Oh, let me tell you about ground beef enchiladas! They’re the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm hug, bursting with flavor and comfort. Imagine tender corn tortillas filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, all topped with gooey melted cheese and rich enchilada sauce. It’s pure bliss on a plate! This hearty Tex-Mex classic is perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, making them an ideal weeknight meal when you want something satisfying and delicious. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why these enchiladas are worth savoring again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious ground beef enchiladas. I promise, it’s a straightforward list that packs a punch of flavor!
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (I love using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack!)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Make sure your ingredients are fresh—especially the tortillas and cheese, as they really elevate the dish. And don’t hesitate to get creative with the cheese blend if you have a favorite! The more flavor, the better!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas
Let’s dive into making these scrumptious ground beef enchiladas! I promise, once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this dish is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to pop those enchiladas in!
- In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. It’ll smell heavenly!
- Next, sprinkle in the cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, letting the spices infuse the beef. Cook for another minute to let those flavors meld.
- While the beef mixture cools slightly, warm your corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20 seconds. This makes them pliable and easy to roll!
- Now, it’s time to assemble! Take a warm tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the enchilada sauce generously over the top. Don’t be shy with that sauce!
- Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese all over. Now, we’re ready to bake!
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Oh, you’re going to love the sight of that golden cheese!
Let them cool for just a few minutes, then serve with your favorite toppings, like sour cream or guacamole. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to fall in love with these ground beef enchiladas! Here’s why they’re bound to become a favorite in your home:
- Quick Preparation: With just a little bit of chopping and cooking, you can have these enchiladas ready to pop in the oven in no time!
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of savory ground beef and melty cheese wrapped in warm tortillas is pure comfort food that’ll make your taste buds dance.
- Versatility: Feel free to customize them! Add beans, bell peppers, or even switch up the meat for a fun twist.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will devour these! They’re perfect for picky eaters, too.
- Great for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Trust me, once you try these enchiladas, you’ll be savoring every last bite and craving them again soon!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! These ground beef enchiladas are not just delicious, but they also pack a decent nutritional punch. Here’s a quick look at what you can expect per enchilada:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. But one thing’s for sure—these enchiladas are a satisfying meal that will keep you energized and happy!
Tips for Success
To ensure your ground beef enchiladas turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips to share! First, always use fresh tortillas—nothing beats the flavor and texture of freshly made corn tortillas. If you’re feeling adventurous, try lightly frying them in a bit of oil before rolling; it adds a delightful crispiness!
When seasoning the beef, don’t be shy. Taste as you go! Adjust the salt or spices to your preference for that perfect flavor punch. Also, let the beef mixture cool slightly before assembling; this makes rolling the tortillas easier and prevents them from tearing.
And here’s a little secret: if you want extra cheesy goodness, mix some cheese into the beef mixture before rolling! This adds another layer of flavor and creaminess. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your enchiladas from good to absolutely fantastic!
Variations
One of the best things about ground beef enchiladas is how adaptable they are! If you’re in the mood for something different, why not switch up the protein? Ground turkey or chicken make for lighter options that still deliver on flavor. For a vegetarian twist, try using black beans or lentils mixed with sautéed veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. You could even go bold and add some roasted sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness!
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different sauces, like a spicy green enchilada sauce or a creamy white sauce for a unique take. And let’s not forget about toppings! Try adding diced avocado, fresh cilantro, or pickled onions for an extra pop of flavor and color. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own delicious charm to the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from these delicious ground beef enchiladas, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain that amazing flavor and texture! First, let the enchiladas cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish, adding a splash of enchilada sauce or a bit of water to keep them moist. Cover with foil to prevent them from drying out, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want the cheese to get a little bubbly and golden again!
And there you have it—easy storage and warming instructions to enjoy those enchiladas even after the first delicious meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect ground beef enchiladas? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the enchiladas, assemble them, and then cover them tightly before refrigerating. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully! You could even use plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. The key is to season them well to keep that robust flavor.
Can I freeze these enchiladas?
You bet! Just assemble, cover tightly with foil, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. They taste just as great!
How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking?
Warming the corn tortillas is crucial! This makes them pliable and less likely to tear. You can warm them in a skillet or microwave, just be sure not to skip this step!
What toppings go best with enchiladas?
Sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro are classic choices! You can also try sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of lime juice for that extra zing.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of ground beef, you can check out this article.
For tips on how to make the best enchiladas, visit Simply Recipes.
And if you’re interested in exploring more Tex-Mex recipes, check out Food Network’s Tex-Mex section.
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas: 7 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Ground beef enchiladas are a hearty Tex-Mex classic worth savoring.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is browned.
- Add cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Warm the corn tortillas to make them pliable.
- Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla and roll them up.
- Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add beans or vegetables for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: ground beef enchiladas, Tex-Mex, hearty classic
