feel free to ask. I’m here to help you make your cooking journey as enjoyable as possible!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchilada Recipe
Okay, let me tell you why this beef enchilada recipe is a total winner! You’re going to fall head over heels for it, just like I did. Here are some of the best reasons to whip these up:
- Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of baking, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Flavor-Packed: Each bite is bursting with flavor from the seasoned beef, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey cheese. Honestly, it’s like a fiesta in your mouth!
- Customizable: Don’t be afraid to make it your own! Swap beef for chicken or beans, add your favorite veggies, or kick up the heat with extra spices. The possibilities are endless!
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for sure! Even picky eaters will love these cheesy, saucy enchiladas, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Leftover Heaven: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. Enjoy them for lunch the next day, or freeze them for a quick meal later on!
Seriously, once you try these enchiladas, you’ll be hooked! They’re simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. What’s not to love?
Print
Beef Enchilada Recipe: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious beef enchilada recipe with a flavorful filling and rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Add cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan.
- Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla and roll them up.
- Place the rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole.
- You can use chicken or beans as a filling alternative.
- Adjust spice level according to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: beef enchilada recipe
