Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Easy and Flavorful Homemade Meal
Beef Enchiladas are a perfect combination of bold flavors and simplicity, making them an excellent dish to enjoy with family. With seasoned ground beef, black beans, cheese, and a flavorful sauce, this recipe is bound to be a hit at any dinner table.
Homemade enchilada sauce elevates this dish to restaurant quality. Let’s explore how to make this mouthwatering enchilada recipe step by step.
What Are Beef Enchiladas?
Beef enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish featuring tortillas stuffed with ground beef, beans, and cheese, then smothered in a zesty enchilada sauce.
It’s a comfort food you’ll want to make repeatedly, and the best part is, it’s quite easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas
To make beef enchiladas at home, you’ll need:
For the Beef Sauce:
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, chili powder
- 2 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Salt to taste
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 10 oz. enchilada sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles, undrained
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 10 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Beef Enchiladas
1. Prepare the Ground Beef Filling
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by seasoning the ground beef with salt. Cook it in a wide skillet over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes, breaking apart the meat as it cooks. Once done, drain the grease.
Next, add enchilada sauce, garlic, and the sauce ingredients (beef broth, lime juice, hot sauce, honey, spices) to the beef. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Allow it to thicken for a minute, then reduce the heat and let it cook for another minute. Finally, add the black beans, green chiles, and cilantro. Mix and heat for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas
To make the beef enchiladas, lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread 3-4 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the bottom. This layer should be thin.
Optional: Microwave the tortillas for 30 seconds to make them more pliable and easier to roll. Spoon ½ cup of the ground beef filling onto each tortilla, followed by a heaping tablespoon of cheese. Roll them tightly and place them seam-side down in the casserole dish.
3. Add Sauce and Bake
Pour up to ¾ cup of enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top.
Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for an additional 13 minutes. For an extra golden-brown top, broil on low (450°F) for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely during this time to avoid burning.
4. Garnish and Serve
Garnish your beef enchiladas with cilantro and any of your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Beef Enchiladas
- Tortillas: I prefer using 8-inch flour tortillas as they’re easy to roll and hold their shape. If you like corn tortillas, feel free to substitute them, but microwave them before rolling to make them more pliable.
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce: You can make your own enchilada sauce or use a store-bought one for convenience. Homemade sauce tends to taste fresher and richer in flavor. Here’s a helpful homemade enchilada sauce recipe.
- Cheese: Shredding cheese from a block melts better than pre-shredded cheese. I recommend using Monterey Jack or Cheddar for the best flavor and texture. You can also mix in Mexican blend cheese if desired.
- Toppings: Avocado, salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream make excellent toppings. You can also add pico de gallo or fresh guacamole to elevate the flavor even more.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can store leftover beef enchiladas in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, they will last up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them covered at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
For making ahead, assemble the enchiladas as instructed but don’t add the sauce or cheese. Refrigerate them for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to bake, add the sauce, cheese, and bake for 15 minutes covered, followed by 13 minutes uncovered. You can also broil for an extra 2 minutes to get that perfect golden finish.
Add Your Favorite Toppings
Adding toppings to your beef enchiladas is where you can get creative. Here are some topping ideas:
- Avocado or Guacamole: Adds a creamy texture.
- Salsa: Provides a fresh, zesty kick.
- Jalapenos: Adds spice for those who love heat.
- Sour Cream: Balances the richness of the dish.
- Diced Tomatoes: Brings a fresh burst of flavor.
- Pico de Gallo: A great mix of tomato, onion, and cilantro.
Variations of Beef Enchiladas
- Cheesy Beef Enchiladas: Add extra cheese inside and on top for a super cheesy dish.
- Beef and Bean Enchiladas: Add pinto beans or refried beans to the filling for added texture.
- Spicy Beef Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the filling to kick up the heat.
Nutrition Information
Each beef enchilada provides approximately 313 calories, with 29g of carbohydrates, 24g of protein, and 11g of fat. It’s a balanced meal full of protein and fiber, thanks to the black beans and beef.
For those tracking their nutrients, this dish also provides 459mg of calcium and 401mg of potassium, essential for maintaining strong bones and muscle function.
FAQs about Beef Enchiladas
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for beef enchiladas?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas add a traditional flavor to the dish. Just warm them up before rolling to avoid cracking.
Can I make beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the enchiladas, refrigerate them for up to 2 days, and bake them when ready. Add the sauce and cheese just before baking.
What toppings go well with beef enchiladas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!
Can I freeze beef enchiladas?
Yes! Beef enchiladas freeze well for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container. You can bake them directly from frozen by adding extra bake time.
What type of cheese works best for enchiladas?
Monterey Jack and Cheddar are excellent choices. They melt well and have a great flavor. Shred the cheese fresh from the block for the best results.
Conclusion
Beef enchiladas are not only delicious but also simple to make. With the right ingredients and preparation tips, you can create a meal that rivals restaurant quality.
Whether you serve these enchiladas at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, they’re sure to impress. Make them your own with the toppings and variations you love most!
References:
- Serious Eats: Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- AllRecipes: Homemade Beef Enchiladas
- The Kitchn: How to Make Beef Enchiladas