Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This recipe combines seasoned ground beef rolled in soft corn tortillas, smothered with rich enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of spices and cheese creates a deliciously rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: You can customize the filling with additional ingredients like beans or vegetables for added nutrition.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this comforting Mexican classic.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Ground Beef Enchiladas, ensure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Separate skillet
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cooking spoon
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing excess fat to drain away.
- Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish holds all your enchiladas perfectly, ensuring even cooking in the oven.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
For Assembly
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season it with salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned and fully cooked for about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
While the beef cooks, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Lightly warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. This helps prevent tearing when you roll them.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set aside your baking dish. To assemble your enchiladas:
1. Take a warm tortilla.
2. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the center.
3. Add some diced onions and a sprinkle of cheese.
4. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
5. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all enchiladas are assembled in the baking dish, pour enchilada sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top to ensure all enchiladas are covered.
Step 5: Bake
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream if desired. Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Enchiladas!
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Serving ground beef enchiladas can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance the flavors and presentation of this delicious dish.
Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
- Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges to add a zesty kick when squeezed over the enchiladas.
Pair with Creamy Sides
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on each enchilada brings a creamy texture that complements the spices.
- Guacamole: Rich and creamy guacamole serves as a delightful dip alongside your enchiladas.
Add Some Crunch
- Tortilla Chips: Serve crunchy tortilla chips on the side for added texture and a fun way to scoop up any extra sauce.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: This refreshing salad adds crunch and sweetness, balancing the savory enchiladas beautifully.
How to Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas
Perfecting ground beef enchiladas can take your dish from good to great. Follow these tips to ensure your enchiladas are flavorful and enjoyable.
- Seasoning: Use enough chili powder and cumin to ensure that the beef is well-seasoned, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Pliable Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas before filling them to prevent tearing during assembly.
- Layered Cheese: For a gooey texture, layer cheese both inside the tortillas and on top before baking.
- Homemade Sauce: Consider making your own enchilada sauce for a fresher taste compared to store-bought options.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them once the cheese is bubbly and golden for optimal texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the baked enchiladas sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set up nicely.
Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Enchiladas
Pairing side dishes with ground beef enchiladas can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options that complement this Mexican classic.
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish cooked with tomato, spices, and veggies makes a great companion.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and balance out the spiciness of the enchiladas.
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness to your plate.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn sprinkled with chili powder offers a sweet crunch alongside the savory enchiladas.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw can refresh your palate while adding a nice crunch to your meal.
- Chips & Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make for an irresistible starter or side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making ground beef enchiladas can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to avoid.
- Not seasoning the beef properly: Failing to season the ground beef can lead to bland enchiladas. Always use salt, pepper, and spices for flavor enhancement.
- Skipping tortilla preparation: Using cold tortillas can cause them to break when rolled. Warm them in a skillet first to make them pliable.
- Overfilling the tortillas: Stuffing too much filling in each tortilla makes rolling difficult. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling for best results.
- Using the wrong type of cheese: Not all cheeses melt well. Opt for cheddar or a Mexican blend for creamy texture and flavor.
- Neglecting oven time: Baking enchiladas for too long can dry them out. Keep an eye on them and remove as soon as the cheese is bubbly.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover ground beef enchiladas in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Freeze enchiladas before baking for best results.
- Use freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
- They can be kept frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and warm until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare ground beef enchiladas a day in advance. Assemble them without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight.
What toppings go well with Ground Beef Enchiladas?
Common toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Customize based on your preferences!
How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?
You can make sauce by blending tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and cumin. Simmer until thickened for a delicious homemade option.
Are Ground Beef Enchiladas suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked enchiladas and bake them later for a quick meal.
Can I use other fillings instead of ground beef?
Certainly! Feel free to substitute with shredded chicken, beans, or vegetables for different flavors.
Final Thoughts
Ground beef enchiladas are not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. This recipe allows you to customize flavors and ingredients easily. Give it a try and enjoy a cozy meal that everyone will love!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (2 enchiladas each) 1x
Description
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful dish that brings the spirit of Mexican cuisine right to your table. This easy-to-follow recipe features seasoned ground beef rolled in soft corn tortillas, topped with rich enchilada sauce, and finished with melted cheese for a deliciously satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these enchiladas are customizable with your favorite ingredients, making them a hit with everyone. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, garnished with cilantro and served alongside sour cream or guacamole for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin for about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Warm each tortilla in a separate skillet until pliable.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Fill each tortilla with 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture, some onions, and cheese; roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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