Looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor? This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need! With perfectly seasoned ground beef, a rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, these enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of Mexican-inspired spices. Whether you’re serving it with a side of rice and beans or simply enjoying it on its own, these beef enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Ready to bring the fiesta to your dinner table? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Cheesy: Layers of melted cheese and flavorful beef make this dish irresistible.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or use store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce to make it your own.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: These enchiladas are perfect for making ahead and reheating for a quick, delicious meal.
What Do Beef Enchiladas Taste Like?
These enchiladas are a delicious combination of savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavors. The seasoned ground beef provides a hearty filling, while the enchilada sauce adds a tangy, mildly spicy kick. Topped with melty cheese and baked to golden perfection, each bite is rich, comforting, and full of bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious beef enchiladas:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned black beans (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 large flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Mixing spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small bowl (for mixing spices)
- Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Protein Options: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken, ground turkey, or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Cheese Varieties: Use Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and load the filling with black beans, pinto beans, and sautéed veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
How to Make Beef Enchiladas
Prepare the Beef Filling
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned.
- Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the black beans and corn if using. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ½ cup of the enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish.
- Place a tortilla on a flat surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture to the center, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Add Sauce and Cheese
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the sauce-covered enchiladas.
Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish the enchiladas with fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
What to Serve with Beef Enchiladas
- Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and flavorful, they’re a great accompaniment.
- Guacamole: The creamy, zesty flavors balance the richness of the enchiladas.
- Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A light and crunchy side to complete the meal.
Tips for the Best Beef Enchiladas
- Warm Your Tortillas: To prevent them from cracking, warm the tortillas in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before assembling.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overstuffing the tortillas, as they’ll be harder to roll and may tear.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and homemade enchilada sauce (if you have time) can take this dish to the next level.
- Cover While Baking: Use foil to cover the enchiladas during the first part of baking to keep them from drying out.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Freezer: Freeze assembled (but unbaked) enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas. Just make sure to warm them first to prevent cracking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for enchilada sauce?
If you don’t have enchilada sauce, try using a combination of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food
This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves cheesy, flavorful comfort food. With tender beef, melty cheese, and tangy enchilada sauce, it’s the perfect dish to bring a little fiesta to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, these enchiladas will leave everyone asking for seconds.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creations on Pinterest or leave a review.
Looking for more flavorful recipes? Check these out:
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 25g
Make these delicious enchiladas today and enjoy a cheesy, flavorful dinner with your family! ❤️
PrintBeef Enchiladas Recipe: A Cheesy, Flavorful Mexican-Inspired Favorite
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is packed with seasoned ground beef, a rich and tangy enchilada sauce, and plenty of melty cheese. Rolled in warm tortillas and baked to perfection, this easy, flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or any occasion where comfort food is a must. Top with fresh cilantro, and serve with rice and beans for a Mexican-inspired meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned black beans (optional)
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
For the Enchiladas:
- 8 large flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar cheese)
- 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Filling:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- If using, mix in the black beans and corn. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the dish.
- Lay a tortilla flat on a surface. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling to the center, followed by a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
- Add Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or guacamole.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the enchiladas, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: Either works great! Warm them first to prevent cracking while rolling.
- Customize the Filling: Add sautéed veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños or using spicy enchilada sauce.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keywords: beef enchiladas, enchilada recipe, easy Mexican recipes, ground beef dinner, cheesy enchiladas, weeknight dinner recipes, comfort food
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