When I think about comfort food, beef enchiladas instantly come to mind. These savory, spicy rolls of tender beef wrapped in soft corn tortillas and smothered in a rich, zesty enchilada sauce are the epitome of a warm, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, beef enchilada recipe never disappoint.
This beef enchilada recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. The beef filling is spiced just right, and the homemade sauce takes the dish to a whole new level. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings and sides, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Table of contents
Why this Beef Enchilada Recipe Works
What makes this beef enchilada recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The tender, seasoned beef filling is wrapped in soft corn tortillas, creating the perfect bite. The sauce is a rich blend of tomatoes, chili powder, and a hint of cumin, providing just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the dish.
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both easy to make and easily adaptable to different dietary needs. You can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or make it vegetarian by filling the tortillas with beans, vegetables, and cheese. And if you’re looking to add more flavor, you can always adjust the spice level by adding extra chili powder or even a splash of hot sauce.
Recipe Card
Beef Enchilada Recipe
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes25
minutes450
kcalThis classic beef enchilada recipe features seasoned ground beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked with cheese until bubbly.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
8 small flour or corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Prepare the Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until spices are fragrant. - Assemble the Enchiladas:
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on each tortilla. Place a generous spoonful of beef mixture in the center of each tortilla and roll up tightly.
Place rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a greased baking dish. - Add Sauce and Cheese:
Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, or avocado.
Notes
- Corn tortillas offer a more authentic taste, but flour tortillas work well and are easier to handle.
- You can make your own enchilada sauce or use store-bought for convenience.
- Feel free to customize the cheese to your liking!
Tips for the best Beef Enchilada Recipe
- Don’t Overstuff the Tortillas: Be sure not to overstuff your enchiladas. If you pile too much filling in each tortilla, they’ll be difficult to roll and might spill over while baking.
- Sear the Beef: For the best flavor, sear the beef in a hot pan before mixing it with the seasoning. This caramelizes the meat and enhances the overall taste of your enchiladas.
- Soften the Tortillas: Before assembling, quickly heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. This prevents them from tearing and helps them roll up easily.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives your enchiladas a creamier texture.
- Layer Your Sauces: For extra flavor, pour some of the enchilada sauce directly onto the bottom of the baking dish before adding the rolled tortillas. This prevents the tortillas from sticking to the pan and adds more depth of flavor.
Beef Enchilada Variants
Chicken Enchiladas:
If you prefer chicken over beef, simply substitute the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken. You can even use leftover chicken for a quicker meal. The chicken pairs wonderfully with the same enchilada sauce and spices, and it’s just as delicious.
Vegetarian Enchiladas:
For a meat-free option, fill the tortillas with a combination of beans, corn, sautéed bell peppers, and onions. Add a little extra cheese and some fresh cilantro for a vibrant vegetarian enchilada that’s just as satisfying as its meaty counterpart.
Beef and Bean Enchiladas:
Combine the beef filling with black beans or pinto beans for a heartier, more filling enchilada. The beans add a creamy texture and extra protein, making this version a great option for anyone looking to bulk up their meal.
Spicy Beef Enchiladas:
If you love heat, try spicing up your beef filling with diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers. For an extra kick, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce to the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the rolls.
FAQs
Yes! Corn tortillas give an authentic flavor, but they can break more easily. Warm them first to make rolling easier.
Combine tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a bit of flour for thickness. Whisk with broth and simmer for 5-10 minutes until smooth.
Yes, let them cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Soggy enchiladas can occur if you overload the sauce or don’t drain excess moisture from the meat filling. Be sure to sear the beef and drain any excess grease before assembling the enchiladas. Also, avoid pouring too much sauce over the tortillas, just enough to coat them.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, my favorite beef enchilada recipe that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for bold, comforting flavors. Whether you enjoy them spicy, cheesy, or packed with beans, these enchiladas offer endless possibilities for customization, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, you’ll also love our Smoky Chipotle Chicken Recipe for a spicy and savory dish perfect for taco night or as a filling for wraps.
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