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Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a comforting and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a mild spice level suitable for family meals. Versatile and customizable, it uses pantry staples and allows for various dietary tweaks, making it a cozy, cheesy classic everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef Filling

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste

Sauce and Tortillas

  • 1 can Enchilada Sauce (or 2 cups homemade)
  • 810 Flour or Corn Tortillas

Cheese

  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)

Optional Garnishes and Add-ins

  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced Jalapeños
  • Sour Cream or Guacamole
  • Lime Wedges
  • Additional veggies: bell peppers, corn, zucchini (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to season evenly.
  2. Warm the Tortillas: To prevent cracking, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes until pliable. This step helps when rolling the enchiladas and enhances texture.
  3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Spoon an equal amount of beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the dish.
  4. Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Top with shredded cheese to create that golden, melted finish.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Let rest for a few minutes before serving for better slicing.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions, garlic, and spices for a more fragrant and flavorful beef mixture.
  • Don’t overfill tortillas to prevent breaking and ensure neat rolling.
  • Consider making homemade enchilada sauce for customized flavor and spice level.
  • Mix two types of cheese for better melting and layered flavor.
  • Allow enchiladas to rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving.
  • Assemble in advance and refrigerate for convenience; bake just before serving.
  • Enchiladas can be frozen for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen with added time.
  • Reheat enchiladas in the oven rather than microwave to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef enchiladas, easy dinner, Mexican casserole, cheesy enchiladas, weeknight meal, gluten-free, comfort food