Description
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Bring the rich flavors of Mexico to your dinner table with these savory Ground Beef Enchiladas!
Tender tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, onions, and bell peppers, topped with a gooey layer of cheese and homemade enchilada sauce, make this dish the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fiesta with friends!
8 soft taco tortillas
1 lb ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
¼ tsp salt & pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups Mexican cheese
2 tbsp canola oil, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp tomato paste
¼ tsp cumin & oregano, 2 tbsp chili powder
2 cups water
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Brown beef, add veggies & spices.
2. Make sauce with oil, flour, spices.
3. Fill tortillas, add sauce & cheese. Bake 20 mins.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 350 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of ground beef. Once cooked through, drain excess fat. Add 1 cup chopped onion, 1 cup chopped green bell pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are soft. Set aside.
2. Make the Enchilada Sauce: In a saucepan, heat 2 tbsp canola oil over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to form a paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute. Add 2 tbsp chili powder, ¼ tsp cumin, and ¼ tsp oregano, stirring constantly. Whisk in 1 tbsp tomato paste, then gradually pour in 2 cups of water. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt to taste.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Warm 8 tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
4. Bake: Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of Mexican cheese on top. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these hearty enchiladas hot from the oven. They pair perfectly with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. For toppings, set out bowls of sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime to let everyone customize their plate.
How-to Summary
Brown seasoned beef with onions, peppers, and garlic. Create a simple, flavorful sauce by making a roux with oil, flour, and spices, then thinning with water. Fill tortillas with the beef mixture, roll, and place in a dish. Cover with sauce and cheese, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot and cheesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce? Absolutely. Using a 15-20 oz can of red enchilada sauce is a great time-saver. Simply skip the sauce-making steps.
How can I make this dish spicier? Add a diced jalapeño to the beef filling or use a hot chili powder. You can also top with sliced fresh jalapeños before baking.
Can I prepare enchiladas ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s the best way to prevent soggy tortillas? Briefly frying each tortilla in a little hot oil for 5-10 seconds per side before filling creates a barrier that helps them hold up to the sauce.
Can I use a different protein? Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean alternatives. For a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils in place of the beef.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling the Tortillas: Using too much filling will cause them to tear when rolling. Aim for about ⅓ cup of filling per tortilla.
- Underseasoning the Sauce: Taste your homemade sauce before assembling. It should be robustly flavored, as it seasons the entire dish.
- Using Cold Tortillas: Cold tortillas crack. Warm them briefly in a microwave or skillet to make them flexible for easy rolling.
- Skipping the Bottom Sauce Layer: Adding a thin layer of sauce to the baking dish prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds moisture.
Conclusion
These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a foolproof, crowd-pleasing meal that delivers maximum flavor with straightforward steps. By mastering the simple homemade sauce and following the assembly tips, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for busy weeknights or your next gathering.