Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe: Quick & Delicious Dinner

Ever wondered how to make a delicious Mexican feast in under an hour? Our easy beef enchilada recipe is the perfect solution. It has a 4.8 rating from 78 reviews and has gotten 203 comments from happy cooks.

Ground beef enchiladas mix comfort with flavor, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a rich sauce. This quick and easy recipe turns simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Your family will ask for more.

Mexican beef enchiladas are not only tasty but also flexible. They can satisfy everyone, from picky eaters to food lovers. With just 15 minutes to prepare and 45 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a hot, cheesy dinner ready fast.

Our recipe uses lean ground beef, but you can choose ground turkey for a lighter version. The enchilada sauce is key, so use 19 ounces of a mild red kind. And don’t forget the 4.5-ounce can of chopped green chiles for that real Mexican flavor!

Key Takeaways

• 4.8 average rating from 78 reviews
• Only 15 minutes of prep time required
• Customizable with various protein options
• Uses 19 ounces of red enchilada sauce for flavor
• Can be made ahead and frozen for future meals
• Serves 8, with 2 enchiladas per serving
• Each serving contains 470 calories and 27g of protein

Introduction to Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are a tasty Tex-Mex dish. They mix savory ground beef, soft tortillas, and rich enchilada sauce. This recipe makes 10 flavorful enchiladas, great for a big family meal. You’ll need lean ground beef, black beans, green chiles, and spices.

The enchilada sauce is key, made with beef broth, lime juice, and spices like cumin and chili powder. For a quick choice, use Las Palmas mild enchilada sauce. This dish is ready in under an hour, perfect for busy nights.

Each enchilada is packed with 313 calories, 24g of protein, and 5g of fiber. You can make it your own by using ground turkey or chicken, plant-based cheese, or adding veggies like bell peppers.

“Beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of a casserole with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine.”

To make them, fill each tortilla with beef mixture and cheese. Roll them up and put them in a baking dish seam-side down. Cover with enchilada sauce and more cheese, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. You’ll get a delicious, family-friendly meal that everyone will love.

Why This Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe Is a Family Favorite

This easy beef enchilada recipe is a top choice for many families in America. It’s loved for its great taste and easy making. Let’s see why it’s a favorite among parents and kids.

Kid-Friendly Meal

Kids adore this recipe because it’s yummy but not too hot. The mild green chiles add flavor without being too spicy. Parents can adjust the heat to fit their family’s taste, making it a meal everyone can enjoy.

Quick Preparation Time

Time is valuable today. This beef enchilada casserole is ideal for busy evenings. It takes only 25 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll have a tasty meal ready in under an hour, saving time without losing flavor or quality.

Versatile Dinner Option

This recipe is super flexible. You can change the meat, use different cheeses, or add toppings for new tastes. With 2 pounds of ground beef, 1 ¼ cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, and 2 ½ cups of enchilada sauce, you can try many variations. It’s a recipe that adapts to various tastes and dietary needs, making it a family favorite.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Beef Enchiladas

Creating delicious beef enchiladas begins with the right ingredients. The key is the savory enchilada filling. It mixes lean ground beef with spices and vegetables.

• 16 ounces lean ground beef
• 1½ cups finely diced onion
• 4-ounce can of diced green chiles
• 2½ cups enchilada sauce
• 12 taco-size corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar-jack cheese

For extra flavor and nutrition, add 1½ cups of finely diced zucchini to the filling. This adds a fresh touch to the dish.

For the best beef enchiladas, use lean ground beef to avoid greasiness. Pick a strong enchilada sauce that enhances the beef without taking over.

With these key ingredients, you’re set to make a meal everyone will love. In 35 minutes, you can prepare 6 servings. Each serving is 456 calories of delicious comfort food.

Step-by-Step Guide: Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

Making a delicious beef enchilada is easy and quick. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. Let’s go through the steps to make this tasty dish.

Preparing the Beef Filling

Begin by cooking 1 pound of 90% lean ground beef in a skillet. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic for flavor. Once browned, drain any excess grease.

Mix in 2 1/2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder. Then, pour in 1/4 cup of water and 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce. This mix makes a rich and tasty enchilada filling.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Take 10 corn tortillas and fill each with the beef mixture and some Mexican blend cheese. Roll them tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese. This makes sure your enchiladas are saucy and cheesy, just like the popular chicken quesadillas everyone loves.

Baking and Serving

Bake your enchiladas for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

This easy beef enchilada recipe serves 4 people. Each serving has about 693 calories. Serve with Mexican rice for a complete meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. It’s a great option for meal prep.

Choosing the Right Enchilada Sauce

The enchilada sauce recipe is key to great red sauce enchiladas. It has a 4.7 out of 5 stars from 539 reviews. This easy sauce is loved by many. It’s quick to make, taking just 5 minutes, and makes about 2 cups.

For a homemade enchilada sauce, you’ll need chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and dried oregano. Mix these with 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock for the best flavor. You can adjust the sauce to your taste, making it spicier, creamier, smokier, or milder.

If you’re in a hurry, you can use store-bought sauce. The recipe suggests using 12oz of Verde Enchilada Sauce for a tangy flavor. Remember, the right amount of sauce is crucial. Use enough to keep your enchiladas moist and flavorful.

• Homemade: Control heat and flavor
• Store-bought: Quick and convenient
• Verde sauce: Tangy alternative

Choosing the right sauce, homemade or store-bought, can make your enchiladas stand out. For a special touch, try serving them with crispy chicken and waffles. This combo brings together amazing flavors.

Best Cheese Options for Beef Enchiladas

Cheese is key to making beef enchiladas taste great. Let’s look at the best cheeses to use for an amazing dish.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a top pick for beef enchiladas. Its sharp taste goes well with the beef. Use 3 cups (12 ounces) of fresh cheddar for the best flavor. Don’t pick pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt well.

Mexican Blend Cheese

A Mexican blend brings together different tastes and melting abilities. It usually has cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso quesadilla or asadero. This mix adds a balanced flavor to your enchiladas.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack has a mild taste and melts well. It’s perfect if you want a subtle cheese flavor. It also gets creamy when melted.

Cheese is a top food craving and a big source of calcium for Americans. Feel free to try different cheese mixes to find what you like best. For extra flavor, add some crumbled queso fresco on top after baking.

Tortilla Tips: Flour vs. Corn

Choosing the right tortilla is key for your easy beef enchilada recipe. Corn tortillas bring a traditional Mexican taste and a hearty texture. They’re great for enchiladas because they hold up well with the sauce and fillings. Flour tortillas offer a softer wrap and a milder flavor.

For a gluten-free choice, pick corn tortillas. If you like a softer wrap, choose flour. Warming your tortillas before filling makes them easier to roll. You can warm them in the oven or on a stovetop griddle. For a quick way, microwave flour tortillas for 30 seconds.

To keep your enchiladas crispy, put sauce on top of the filled tortillas. This stops them from getting soggy. For the best taste, bake them in two steps:

1. Bake filled tortillas until slightly crispy
2. Add final cheese and sauce toppings, then bake again

Avoid overfilling your tortillas. This makes them easier to roll and keeps them from falling apart in the oven. With these tips, your easy beef enchilada recipe will always be a hit!

Customizing Your Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are a dish you can make your own. You can change the ingredients to fit your taste or diet. The filling is a blank slate for creativity, letting you add or swap out different parts.

Adding beans to the filling is a great way to customize. You can use black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding diced bell peppers, onions, or corn.

Want to change the protein? Try using shredded chicken, turkey, or pork instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian option, use beans and vegetables or crumbled veggie burgers as the filling.

Spice lovers can make their enchiladas hotter by using spicy green chiles or more chili powder. If you prefer mild flavors, choose mild green chiles and use less spice.

• Add beans: black, kidney, or pinto
• Mix in vegetables: bell peppers, onions, or corn
• Switch proteins: chicken, turkey, or pork
• Vegetarian option: bean mixture or veggie burgers
• Adjust spice level: mild or spicy green chiles

Finding the right mix of flavors is key to great enchiladas. Don’t hesitate to try different ingredients to make your own special dish!

Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Tips

Our easy beef enchilada recipe is great for busy families. You can make these enchiladas ahead and freeze them. This saves time and ensures you have a tasty meal ready.

Preparing Enchiladas in Advance

You can put together your beef enchiladas up to two days early. Keep them in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap. Then, just bake them when you’re ready. This is perfect for meal prep or when you have guests.

Freezing and Reheating Instructions

Freezing beef enchiladas is easy. Put them in a disposable aluminum pan, cover with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you want to eat them, you have two choices:

• Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until they’re hot.

To avoid dryness, add more sauce before baking. Leftover enchiladas can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes for the best taste and texture.

With these tips, you can enjoy our easy beef enchilada recipe anytime, without the stress of cooking at the last minute. It’s a flexible and easy meal that your family will enjoy.

Delicious Toppings to Elevate Your Enchiladas

Take your beef enchiladas to the next level with mouthwatering toppings. These additions enhance flavor, add texture, and make your dish look great. Let’s explore some popular beef enchilada toppings that will make your meal unforgettable.

Fresh salsa or pico de gallo brings a zesty kick to your enchiladas. Guacamole or diced avocado adds creamy richness, while sour cream provides a cool contrast to the spicy flavors. For those who love extra heat, sliced jalapeños are a perfect choice.

Garnish your enchiladas with chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and red onions offer crunch and color. Green onions provide a mild oniony flavor that complements the beef filling nicely.

Remember, these beef enchilada toppings are customizable. Mix and match to create your perfect combination. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for an added crunch factor that will have your guests raving about your culinary skills.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

Mexican beef enchiladas are a hearty meal on their own. But, adding the right side dishes can make your meal even better. Let’s check out some tasty sides that go well with these savory enchiladas.

A classic choice is to serve enchiladas with Mexican rice and refried beans. The rice absorbs the enchilada sauce, and the beans add more protein. For a lighter choice, a crisp green salad with tangy lime dressing can cut through the richness.

For some crunch, try enchiladas with homemade tortilla chips and fresh guacamole. The cool, creamy avocado balances the spicy enchiladas.

For a refreshing contrast, consider serving zesty coleslaw or cool cucumber salad. These sides offer a pleasant crunch and balance the warm, cheesy enchiladas. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and sour cream for extra flavor and looks.

Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations

Knowing the nutritional facts of beef enchiladas is key for those on a diet. Each enchilada has 275 calories, with 6g carbs, 24g protein, and 17g fat. It also has 635mg of sodium and 317mg of calcium. For Weight Watchers, two enchiladas count as 11 points on all plans.

Adjusting the beef enchilada ingredients can meet different dietary needs. Using lean ground beef cuts down on fat. For gluten-free, switch flour tortillas to corn. Vegetarians can use beans or plant-based proteins instead of beef. To cut down on sodium, choose low-sodium enchilada sauce and cheese.

This recipe can be made for various serving sizes. It usually makes 4-5 servings, with 2 enchiladas per serving. It’s quick to make, ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days or can be frozen for three months, making it great for meal prep.