Ground beef enchiladas: a symphony of savory flavors all wrapped in warm tortillas and smothered in cheesy goodness. Nothing says comfort food quite like a pan of homemade enchiladas, especially after a long day. These aren’t just any enchiladas; these ground beef enchiladas are a taste of home, a hug in a dish, and a guaranteed crowd pleaser.
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My mom always made enchiladas on special occasions, and the aroma alone brings back a flood of happy memories. Now, I’m sharing my own slightly simplified, even more flavorful version with you. Get ready to experience enchilada perfection!
Why You Will Love This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
This ground beef enchiladas recipe is a weeknight winner, plain and simple. It hits all the right notes: comforting, quick enough to make after work, and bursting with flavor. Forget bland and boring; we’re talking savory ground beef, perfectly spiced sauce, and plenty of melty cheese.
I love this recipe because it’s endlessly customizable. Want it spicier? Add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne. Need to sneak in some veggies? Sauté some diced bell peppers and onions with the beef. The possibilities are truly endless. What makes this recipe extra special is the homemade enchilada sauce. It makes a world of difference! Plus, this recipe is easy enough for beginner cooks, delivering results that taste like they came from a seasoned pro. Don’t be surprised if this becomes a new family favorite!
Ingredients Needed for This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
- For the Ground Beef Filling:
- For the Enchilada Sauce:
- For Assembly:
How to Make This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
- 1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- 2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- 4. Stir in the black beans and corn. Simmer for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- 5. Make the Enchilada Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- 6. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a roux. Be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.
- 7. Gradually whisk in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 8. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- 9. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- 10. Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 11. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- 12. Warm the tortillas slightly by microwaving them for about 30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel. This will make them more pliable and less likely to crack.
- 13. Dip each tortilla in the enchilada sauce, coating both sides.
- 14. Fill each tortilla with about 1/2 cup of the ground beef mixture, evenly distributing it.
- 15. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- 16. Once all the enchiladas are rolled and arranged in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- 17. Sprinkle generously with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- 18. Bake the Enchiladas: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. If you love a creamy, rich dessert, be sure to check out my recipe for Disneyland Hot Chocolate Reciperich Creamy Bliss 3 because it will be right up your alley!
How to Serve This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
These ground beef enchiladas are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with the right accompaniments! I love serving them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a side of guacamole.
Consider adding a fresh and zesty salsa, like pico de gallo or a mango salsa, for a burst of flavor. For a complete meal, serve them with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. Don’t forget the hot sauce for those who like an extra kick! A crispy side salad with a lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the enchiladas. To complement your delicious enchiladas, why not explore some 12 Best Delicious And Healthy Hot Chocolate Recipes The Little Shine 2?
How to Store This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
Leftover ground beef enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store them, allow the enchiladas to cool completely before covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transferring them to an airtight container.
For longer storage, you can freeze the enchiladas for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can freeze individual enchiladas by wrapping them separately in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
To reheat refrigerated enchiladas, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become slightly soggy.
To reheat frozen enchiladas, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking or microwaving.
Tips to Make This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
- Use quality ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef (85/15) for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip warming the tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when rolling.
- Customize the filling: Add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to the ground beef filling.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili powder to the enchilada sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking. I love a good kick, but I know it’s not for everyone!
- Use your favorite cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas: Overfilling the tortillas can make them difficult to roll and cause them to burst during baking.
Helpful Notes for This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
- Enchilada Sauce Consistency: If your enchilada sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Tortilla Type: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that flour tortillas tend to be more delicate and may require less baking time.
- Taco Seasoning: You can use store bought taco seasoning, or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Black Beans and Corn: Feel free to substitute other beans, like pinto beans, or vegetables, like diced tomatoes, depending on your preference.
Variation of This ground beef enchiladas Recipe
- Spicy ground beef enchiladas: Add jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef filling for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian ground beef enchiladas: Replace the ground beef with a plant based alternative, like lentils or crumbled tofu.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken or turkey.
- Creamy ground beef enchiladas: Add a can of cream of mushroom soup or sour cream to the enchilada sauce for a richer, creamier flavor.
- Green Chile ground beef enchiladas: Use a jar of green enchilada sauce instead of homemade or red sauce.
What is the best ground beef to use for enchiladas?
80/20 ground beef is a good option because it renders enough fat to keep the meat moist and flavorful but be sure to drain excess grease. You can also use leaner ground beef but may need to add a little oil to the pan while cooking.
How do you keep enchiladas from getting soggy?
Lightly fry the tortillas before filling and baking to create a barrier against the sauce. Don’t overfill the tortillas, and don’t add too much sauce; this helps prevent them from getting soggy during baking.
What kind of cheese is best for enchiladas?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend are all great choices for enchiladas. Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor. Also, a little queso fresco sprinkled on top after baking adds a nice touch.
Can I make ground beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
