Delight in Tex-Mex Flavor with Homemade Beef Enchiladas
Tex-Mex cuisine is all about bold flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting dishes that bring people together around the table. And what better way to experience the deliciousness of Tex-Mex than with homemade Beef Enchiladas? In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating mouthwatering enchiladas from scratch, complete with a rich and savory beef filling, a silky smooth sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 4 tablespoons TAK’s Tex-Mex Blend (or a packet of store-bought taco seasoning, if desired)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons All-Purpose flour
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth*
- 1 ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of black pepper
- 16-20 corn tortillas
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Monterrey Jack cheese, freshly grated
Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle TAK’s Tex-Mex Blend (or taco seasoning) over the beef, stirring to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the unsalted beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Kosher salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto each tortilla, then roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, then sprinkle the grated Cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake and Serve:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
- Garnish the enchiladas with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Customize the Filling: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the beef filling, such as diced bell peppers, black beans, or corn, for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat in the dish by adding more or less chili powder, or incorporating diced jalapeños or green chilies into the filling.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meatless crumble for a vegetarian-friendly version of these enchiladas.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly Option: Replace the corn tortillas with low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps, and use a keto-friendly thickener such as almond flour or xanthan gum in the sauce.
- Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the number of tortillas used and opt for smaller portions to lower the carb count. You can also omit the flour in the sauce and use a combination of beef broth and heavy cream for richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? A: While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, you can certainly use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just keep in mind that flour tortillas tend to be larger and softer, so you may need fewer tortillas for the recipe.
Q: Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply let them come to room temperature before baking as directed.
Q: Can I freeze leftover enchiladas? A: Absolutely! Enchiladas freeze well and make for a convenient meal prep option. Wrap individual portions or the entire baking dish tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with our homemade Beef Enchiladas recipe. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta with friends or craving a comforting meal for dinner, these cheesy, flavorful enchiladas are sure to satisfy your cravings. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of room for customization, this dish is a winner every time. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex goodness!
Experience Tex-Mex Deliciousness with Homemade Beef Enchiladas
Transport your taste buds to the heart of Texas with our mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas recipe. Bursting with savory beef, gooey cheese, and zesty flavors, these enchiladas are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or hosting a festive gathering, these enchiladas are guaranteed to be a hit. So why wait? Dive into a plate of deliciousness today!