Beef Enchiladas

Introduction

Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish featuring flour or corn tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rolled up, and smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish delivers bold flavors and comforting textures that make it a family favorite.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a festive weekend meal, Beef Enchiladas bring a burst of authentic flavor to your table. They’re hearty, satisfying, and a great way to enjoy a homemade Mexican-style feast.

Why I Love This Recipe ❤️

I love Beef Enchiladas because they combine everything I adore in one dish: savory seasoned beef, gooey melted cheese, and flavorful enchilada sauce. Each bite is rich, zesty, and deeply satisfying. It’s comfort food at its best but with a lively kick from the spices.

I also love how versatile this recipe is—you can make it mild or spicy, add vegetables, or switch up the toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints, and it’s surprisingly easy to make for such a flavorful dish.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Authentic Flavor: A Mexican classic with layers of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your taste.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Great for potlucks, dinners, and celebrations.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 (makes about 12 enchiladas)
• Calories: ~380–420 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup canned diced tomatoes (optional, for juicier filling)
• ½ cup black beans or corn (optional)

For Assembly:

• 12 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

For Topping:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

Directions (Simple Version)

1. Cook ground beef with onion and spices.
2. Fill tortillas with beef and cheese, then roll them up.
3. Place in baking dish with enchilada sauce.
4. Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
5. Garnish with toppings and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
• Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
• Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Mix in diced tomatoes, beans, or corn (if using). Remove from heat.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

• Warm tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave so they’re flexible.

Step 3: Assemble Enchiladas

• Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Place a spoonful of beef filling in each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly.
• Place seam side down in the dish. Repeat with all tortillas.

Step 4: Add Sauce & Cheese

• Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas.
• Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

• Top with cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
• Serve hot with rice, beans, or salad.

How to Serve

• With Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
• As part of a taco night spread with chips and guacamole.
• Garnished with fresh lime wedges for extra zest.

Recipe Tips

• Use corn tortillas for a more authentic taste.
• Don’t overfill tortillas—roll them snugly so they hold together.
• To prevent sogginess, lightly fry tortillas before filling.
• Double the recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Variations

• Cheesy Beef & Bean Enchiladas: Add refried beans to the filling.
• Green Enchiladas: Use salsa verde instead of red enchilada sauce.
• Spicy Beef Enchiladas: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or cayenne.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, beans, or zucchini.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing (Before Baking): Assemble enchiladas, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing (After Baking): Store cooled enchiladas in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Conclusion

Beef Enchiladas are a flavor-packed, comforting, and customizable dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and rich enchilada sauce, every bite is bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors.

Print Recipe

Beef Enchiladas

Author: admin Cuisine: Mexican Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Description

Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican-inspired dish featuring flour or corn tortillas stuffed with seasoned ground beef, rolled up, and smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish delivers bold flavors and comforting textures that make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup canned diced tomatoes (optional, for juicier filling)
• ½ cup black beans or corn (optional)

For Assembly:

• 12 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

For Topping:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Beef Filling : Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix in diced tomatoes, beans, or corn (if using). Remove from heat.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas : Warm tortillas slightly in a skillet or microwave so they’re flexible.
3. Step 3: Assemble Enchiladas : Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a spoonful of beef filling in each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam side down in the dish. Repeat with all tortillas.
4. Step 4: Add Sauce & Cheese : Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake : Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Garnish & Serve : Top with cilantro, sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños. Serve hot with rice, beans, or salad.

Keywords: Beef Enchiladas