Best Beef Enchilada Recipe: Easy Mexican Dish

Ever wondered how to make beef enchiladas like they do in restaurants? This easy Mexican dish brings authentic flavors to your dinner table. With a 4.98 out of 5 star rating from 284 votes, our best beef enchilada recipe is a hit. It’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests, offering a delicious blend of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce.

This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for larger gatherings or meal prep. Using 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef, you’ll create a hearty filling that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The flexibility of this dish allows for customization, whether you prefer traditional ingredients or want to explore healthier options like organic beef or plant-based alternatives.

Ready in just 45 minutes, these beef enchiladas are a time-saving solution for busy weeknights. The combination of a 10-minute prep time and 35-minute cook time ensures you’ll have a delicious Mexican meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Key Takeaways

• High-rated recipe with 4.98 stars from 284 votes
• Serves 8, perfect for family dinners or entertaining
• Uses 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef for a hearty filling
• Customizable with options for healthier ingredients
• Quick 45-minute total cooking time
• Flexible for make-ahead and freezer meal planning
• Rich in protein and fiber, with 45.6g protein and 13.4g fiber per serving

Introduction to Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are a delicious staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. They are savory rolls filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce. Wrapped in soft tortillas, they are a crowd-pleaser.

What are beef enchiladas?

Beef enchiladas are made with seasoned ground beef inside corn or flour tortillas. They are rolled up and covered in a flavorful chili sauce. Then, they are topped with cheese and baked until bubbly. This recipe makes 10 enchiladas, each with 24g of protein and 313 calories.

Origin and cultural significance

Enchiladas have been a staple in Mexico for centuries. As Mexican cuisine spread north, it mixed with Texan flavors, creating Tex-Mex cuisine. Now, beef enchiladas are loved across the U.S., showing the tasty blend of two culinary traditions.

Why this recipe stands out

This beef enchilada recipe is known for its great mix of flavors and textures. It uses lean ground beef for a healthier option. The homemade enchilada sauce adds authenticity, and the cheeses make it irresistibly melty.

This recipe is quick, ready in just 32 minutes and serves 4. It’s perfect for busy nights or casual get-togethers. The mix of spices, tender beef, and gooey cheese makes these enchiladas a must-have Tex-Mex dish.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Beef Enchiladas

Creating the perfect enchilada filling begins with choosing top-notch ingredients. We’ll use 1 pound of 90% lean ground beef for our recipe. This choice ensures a tasty filling without the excess grease.

The sauce is what makes enchiladas truly special. Our recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of homemade enchilada sauce, spread out over the cooking steps. This sauce is a mix of tomato sauce, chicken broth, and spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

We suggest using 8 large flour tortillas for the dish. While corn tortillas are classic, flour tortillas are better for rolling and staying intact with the sauce. Choosing the right cheese is also key. We use 2 cups of Mexican-blend cheese, split between the filling and the top.

Adding minced garlic, chopped onions, and a bit of sugar also boosts the flavor. The secret to amazing beef enchiladas is in the quality and mix of these key ingredients.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Enchilada Sauce

The heart of any great enchilada dish is its sauce. Making your own enchilada sauce takes your meal from good to unforgettable. Let’s explore how to make this sauce that will delight your taste buds.

Key Spices and Herbs

Creating a rich homemade enchilada sauce starts with aromatic spices. Chili powder, cumin, and oregano are key. These spices blend to create a spicy and earthy flavor.

Cooking Techniques for Depth of Flavor

Begin by making a roux with flour and oil. This thickens the sauce and adds a nutty taste. Simmer the spices in this roux to release their oils.

Next, add chicken broth and tomato sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking blends the flavors perfectly.

Store-Bought Alternatives

While homemade sauce is best, store-bought can be a quick fix. Choose brands with natural ingredients and no preservatives. You can improve store-bought sauce with fresh garlic or a bit of cumin.

Whether you go homemade or store-bought, the right enchilada sauce can change your dish. Try different spices and ratios to find your ideal mix.

Preparing the Flavorful Beef Filling

The key to a great beef enchilada recipe is its filling. This filling mixes savory ground beef with spices for a delicious taste. Begin by cooking onions and garlic until they smell great. Then, cook 1 lb of lean ground beef with less than 15% fat for the best flavor.

While cooking the beef, add cumin to give it a warm, earthy flavor. For more depth, add refried beans, black beans, and green chiles. Season with salt and pepper to make sure the flavors are balanced.

This recipe makes enough filling for 8 flour tortillas, serving 6 people. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. You’ll also need 4 cups of red enchilada sauce for the dish.

To finish, top your enchiladas with 8 oz of shredded Monterey Jack cheese before baking. This makes a tasty Mexican dish that your family will love. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days, great for quick dinners.

Choosing the Right Tortillas: Corn vs. Flour

Choosing the right tortilla for your enchiladas is key. Let’s look at corn and flour tortillas.

Traditional Corn Tortillas

Corn tortillas are the go-to for real enchiladas. They’re a whole-grain, gluten-free choice that’s high in fiber and low in carbs. These tortillas are great at holding fillings and making crispy shells. To prepare them for enchiladas, fry each one for 10 seconds on each side. This helps prevent tears and keeps the sauce from soaking in too much.

Flour Tortillas for Easier Rolling

Flour tortillas are versatile and easy to work with. They’re soft, flexible, and less likely to tear when rolled. Perfect for burritos and quesadillas, they can handle big fillings without breaking. They also work well in fusion dishes, letting you mix in new flavors.

Preparing Tortillas for Enchiladas

To get corn tortillas ready, fry them briefly and then dip them in enchilada sauce. This makes sure the sauce spreads evenly and keeps them from getting soggy. For flour tortillas, warm them up a bit to make them more pliable. Don’t overfill your enchiladas with more than 2-3 tablespoons of filling to avoid tears. Whether you pick corn or flour, your enchiladas will be tasty with proper prep.

Best Beef Enchilada Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Want an easy enchilada dinner? This recipe makes 10 servings and takes about an hour to prepare and cook. It has a 5-star rating, making it perfect for family gatherings.

Begin by heating 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with 3 minced garlic cloves. Then, add 19 ounces of red enchilada sauce, a can of black beans, and 1 cup of corn.

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Warm 10 medium-large flour tortillas so they’re easy to roll. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on each tortilla, add shredded cheese, and roll them up tightly.

Put the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over them and sprinkle with more cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve your enchiladas with sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped onions, and cilantro. This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

Cheese Selection for Ultimate Melty Goodness

Picking the right cheese is key to making great cheesy enchiladas. The right mix can make your dish a hit. Let’s look at some top choices for that gooey, melty texture.

Traditional Mexican Cheeses

Using authentic Mexican cheeses brings tradition to your enchiladas. Oaxaca cheese has a string-like texture that melts well. Chihuahua cheese is mild and creamy, perfect with beef.

Popular American Alternatives

If you can’t find Mexican cheeses, don’t worry! Monterey Jack melts smoothly and adds a bit of tang. Sharp cheddar brings a bold taste. Pre-shredded Mexican blends are also a convenient option.

Blending Cheeses for Optimal Flavor

For the best taste, mix different cheeses. Try sharp cheddar with creamy Monterey Jack. Or blend Pepper Jack with a Mexican cheese mix for spice. Adding cream cheese to your filling makes enchiladas extra cheesy and rich.

Remember, the secret to perfect cheesy enchiladas is using plenty of cheese inside and on top. Don’t be shy! For a quick meal, consider making chicken burritos with your favorite cheese blend.

Assembling and Rolling Techniques for Perfect Enchiladas

Creating the perfect enchilada casserole begins with assembling it right. Make sure you have everything you need in one spot. This helps keep your ingredients at the right temperature.

Start by warming your tortillas. This makes them soft and prevents them from breaking. Then, dip each tortilla in warm enchilada sauce on both sides. This adds flavor and keeps the tortillas moist.

Next, put a good amount of beef filling down the middle of each tortilla. Add some cheese on top, like a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. This combo tastes great and melts well. Roll the tortilla up tightly, tucking in the sides.

Put each rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish. This keeps them from opening up in the oven. Lay them out in a single layer for even cooking. Cover them with the rest of the sauce to keep them moist.

If you’re in a hurry, you can make your enchilada casserole ahead of time. You can put it together in the morning and bake it at night, or freeze it for later. Just remember to adjust the baking time if it’s cold or frozen.

Follow these steps, and your enchilada casserole will look and taste amazing. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect the first time. With practice, you’ll get it right, and everyone will love it.

Baking Tips for Crispy-Edged, Saucy Enchiladas

Perfecting baked enchiladas takes careful attention. The right oven temperature and baking method are key. They help achieve crispy edges and a saucy center.

Optimal Oven Temperature

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature cooks the enchiladas evenly. It prevents the tortillas from burning or the filling from drying out.

Covered vs. Uncovered Baking

Bake your enchiladas covered for about 20 minutes first. This step makes sure the filling gets hot and the tortillas soak up sauce. Then, remove the cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes. This crisps up the edges.

Achieving the Perfect Cheese Melt

For a great cheese melt, add extra cheese on top for the last 5 minutes of baking. If you want extra crispy edges, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end. But be careful not to burn them.

These baking tips apply to both traditional and casserole-style enchiladas. Just adjust the time for bigger batches to cook evenly.

Enhancing Your Enchiladas with Toppings and Garnishes

Make your beef enchiladas even better with tasty toppings. These extras boost the look and add new flavors and textures. Let’s check out some top picks to elevate your enchiladas.

Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous taste. Sliced avocado brings a creamy contrast. Diced red onion offers a sharp crunch, and sliced radishes add a peppery bite.

If you like heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños are great. Sour cream or Mexican crema balances the spiciness. And, extra cheese makes it irresistibly melty.

You can customize your enchilada toppings. Choose based on what you like or your diet needs. For a healthier choice, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

If you’re hosting, set up a toppings bar. Let everyone make their own enchiladas.

Sides to Complement Your Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are a key part of Mexican food. Adding the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Let’s look at some tasty options that will make your enchilada dinner stand out.

Traditional Mexican Side Dishes

Classic Mexican sides are essential with enchiladas. Rice and beans are top choices. For rice, try a green rice with Romaine lettuce, cilantro, and tomatillos. Homemade refried beans are also great, offering a creamy texture that goes well with the enchiladas.

Quick and Easy Accompaniments

For a quick side, make a refreshing cabbage slaw. Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, and cilantro with a dressing of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and cumin. This slaw adds a nice crunch to the rich enchiladas.

Balancing Flavors and Textures

Balance your meal with lighter options like a vibrant salad. Use charred corn, avocado, and Cotija cheese for a mix of smoky, creamy, and salty tastes. Add lime juice for extra brightness. For a cool touch, serve chilled gazpacho with your warm enchiladas.

The aim is to create a full Mexican food experience. Pick and choose these sides to go with your beef enchiladas and impress your guests!

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Beef enchiladas are great for meals you prepare ahead of time and for freezing. You can put these tasty dishes together up to 48 hours early and keep them in the fridge before baking. If you want to store them for longer, freeze the enchiladas without sauce for up to three months. This way, you always have a tasty meal ready to eat.

When making enchiladas ahead, think about making more. Enjoy one batch right away and freeze the rest for later. To avoid sogginess, lightly fry the tortillas in oil before putting them together. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or bake them straight from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.

These enchiladas are perfect for busy lives because they’re freezer-friendly. Each serving has about 464 calories, 33g carbs, 31g protein, and 23g fat. For a quick and healthy option, try a chicken bowl recipe. Remember to eat refrigerated leftovers within 4-5 days and reheat them for 15-20 minutes at 350°F to keep them tasty and safe.