Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleasing wonder perfect for any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, warm tortillas, and zesty enchilada sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. I remember the first time I made enchiladas; the aroma wafting through my kitchen made my family gather around the table with eager anticipation. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that resonates with comfort and tradition. The satisfaction of biting into a hearty enchilada is something you’ll want to recreate time and again.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You should definitely consider adding this recipe to your dinner rotation for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to whip up, requiring only about 30 minutes of actual cooking time. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Second, it’s budget-friendly; with just a few simple ingredients, you can feed a family of four without breaking the bank. And let’s not forget, this dish is kid-approved! The cheesy, saucy goodness is usually a hit with even the pickiest eaters.

“These enchiladas are a regular in our household! So easy to make and they disappear in no time. The kids ask for them every week!” – A satisfied home cook.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Getting started is simple! First, you’ll brown the ground beef along with some aromatic onions and garlic to build a flavor base. Next, you’ll fill the tortillas with the savory beef mixture, roll them up tight, and nestle them in a baking dish. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top, sprinkle on cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden. It’s straightforward yet delivers indulgent results.

What You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to get started on these delicious enchiladas:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce (feel free to use store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Sour cream (for topping)

Notes

You can easily swap in other proteins, such as shredded chicken or turkey, or adapt the cheese to your liking. If you prefer a kick, try using pepper jack cheese or adding jalapeños to the filling.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until they become translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tight, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Best Way to Serve

These enchiladas shine when plated with some colorful sides. Consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or a side of Mexican rice for added texture and taste. You can also offer toppings like chopped cilantro, sliced avocados, or jalapeños to provide a flair of freshness. Don’t forget a dollop of sour cream for that creamy contrast!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can freeze enchiladas wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating for the best results.

Expert Advice

To elevate your enchiladas even further, try searing the tortillas briefly in a hot pan before filling them. This helps add a slight crispness and prevents them from getting soggy when baked. Additionally, for an extra kick of flavor, feel free to add diced green chiles or some chopped olives to the beef mixture!

Creative Twists

There are endless possibilities to customize this dish. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef with black beans or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. You can also try different sauces; a verde tomatillo sauce provides a delightful twist. Experimenting with various cheeses like feta or queso fresco can also add a unique taste profile.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare these enchiladas?

Preparation time is roughly 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20-25 minutes. Total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking them straight from the refrigerator.

Are they spicy?

The spice level is adjustable based on your preferences—just reduce the chili powder or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also serve them with sour cream on the side to help tone it down!

Dive into this deliciously comforting recipe and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas. They’re sure to become a staple in your home just as they’ve in mine!

Ground Beef Enchiladas

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using corn tortillas)

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Description

Delicious ground beef enchiladas topped with zesty sauce and melted cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 8 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Sour cream (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until they become translucent (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the minced garlic, cumin, and chili powder, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tight, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
5. Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

You can swap in other proteins or adapt the cheese. For extra spice, use pepper jack cheese or add jalapeños.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 enchilada
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: enchiladas, beef, Mexican, comfort food, easy dinner