Beef Enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas and smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any time you crave something hearty and delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these flavorful Beef Enchiladas step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 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
For the Enchiladas:
- 1 batch of red enchilada sauce (Alternatively, 15 ounces of store-bought red enchilada sauce)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro
- Red onions
- Avocado cubes
- Sour cream
- Crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season Beef: Stir in the ground cumin, diced green chiles, and pinto beans. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of red enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Fill Tortillas: Lay a flour tortilla flat and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the center. Sprinkle with a small handful of the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- Roll Tortillas: Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are well-coated. Sprinkle the rest of the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro, red onions, avocado cubes, sour cream, and crumbled cotija cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds before filling to make them more pliable and easier to roll.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a combination of cheeses work well in this recipe.
- Beans: You can substitute pinto beans with black beans or omit them if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them (without baking) for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from a cold dish.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these enchiladas? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled enchiladas (before baking). Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, follow these modifications:
- Tortillas: Use low-carb tortillas or swap with zucchini slices or bell pepper halves.
- Beans: Omit the pinto beans or replace them with a lower-carb option like chopped cauliflower.
- Sauce: Ensure the red enchilada sauce used is low-carb or make your own using keto-friendly ingredients.
Beef Enchiladas are a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its savory beef filling, rich enchilada sauce, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
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