Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Looking for a comforting, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish? This Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe is the perfect solution! Loaded with savory ground beef, melty cheese, and wrapped in soft tortillas, these enchiladas are smothered in a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Follow along as we guide you through each step, offering tips and tricks to ensure your enchiladas turn out perfect every time. Stick with us and discover how to create this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish!

What Are Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish consisting of soft tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with enchilada sauce, and baked until bubbly and delicious. Typically, these enchiladas are filled with a mixture of ground beef, onions, garlic, and spices, then rolled up and placed in a baking dish. They’re topped with enchilada sauce—usually red or green—and a generous amount of cheese before being baked to perfection. This dish is often served with sides like rice, beans, or a fresh salad, making it a complete and satisfying meal. With its savory filling and cheesy, saucy topping, Ground Beef Enchiladas are the epitome of comfort food with a Mexican twist.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Before getting started, it’s essential to have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas:

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (preferably 85% lean for the best flavor and texture).
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Enchilada Sauce: 2 cups of red enchilada sauce (homemade or store-bought).
• Tomato Sauce: ½ cup of tomato sauce (optional for a richer sauce).
• Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend).
• Tortillas: 8-10 flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size).
• Green Chilies: 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chilies (optional, for added flavor).
• Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
  • ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika.
  • ½ teaspoon of oregano.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or any preferred cooking oil).
• Fresh Cilantro: ¼ cup of chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish).

Substitutions and Variations

This Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe is versatile, and there are plenty of ways to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Ground Beef: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like ground soy crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Tortillas: While flour tortillas are commonly used, corn tortillas are more traditional and gluten-free. You can also use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas to suit your preferences.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Pepper Jack adds a bit of spice, while queso fresco or crumbled cotija cheese provides a more authentic Mexican flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce: If you prefer a milder dish, use green enchilada sauce instead of red. For a smoky twist, try a chipotle-infused sauce.
• Additional Fillings: Add beans, corn, or sautéed vegetables to the filling for extra texture and nutrition. Black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed bell peppers are great additions.
• Spices: Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating these delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas is simple with these detailed instructions. Follow along to make sure each step is executed perfectly.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. Measure out all the spices and have your enchilada sauce and cheese ready to go. If you’re using canned green chilies, open and drain them.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the green chilies if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
6. Assemble the Enchiladas: To assemble, place a tortilla flat on a plate. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the ground beef mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with a little cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
7. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the enchiladas.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with 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 melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

How to Cook Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Ground Beef Enchiladas involves a few key steps to ensure everything comes together perfectly. Here’s a closer look at each step:

• Step 1: Prepping: Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking is crucial. This includes chopping, measuring, and organizing everything so that the cooking process is smooth and efficient.
• Step 2: Browning the Beef: Browning the ground beef properly is essential for flavor. Make sure the beef is cooked through and well-seasoned before adding it to the tortillas.
• Step 3: Assembling the Enchiladas: Rolling the enchiladas tightly ensures they stay together during baking. Don’t overfill the tortillas, as this can cause them to tear.
• Step 4: Baking: Baking the enchiladas covered first allows them to heat through without drying out. Removing the foil at the end gives the cheese a chance to melt and brown slightly, adding to the dish’s visual and textural appeal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overfilling the Tortillas: Too much filling can cause the tortillas to break or the enchiladas to be difficult to roll. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
• Skipping the Sauce on the Bottom: Spreading sauce on the bottom of the baking dish helps to prevent the enchiladas from sticking and adds extra flavor.
• Not Draining Excess Fat: If your ground beef has a high fat content, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning. This prevents the filling from becoming too greasy.
• Overcooking the Enchiladas: Overbaking can cause the tortillas to become tough and the cheese to harden. Keep an eye on them during the final baking stage.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving and presenting your Ground Beef Enchiladas beautifully can enhance the dining experience. Here are some tips:

• Serve with Classic Sides: Ground Beef Enchiladas pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Guacamole, sour cream, and salsa also make great accompaniments.
• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado can add a fresh, vibrant touch to your enchiladas. Lime wedges on the side can be squeezed over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
• Serve Family-Style: Present the enchiladas in the baking dish, allowing everyone to serve themselves. This adds a casual, communal feel to the meal.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

When serving Ground Beef Enchiladas, consider the following ideas to make the meal more enjoyable:

• On Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate the enchiladas individually, adding a dollop of sour cream and a side of rice and beans.
• In a Bowl: For a cozy, comforting meal, serve the enchiladas in a shallow bowl with a side of guacamole and a squeeze of lime.
• Taco Bar Style: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings and sides laid out so everyone can customize their enchiladas to their liking.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Enchiladas

A well-presented dish not only looks appealing but can also enhance the dining experience. Here are some presentation ideas:

• Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: Serving the enchiladas in a cast-iron skillet adds a rustic, hearty look to the dish. Plus, it helps keep the enchiladas warm longer.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Colorful Sides: Serving with colorful sides like bright yellow corn, green guacamole, or red salsa adds visual contrast and makes the meal more enticing.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Ground Beef Enchiladas turn out perfectly every time:

• Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas before filling them makes them more pliable and easier to roll. You can warm them in a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic, chopped onions, and freshly grated cheese will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Double the Recipe: These enchiladas freeze well, so consider doubling the recipe and freezing half for a quick meal later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Cover them with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.
• How do I store leftovers?
  • Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Can I freeze these enchiladas?
  • Absolutely! Freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
• What can I serve with these enchiladas?
  • Serve these enchiladas with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad. Toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa are also great accompaniments.
• How can I make the enchiladas spicier?
  • For a spicier dish, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the filling. You can also use a spicier enchilada sauce.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a classic, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their savory beef filling, rich enchilada sauce, and cheesy topping, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, this recipe is both satisfying and crowd-pleasing. By following the steps and tips provided, you’ll be able to create a delicious, homemade version of this Mexican classic. Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations and make the recipe your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your Ground Beef Enchiladas!

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