Beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing dish that blends bold, savory flavors with cheesy, comforting textures. This recipe offers a perfect balance of spiced ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, these enchiladas are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Breakdown
To start, you’ll need 500 grams of ground beef, a staple for creating a flavorful, protein-packed filling. Sauté one diced onion and two minced garlic cloves in two tablespoons of olive oil until fragrant. The beef is then seasoned with a combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, adding depth and warmth. For a touch of moisture and tang, mix in half a cup of enchilada sauce with the beef.
You’ll also need eight flour tortillas to wrap the filling, ensuring the dish’s soft and satisfying texture. For the cheesy topping, combine one cup of shredded cheddar cheese and half a cup of shredded mozzarella. These cheeses melt beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly crust that’s hard to resist. Finally, fresh cilantro serves as a vibrant garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned and fully cooked. Season the beef with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well. Pour in half a cup of enchilada sauce, ensuring the beef mixture is moist and flavorful.
Lay each tortilla flat and spoon a portion of the beef mixture into the center. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Once all tortillas are filled and arranged, pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses generously, covering the tortillas. Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. The result is a dish that’s rich, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
For an extra smoky flavor, consider roasting your own chilies and blending them into the enchilada sauce. If you prefer a bit of crunch, lightly pan-fry the tortillas before filling them; this helps prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also customize the heat level by adjusting the chili powder or adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these enchiladas hot, accompanied by classic sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. For a refreshing contrast, pair them with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole. If you’re hosting a dinner party, add a pitcher of margaritas or a non-alcoholic agua fresca for a festive touch.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quicker option. These enchiladas also freeze well; wrap them tightly in aluminum foil before freezing and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQ
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best substitute for ground beef? Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat can be used as substitutes without compromising flavor.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free? Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
Beef enchiladas are a timeless dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is versatile, satisfying, and sure to become a staple in your household. Serve them hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy a taste of Mexican comfort at home.
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Classic Beef Enchiladas Recipe: A Hearty Mexican-Inspired Delight
Description
Rich, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors, these beef enchiladas are a perfect blend of spices and comfort.
Ingredients
• 500g ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2️⃣ Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1/2 cup enchilada sauce.
3️⃣ Fill tortillas with beef mixture, roll, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
4️⃣ Pour remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas and sprinkle cheeses on top.
5️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Enjoy this hearty, flavorful meal!