Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, you’re in for a treat. This article will guide you through the process of making delicious ground beef enchiladas from scratch. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this savory recipe, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Read on to learn everything you need to know about preparing this classic dish.

What are Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Ground beef enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of soft tortillas filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, and bell peppers. These tortillas are rolled up, topped with a rich enchilada sauce, and baked to perfection with a generous amount of melted cheese. The combination of spicy, savory, and cheesy flavors makes this dish irresistible.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Before we start cooking, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

For the Enchiladas:

• 8 soft taco flour tortillas or king corn tortillas
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups Mexican cheese, shredded

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• ¼ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 cups water
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about enchiladas is their versatility. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and diced zucchini instead of meat for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorites.
• Spicier Sauce: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas and gluten-free flour for the sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's go through the step-by-step process of making ground beef enchiladas.

Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

1. Heat the Oil and Flour: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together 2 tablespoons of canola oil and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, ¼ teaspoon of cumin, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons of chili powder. Mix well to combine.
3. Add Water and Simmer: Gradually add 2 cups of water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally.
4. Cool the Sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 lb of ground beef, 1 cup of chopped onions, and 1 cup of chopped green bell peppers. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute.
4. Mix with Sauce: Add ¼ cup of the prepared enchilada sauce to the beef mixture and stir to combine.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Fill the Tortillas: Lay out 8 tortillas and evenly distribute the ground beef mixture among them.
2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded Mexican cheese evenly on top of the beef mixture.
3. Roll Up: Roll up each tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.

Step 4: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce into a 9"x13" baking dish, spreading it evenly along the bottom.
2. Arrange the Enchiladas: Place the rolled-up tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
3. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.
4. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Cool Slightly: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your ground beef enchiladas turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overstuffing the Tortillas: Overfilling the tortillas can make them difficult to roll and cause the filling to spill out.
• Skipping the Sauce Cooling Step: Letting the sauce cool slightly before using it helps it thicken and blend better with the enchiladas.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking and optimal results.
• Forgetting to Cover with Foil: Covering the enchiladas with foil while baking prevents them from drying out and ensures the cheese melts evenly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your enchiladas can enhance the dining experience. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Garnishes: Top with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and color.
• Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad to complete the meal.
• Condiments: Offer a selection of condiments like salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce for guests to customize their enchiladas.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Colorful Plating: Use vibrant, colorful plates to contrast with the enchiladas and make them pop visually.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley over the enchiladas for a touch of green.
• Serve Family-Style: Arrange the enchiladas in a large baking dish and serve them family-style for a communal dining experience.

Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the enchilada sauce and beef filling a day ahead to save time. Assemble and bake the enchiladas just before serving.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones to accommodate the extra enchiladas.
• Freezing: Leftover enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought enchilada sauce if you're short on time. However, homemade sauce offers a richer, more authentic flavor.

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?

To prevent soggy tortillas, lightly fry them in a bit of oil before filling and rolling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the tortillas intact during baking.

What other toppings can I add?

You can add a variety of toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a combination of beans, corn, and other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

Ground beef enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With a rich homemade enchilada sauce, flavorful beef filling, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Follow this detailed recipe to create restaurant-quality enchiladas in the comfort of your own home. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and toppings to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Print