Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that brings together tender, seasoned ground beef, flavorful red enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, offering a delightful mix of textures and rich, savory flavors. Let’s dive into the recipe and see how to create these delicious beef enchiladas step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 batch of red enchilada sauce (Alternatively, 15 ounces of store-bought red enchilada sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 24 ounces lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, washed and drained
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
- Sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper to taste
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
For the Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Red onions, diced
- Avocado cubes
- Sour cream
- Crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce
- Make the Sauce: If you’re making homemade enchilada sauce, prepare it according to your recipe. Alternatively, use 15 ounces of store-bought red enchilada sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped white onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Season: Stir in the ground cumin, pinto beans, diced green chiles, sea salt, and freshly-ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Fill Tortillas: Lay a flour tortilla on a flat surface. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle some of the shredded Mexican cheese blend over the beef mixture.
- Roll Tortillas: Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced red onions, avocado cubes, sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese as desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the beef enchiladas warm, with your favorite sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Notes
- Ground Beef: For a healthier option, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Beans: If you prefer, you can substitute pinto beans with black beans or omit them altogether.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for a more traditional taste. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly to make them more pliable before filling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze beef enchiladas? A: Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas as directed, but do not bake them. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of Beef Enchiladas, follow these modifications:
- Tortillas: Use low-carb tortillas or make your own using almond flour or coconut flour.
- Beans: Omit the pinto beans or use a low-carb alternative like black soybeans.
- Sauce: Ensure the enchilada sauce used is low in carbs or make your own using keto-friendly ingredients.
Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the rich flavors of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and savory enchilada sauce. Perfect for any night of the week, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
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