When the smell of enchilada sauce and cheese wafts through your kitchen, excitement grows. This easy beef enchilada recipe is a true comfort food, bringing Mexico’s vibrant flavors to your table. It’s perfect for Cinco de Mayo or a cozy weeknight dinner, becoming a family favorite.
With a few simple ingredients, you can make a delicious Mexican dish everyone will love. The homemade enchilada sauce, ground beef, and melted cheese blend into a tasty casserole. It’s a perfect mix of easy beef enchilada recipe, Mexican comfort food, and quick dinner.
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Why These Beef Enchiladas Will Become Your Family Favorite
Bring your family together for a delicious meal of beef enchiladas. This recipe is loved by many and great for big gatherings. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a favorite at home.
Perfect for Large Gatherings
Hosting a dinner party or feeding a crowd? These beef enchiladas are perfect. They serve 6 people, making them ideal for big groups. Plus, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients.
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor
The secret to these enchiladas’ amazing taste is simple ingredients. Ground beef, onions, and canned green chiles make a tasty filling. Homemade enchilada sauce and refried beans add creaminess. And melted cheese on top takes it to the next level.
Versatile and Customizable
This beef enchilada recipe is super versatile. You can change it up to fit your family’s taste. Try different cheeses, tortillas, or add veggies. It’s a great way to make the dish your own.
“These beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The flavors are simply out of this world!”
Essential Ingredients for Your Enchiladas
Making the perfect beef enchiladas needs careful picking of ingredients. These ingredients should work together to make a dish that tastes great. You’ll need a few key items for this recipe.
First, you’ll need ground beef. The recipe asks for 1 lb. of lean ground beef (90-95% lean). This ensures the filling is tasty without too much grease. To season the beef, you’ll mix in 1 tablespoon of homemade taco seasoning or a packet from the store.
The enchilada sauce is also crucial. You’ll make a homemade version that’s easy yet tasty. You’ll need 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. You’ll also use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
Other important items include flour tortillas, refried beans, diced green chiles, and cheese. You’ll need 16-20 large flour tortillas for the enchiladas. Also, 1 can (15 ounces) of pinto beans and 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chiles are required.
With these enchilada ingredients ready, you’re set to make delicious homemade beef enchiladas. They’ll soon become a favorite in your household.
“The perfect enchilada is a harmonious balance of flavors, textures, and ingredients.”
Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe
Get ready to make a tasty batch of how to make enchiladas with this simple beef enchilada recipe. It’s a Mexican dish loved by many, great for big groups, and easy to make. It’s full of bold flavors.
Making the Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Begin by making the essential enchilada sauce. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Then, add 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and more.
Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable stock. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens.
Preparing the Beef Filling
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 cup of finely chopped yellow onion. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spatula, until the beef is browned and the onions are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 can (4.5 ounces) of chopped green chiles, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of refried beans and 1 1/4 cups of shredded cheddar jack cheese.
Assembly and Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Dip 8 10-inch flour tortillas in the prepared enchilada sauce, coating both sides. Place the tortillas in a 9×13 baking dish. Spoon the beef filling evenly onto the center of each tortilla, then roll them up and arrange seam-side down in the dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 10 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious how to make enchiladas and beef enchilada recipe.
Mastering the Perfect Enchilada Sauce
The homemade enchilada sauce is the heart of a great beef enchilada dish. It makes your enchiladas go from good to amazing. With just a few spices and pantry items, you can make a rich, thick sauce. Your family will love your enchilada recipe.
The key to a perfect enchilada sauce is the mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano. These spices create a deep flavor that pairs well with the beef. Tomato paste and vegetable broth add body and richness, making the sauce cling to the tortillas.
To make the sauce, start by heating olive oil and flour in a pan to make a roux. Then, add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a bit of salt. Slowly add vegetable broth and tomato paste, whisking until it thickens, about 10-12 minutes. This makes a smooth, flavorful sauce that will elevate your enchilada recipe.
Once you get the sauce right, the rest of the recipe is easy. The beef filling, warm tortillas, and cheese all come together beautifully. With this homemade enchilada sauce, your enchiladas will be as good as those from the best Mexican restaurants.
Tips for Rolling and Assembling Enchiladas
Making delicious enchiladas is all about how you put them together. To make your homemade beef enchiladas perfect, follow these tips.
Warming Tortillas Properly
Warming your tortillas right is key for pliable, easy-to-roll enchiladas. Heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. They should be soft and flexible. This makes them easier to roll without tearing.
Filling and Rolling Technique
After warming your tortillas, it’s time to fill and roll them. Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce before adding about 1/3 cup of beef filling. Roll it tightly, placing it seam-side down in the baking dish. Don’t overstuff to avoid tearing.
Layering in the Baking Dish
Roll each enchilada neatly and arrange them in a baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. This coats each enchilada evenly, adding moisture and flavor.
By warming, filling, and layering your enchiladas right, you’ll make a tasty Mexican meal. Enchilada assembly is the secret to a great how to make enchiladas and enchilada assembly experience.
Cheese Options and Combinations
Choosing the right cheese is key for a great beef enchilada recipe. The recipe uses cheddar jack cheese, but you can try different Mexican cheese blends. This way, you can find the flavor that you love the most.
Want your enchiladas even cheesier? Add more cheese on top before baking. Since the beef filling already has cheese, you can decide how much more to add. Asadero or Queso Quesadilla cheese are great for a true Mexican taste.
- Cheddar Jack Cheese: The classic choice for beef enchiladas.
- Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other Mexican-style cheeses.
- Asadero Cheese: A soft, creamy Mexican cheese that melts beautifully.
- Queso Quesadilla: A firm, slightly salty Mexican cheese perfect for enchiladas.
Feel free to mix and match cheeses to create your ideal enchilada cheese dish. The world of cheese combinations is vast. This means you can make a beef enchilada recipe that’s both delicious and satisfying.
“The cheese you choose can make or break an enchilada. It’s the foundation that holds everything together.”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying homemade beef enchiladas doesn’t have to end after one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy them for days. These tips will help keep your Mexican comfort food fresh and flavorful.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is great for extra enchiladas or making them ahead. Don’t bake them first. Wrap them tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe dish, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, covered. Then, bake uncovered for 5 more minutes.
Leftover Management
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave or oven at 325°F for 20-30 minutes. This keeps the flavors and textures perfect.
| Freezing | Refrigerating | Reheating |
|---|---|---|
| Assemble unbaked enchiladas, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. | Store baked enchiladas in an airtight container for 3-4 days. | Reheat frozen enchiladas at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, covered, then 5 minutes uncovered. Reheat refrigerated enchiladas at 325°F for 20-30 minutes. |
Follow these guidelines to enjoy your beef enchiladas long after the first meal. Whether freezing for later or reheating leftovers, these tips ensure delicious Mexican dishes whenever you want.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Make your beef enchiladas even better with tasty toppings and sides. Start by adding fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and sliced jalapeños. These add a burst of color and flavor. Don’t forget to serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch.
For a creamy twist, top the enchiladas with sour cream or Greek yogurt. Avocado and diced tomatoes are great too, adding flavor and texture. Serve with Mexican rice and refried beans for a full meal.
Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. This makes them easier to slice and keeps them intact. Let everyone add their favorite toppings for a unique dining experience.
| Topping | Description |
|---|---|
| Cilantro | Fresh cilantro adds a vibrant, herbal note to the enchiladas. |
| Red Onion | Diced red onion provides a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast. |
| Jalapeños | Sliced jalapeños offer a spicy kick and complement the rich flavors. |
| Lime Wedges | Squeezing fresh lime juice over the enchiladas brightens the dish. |
| Sour Cream | Cool, creamy sour cream balances the heat and richness of the enchiladas. |
| Avocado | Sliced avocado adds a buttery texture and fresh flavor. |
| Tomatoes | Diced tomatoes provide a juicy, acidic contrast to the enchiladas. |
Adding Mexican rice and refried beans makes the meal even better. It turns your dinner into a complete Mexican feast.
Conclusion
This easy beef enchilada recipe is a tasty and flexible Mexican dish perfect for family dinners or big gatherings. It has homemade enchilada sauce, flavorful beef, and a cheesy topping. It’s sure to be a hit in your home.
It’s great for a cozy night or when you need to feed many people. The mix of bold flavors and simple ingredients makes it comforting. It’s a way to enjoy the rich history and culture of enchiladas.
It’s quick to prepare in just 30 minutes and can be customized to your taste. You can freeze, reheat, and serve it with sides. This recipe brings the flavors of Mexico right to your table, making it a must-try.