5 Ingredient Beef Enchiladas

Introduction

Imagine the aroma of sizzling beef, the warmth of spicy enchilada sauce, and the gooey goodness of melted cheese all wrapped in a soft tortilla. That’s the magic of Beef Enchiladas! This classic Mexican dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a fiesta with friends, Beef Enchiladas are always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these Beef Enchiladas truly exceptional is their simplicity and deliciousness. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that is packed with flavor. The savory beef, zesty enchilada sauce, and creamy cheese come together to create a symphony of taste that will delight your senses. Moreover, this recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

For those watching their diet, these Beef Enchiladas can also be a nutritious option. You can customize the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, whether you prefer lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, or dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious Beef Enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound ground beef

– 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 8 flour tortillas

– 1 small onion, chopped (optional)

If you want to add a twist to the recipe, you can also consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier kick. Feel free to get creative with your ingredient choices!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray.

2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.

4. Pour half of the enchilada sauce into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir to combine.

5. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the prepared baking dish.

6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the shredded cheese on top.

7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

8. Serve the Beef Enchiladas hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Expert Tips for Success

For a flavor boost, consider seasoning the ground beef with Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. This will enhance the overall taste of the enchiladas.

To prevent the tortillas from getting soggy, lightly toast them in a dry skillet before filling and rolling them with the beef mixture.

If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken as a quick alternative to ground beef. Simply shred the chicken and mix it with the enchilada sauce for a speedy filling.

Variations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the ground beef with black beans or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini. These alternatives provide a hearty and flavorful filling for the enchiladas.

For a gluten-free option, swap the flour tortillas with corn tortillas. Corn tortillas have a slightly different texture but work wonderfully in this recipe, adding a rustic and authentic touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

To serve these Beef Enchiladas in style, garnish them with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and freshness. Pair the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

For a festive touch, serve the enchiladas with a pitcher of homemade margaritas or icy cold Mexican beer to complement the bold flavors of the dish. The combination of spicy enchiladas and a refreshing drink is sure to impress your guests at any gathering.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to add the sauce and cheese right before baking to prevent the tortillas from becoming mushy.

Q: Can I freeze Beef Enchiladas?

A: Absolutely! Once baked, allow the enchiladas to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Beef Enchiladas are a timeless comfort food that brings people together around the dinner table. With this simple and flavorful recipe, you can recreate the magic of Mexican cuisine in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the culinary world, these Beef Enchiladas are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a fiesta of flavors with every bite!

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Servings

⏱️

Prep time

minutes

🔥

Cooking time

minutes

📊

Calories

420

kcal

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain any excess fat.
Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened.
Mix half of the enchilada sauce with the beef and onions in the skillet.
Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place in the baking dish.
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve hot with desired toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.