Beef enchiladas are a Mexican favorite that combines seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This recipe is a quick and straightforward take on the classic dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty but don’t have a lot of time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- Sour cream and chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Stir in 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and diced green chiles. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with a little cheese, then roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the enchiladas topped with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions
- Spanish Rice: A side of Spanish rice complements the flavors of the enchiladas perfectly.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add a traditional touch to the meal.
- Avocado Salad: A light avocado salad with lime dressing is a refreshing contrast to the rich enchiladas.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple and Quick: This recipe is straightforward, using familiar ingredients that are easy to find.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out the beef for chicken, pork, or even make a vegetarian version with black beans.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Enchiladas are a dish that both kids and adults love, making it a versatile option for family dinners.
Tips for Success
- Use Corn Tortillas for Authenticity: If you prefer a more traditional enchilada, use corn tortillas instead of flour, but make sure to warm them up to prevent cracking.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, simply bake until heated through.
- Spice Level: Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili powder and green chiles, depending on your preference.