If you are craving that rich, comforting taste of homemade Mexican cuisine, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, bathed in a vibrant red enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheddar cheese create a harmonious dish that satisfies all your flavor and texture desires. This recipe is straightforward, approachable, and packs a punch of authentic, cheesy goodness every time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. The blend of spices, fresh vegetables, and quality cheese ensures that every bite tastes vibrant and homemade.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that soaks up all the spices and sauce beautifully.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften onions for a flavorful start.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings a natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that classic Mexican savory kick.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness that comforts the palate.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Brings mild heat and complex flavor layers.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the dish.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds just the right touch of sharpness.
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles: Offers a mild, tangy zing that cuts through the richness.
- 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce: The star sauce that delivers memorable, saucy deliciousness.
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch): Soft wraps that hold all the tasty fillings snugly.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend): Gooey, melty goodness that crowns the enchiladas.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds fresh herbal brightness to finish.
- Sour cream and sliced jalapeños (optional for serving): For creamy contrast and extra heat if desired.
How to Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. This softens the onions so they gently sweeten the mix. Next, add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart for even cooking. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the filling balanced. Then stir in the minced garlic along with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, letting the spices toast for a minute to really awaken their flavor. Finally, mix in the diced green chiles and a splash of enchilada sauce for moisture and tang.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so you can smoothly transition to baking. In your 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half a cup of the enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom—this prevents sticking and infuses flavor from beneath. Take each flour tortilla and spoon a generous scoop of the beef mixture, topping it with a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll them tightly and arrange all the enchiladas seam side down in the baking dish like cozy little bundles.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Once your enchiladas are nestled in the dish, pour the remaining red enchilada sauce on top, making sure every corner is covered in that vibrant sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese evenly over everything to create a golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture while baking for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and lightly brown — signaling that this comforting dish is ready to be devoured.
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring your Beef Enchiladas Recipe to life with color and contrast. A scattering of chopped cilantro adds herbal brightness, while dollops of creamy sour cream calm the spice and add a luscious texture. A few sliced jalapeños on the side can be a fantastic option for anyone wanting a fiery kick.
Side Dishes
To make your meal more complete, consider pairing enchiladas with simple sides like Mexican rice or refried beans—both soak up the sauce and complement the richness perfectly. A crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing can also provide a refreshing counterbalance to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, plate beef enchiladas on colorful Mexican pottery or vibrant plates. You can also top each serving with avocado slices or a sprinkle of queso fresco for added texture and freshness. For a fun twist, try stacking two enchiladas and layering extra sauce between them to create an enchilada “tower.”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover beef enchiladas keep well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. This makes packing lunches or preparing easy dinners a snap, with flavors that almost taste even better after melding overnight.
Freezing
This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is freezer-friendly before baking. Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen—just add extra baking time so they heat through evenly.
Reheating
When reheating, cover your enchiladas with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until thoroughly heated. Microwaving works for a quick fix but can make the tortillas a little chewy, so oven reheating is ideal if you have the time.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for this Beef Enchiladas Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas provide a more traditional flavor and are naturally gluten-free. Just warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking while rolling.
How spicy is this dish, and can I make it milder?
This recipe has a mild to medium spice level, thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. To make it milder, reduce or omit the chili powder and avoid adding jalapeños when serving.
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives, and you could also experiment with shredded beef or even plant-based meat substitutes for different dietary needs.
What kind of cheese is best for enchiladas?
A good melting cheese is key. Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend with Monterey Jack, as used here, provide creaminess and flavor. Queso fresco is great for topping but doesn’t melt as well inside.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time to bake later?
Definitely. Prepare and assemble the enchiladas, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes dinner prep easy on busy days or entertaining occasions.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a plate of warm, cheesy beef enchiladas fresh from the oven—a dish that brings both homely satisfaction and a burst of Mexican flavors. This Beef Enchiladas Recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, and it’s flexible enough to suit your taste and kitchen style. I encourage you to dive in, gather those simple ingredients, and enjoy crafting this delicious classic that’s sure to become a cherished favorite for anyone you share it with!
Print
Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 enchiladas
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and comforting Beef Enchiladas made with seasoned ground beef, topped with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfectly baked to create a cheesy, flavorful Mexican main course that is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
- 1/4 cup enchilada sauce
Enchiladas
- 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce
- 8 flour tortillas, 8-inch
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the enchiladas.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Brown Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the filling from being greasy.
- Season Meat: Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Chiles and Sauce: Mix in the diced green chiles and 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce to combine flavors. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Place a generous scoop of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and position them seam side down in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce uniformly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a rich, bubbly finish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with some golden spots.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and optionally garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream and sliced jalapeños as desired for added creaminess and heat.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a traditional flavor and gluten-free option.
- For spicier enchiladas, add chipotle peppers or use a hot enchilada sauce.
- These enchiladas can be assembled and frozen before baking for easy meal prepping.
