Ground Beef Enchiladas
There’s something exceptionally delightful about a plate of ground beef enchiladas. These comforting rolled tortillas, filled with savory meat and smothered in rich sauce and melted cheese, offer a taste of home that many people cherish deeply. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, this dish insists on bringing joy and satisfaction, making everyone at the table feel special.
Why Make This Recipe
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of spices and the classic enchilada toppings ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Family Favorite: Enchiladas are universally adored, giving you a surefire hit that can satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe provides a wonderful base, allowing room for your creative twists with ingredients or toppings.
Making Ground Beef Enchiladas at Home
Creating mouthwatering enchiladas is easier than you might think. With just a few steps, you can prepare a meal that will impress your guests or your family. Ready to dive in? Let’s go through the process together.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Ground Beef Enchiladas
Prepare the Filling: Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned, stirring occasionally to ensure everything cooks evenly. Once cooked, drain the excess fat before moving on to the next step.
Add Flavor: In the same skillet with the browned beef mixture, stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, cup of water, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Preheat: As the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), getting it ready for the final baking part of the recipe.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Take the tortillas and fill each one with a generous amount of the beef filling. Roll them up neatly and place them seam-side down in a prepared baking dish. This technique ensures that the enchiladas stay together while baking.
Top it Off: Once all the enchiladas are rolled and placed in the dish, pour any remaining sauce over the top. Be sure to liberally sprinkle shredded cheese on top to create a beautiful, gooey layer when baked.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the cheese to melt beautifully and bubble just right.
Serve Hot: Once baked, pull the dish out from the oven, and allow it to rest for a few moments before serving. This rest time will help every layer settle. Serve hot and enjoy!
Storing Leftover Ground Beef Enchiladas
Storing leftover enchiladas can help you enjoy this mouthwatering dish even longer. Here are some helpful tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days at 40°F.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze enchiladas in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn.
- Reheat: When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, and reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Best Ways to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
When it comes to serving enchiladas, options abound. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or chopped green onions make fantastic garnishes that enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise.
- Add Sides: Pair your enchiladas with a simple cilantro lime rice or a classic Mexican-style street corn for a filled meal.
- Complement with Salsas: Serve alongside a variety of salsas—mild to spicy—to let everyone find their favorite flavor combination.
- Top with Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and cut through the richness of the cheese and meat.
Tips to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content.
- For extra flavor, try browning the beef with the spices before adding sauces.
- To add a hint of spice, consider including diced jalapeños to the filling mixture.
- Ensure the tortillas are warmed slightly before filling; this makes them easier to roll.
Variations or Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your enchiladas. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a hearty plant-based option.
- Chicken Instead of Beef: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, shred it and use it in place of ground beef for a quick alternative.
- Spicy Twist: For those who love a kick, add diced green chilies or a splash of hot sauce to the filling.
FAQs about Ground Beef Enchiladas
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just be aware that the tortillas may absorb more liquid as they sit, so add a bit of extra sauce if needed during baking.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: To add more heat, simply increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling. A splash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can also kick up the spice level.
Q: Can I use tortillas other than flour or corn?
A: Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas. Just note that they may have slightly different textures or flavors.
Q: How do I store the enchiladas?
A: Leftover enchiladas can be refrigerated for 3–4 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Definitely! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute and can create a lighter enchilada without compromising flavor.
Enjoying freshly made ground beef enchiladas can bring back fond memories and create new ones for anyone at the table. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience, perfect for any occasion. Each step is filled with love and care, ensuring you serve not just food but a little warmth from your kitchen to the hearts of those who gather around. So, roll up your sleeves and embrace the adventure in this flavorful journey. Whether it’s a weeknight or a celebration, ground beef enchiladas are here to stay as a cherished family favorite.
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: None
Description
Comforting rolled tortillas filled with savory ground beef, smothered in rich sauce and melted cheese. A family favorite sure to bring joy to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup water
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 8 flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned and drain excess fat.
- Add Flavor: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, chili powder, cumin, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Fill tortillas with beef mixture, roll them neatly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Top it Off: Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve Hot: Allow to rest briefly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
You can assemble enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate before baking. Consider adding cilantro or avocado as garnishes.