Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: Tex Mex beef enchiladas! There’s something about the combination of savory ground beef, zesty spices, and gooey melted cheese rolled up in warm tortillas that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made these for my family; the smell of the sizzling beef and garlic filled the kitchen, and everyone came running to see what was cooking! The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on these enchiladas, too! Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Tex Mex Beef Enchiladas
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because a hot oven ensures your enchiladas cook evenly and turn out perfectly gooey. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Cook the Beef Mixture
Now, grab your favorite skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in that ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook everything for about 5–7 minutes or until the beef is nicely browned and the onions are soft. The aroma is going to be incredible! Don’t forget to stir in the cumin, chili powder, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix it well and let those flavors blend together.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Time to get rolling! Take one of your corn tortillas and spoon some of that savory beef mixture right down the center. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat this process with all the tortillas until your dish is filled. After that, pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to cover all those delicious rolls. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better!
Bake the Enchiladas
Now, pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let those enchiladas bake for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible golden crust. It’s hard to resist the temptation to dive in right away, but let them sit for a few minutes before serving. Your patience will be rewarded, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting, hearty meal packed with flavor.
- Super easy to make—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Customizable: switch up the protein or add your favorite veggies.
- Great for feeding a crowd—just double the recipe!
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Pairs wonderfully with toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Tex Mex beef enchiladas turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t Overfill: When you’re rolling the tortillas, be careful not to overstuff them. If they’re too full, they can burst open during baking, and nobody wants that messy situation!
- Warm the Tortillas: If your corn tortillas are a bit stiff, give them a quick warm-up in the microwave or on a skillet. This makes them more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Layering is Key: Pouring some enchilada sauce in the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolled tortillas helps prevent sticking and adds extra flavor!
- Adjust the Spice: If you like it spicy, feel free to add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture. You can always customize the heat level to suit your taste!
- Let Them Rest: After baking, let the enchiladas sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes them easier to serve.
With these tips, you’re set for success! Enjoy the cooking adventure, and remember, the most important ingredient is love—so sprinkle some of that in, too!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delicious Tex Mex beef enchiladas. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose and their quantities, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
These enchiladas are not just tasty; they also pack a protein punch, thanks to the ground beef! Enjoy every bite while keeping an eye on those nutritional values to fit your dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these mouthwatering Tex Mex beef enchiladas, it’s time to think about how to elevate your meal even further! Here are some tasty ideas to serve alongside your enchiladas:
- Sour Cream: A dollop of tangy sour cream adds a creamy contrast that complements the spices beautifully.
- Guacamole: Fresh, creamy guacamole is a must-have! The coolness of the avocado balances out the savory enchiladas perfectly.
- Pico de Gallo: For a fresh punch, serve with homemade pico de gallo. The bright flavors of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro are a delightful addition!
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice rounds out the meal nicely and helps soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add a hearty touch and make for a truly satisfying Tex-Mex feast.
- Fresh Salad: A light side salad with crisp lettuce, avocado, and a zesty lime vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm enchiladas.
Mix and match these sides to create a colorful and flavorful spread that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy your delicious meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different protein for these enchiladas?
Absolutely! While I love the classic ground beef, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based protein. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, and you’ll still end up with delicious Tex Mex enchiladas!
How do I make these enchiladas spicier?
If you want to kick up the heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your beef mixture. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top before baking. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the enchiladas and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge—maybe add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
No problem at all! You can certainly use flour tortillas instead. They’ll give your enchiladas a different texture, but they’re equally delicious and easy to roll up. Just warm them slightly to make them more pliable!
How should I store leftovers?
To store any leftover Tex Mex beef enchiladas, let them cool completely, then cover them tightly and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or pop them back in the oven until warmed through. Enjoy!
For more information on the health benefits of ground beef, check out this resource. You can also learn more about the history of Tex-Mex cuisine to appreciate your enchiladas even more!
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Tex Mex Beef Enchiladas: 5 Steps to Delicious Success
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious dish of beef enchiladas with a Tex-Mex flair.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned.
- Add cumin, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour half of the enchilada sauce into a baking dish.
- Fill tortillas with the beef mixture and roll them up.
- Place rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream or guacamole.
- Can substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Use flour tortillas for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tex mex beef enchiladas
