Name: Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles; 1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 8 flour tortillas (8-inch); Chopped cilantro and sour cream for serving (optional)

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Imagine a bubbling tray of cheesy, saucy goodness coming out of your oven—this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is comfort food at its finest. Savory ground beef, aromatic spices, a kick from green chiles, all wrapped up in soft tortillas and smothered with melty cheese and zesty enchilada sauce. This is exactly the dish I reach for when I want dinner to bring both big flavors and cozy vibes to the table, perfect for family gatherings or your next weeknight fiesta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s the combination of simple, reliable ingredients that makes this Beef Enchiladas Recipe a standout. Each item brings its own magic, creating layers of flavor, texture, and irresistible color.

Ground beef: The heart of our filling; opt for lean for a lighter version or a little fattier for bold, meaty flavor.
Onion: Dice it small so it melts right into the beef, bringing natural sweetness.
Garlic: Just a couple cloves make the savory flavors pop—fresh is best!
Olive oil: For sautéing and a subtle richness that ties together the aromatics.
Ground cumin: This spice gives the recipe its earthy, classic enchilada warmth.
Chili powder: Not too spicy but totally essential for authentic flavor and color.
Smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smokiness you’ll definitely notice in every bite.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and balancing the richness of the cheese.
Black pepper: Just the right touch of gentle heat and depth.
Diced green chiles: Mildly spicy, these bring tang and character to the filling.
Red enchilada sauce: The saucy glue that keeps everything moist, cohesive, and mouthwatering.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for sharp flavor and gooey texture on top and inside.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Creamy and ultra-melty, it works in tandem with cheddar.
Flour tortillas (8-inch): The perfect blank canvas—soft enough to roll, sturdy enough to hold all that filling.
Chopped cilantro and sour cream (optional): For a fresh, tangy finish at serving time.

How to Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, and once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onions. Sauté them for about 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant, then add in the minced garlic for just another 30 seconds. Your kitchen will start to smell irresistible right away.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use your spoon to break it apart as it cooks, making sure it browns nicely all over. If you notice any extra grease, just drain it off for a lighter final dish.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

It’s time for the spices! Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in those diced green chiles for a gentle kick—let everything cook together for about 2 minutes. This step lets all the flavors blend together, turning simple beef into an irresistible filling.

Step 4: Add a Hit of Sauce

Pour about 1/3 cup of red enchilada sauce into the skillet and give it a good mix. This makes the beef extra juicy and helps it cling to every bite inside the tortillas.

Step 5: Fill and Roll the Tortillas

Spoon about 1/4 cup of your beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle in a bit of the shredded cheese, and roll them up tightly. Place each roll seam-side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish so they stay snug and don’t unravel while baking.

Step 6: Load Up the Sauce and Cheese

Pour the rest of your enchilada sauce evenly over all the rolled tortillas, making sure there’s no dry corners. Pile on the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses—the more the merrier for that gooey, golden crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 20–25 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbling cheese and edges that start to turn just golden and crisp. Let the Beef Enchiladas Recipe rest for 5 minutes before you serve, so the flavors settle and it’s easy to slice and dish up.

How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Garnishes

There’s nothing like a shower of fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool, tangy sour cream to make your Beef Enchiladas Recipe pop. You could even add sliced avocado, fresh jalapeños, or diced tomatoes for color and zip. Let everyone at the table garnish their plate just how they like it!

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with sides that play off the rich flavors of the enchiladas. Spanish rice or cilantro-lime rice is always a winner, and black beans, refried beans, or grilled corn on the cob make a hearty, comforting spread. Don’t forget a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to refresh your palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling festive, serve the enchiladas straight from a colorful baking dish, or slice them and stack on a platter, sprinkled with vibrant garnishes. For parties or potlucks, try making mini enchiladas using smaller tortillas so everyone can grab and go. You could even set up a DIY toppings bar with radishes, pickled onions, and different salsas for a true build-your-own experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef Enchiladas Recipe is always a treat! Store extras right in the baking dish (just cover with foil or plastic wrap) or transfer to an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—they hold up beautifully for quick lunches or another dinner.

Freezing

For meal prepping superstars, this dish freezes like a dream. Assemble the enchiladas and top with sauce and cheese, but don’t bake. Wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed—just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the enchiladas with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re just grabbing a serving, microwave on medium in 1-2 minute bursts until hot. Add a splash of extra sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to keep things moist and ultra-cheesy.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Absolutely! If you want a more traditional approach, use corn tortillas—but make sure you warm them first (either in the microwave or in a dry skillet) so they roll easily without cracking. They add a wonderful earthy flavor to the Beef Enchiladas Recipe.

How can I make these enchiladas spicier?

You can increase the heat by adding chopped jalapeños to the filling, using a spicier enchilada sauce, or sprinkling in a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.

Can I prep Beef Enchiladas Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just bake as directed (add a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge).

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free tortillas (corn usually does the trick), and make sure your enchilada sauce doesn’t contain any hidden gluten. It’s an easy tweak that still results in a fantastic Beef Enchiladas Recipe.

What’s the best cheese for enchiladas?

The recipe uses a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for meltiness and flavor, but feel free to experiment! Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or even Oaxaca cheese would all be delicious in the mix.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make (and eat!) this Beef Enchiladas Recipe as I am to share it. There’s just something special about a dish that brings people together around bubbling cheese and bold flavors. Give it a try, mix in your own favorite touches, and let your next dinner be a fiesta of flavors!

Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful and cheesy Mexican dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Seasoned ground beef, onions, and spices are rolled in flour tortillas, topped with enchilada sauce and a blend of cheeses, then baked to perfection. Serve with cilantro and sour cream for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

For Assembly:

1 (15 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
Chopped cilantro and sour cream for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, sauté diced onion in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Cook Beef: Add ground beef, breaking it apart and browning. Drain excess grease if needed.
Season and Add Chiles: Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and green chiles. Cook briefly.
Prepare Tortillas: Spoon beef mixture into tortillas, add cheese, roll tightly, and place in a baking dish.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour enchilada sauce over tortillas, top with remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted.
Serve: Let rest, garnish with cilantro and sour cream.