Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Beef enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish known for their bold flavors and comforting warmth. Imagine tender, seasoned beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich, zesty enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress guests.
This guide will walk you through every step to ensure you make the best homemade beef enchiladas, even if it’s your first time!
Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas
Before you get started, gather all the necessary ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound of ground beef or shredded beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt (to taste)
For Assembling:
- 8-10 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Using high-quality, fresh ingredients will elevate the flavors in this recipe.
Equipment Needed
To make these beef enchiladas with ease, here’s a list of essential kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Having everything ready before you start cooking will save you time and reduce stress.
Preparing the Beef Filling
The filling is the heart of your enchiladas, and getting it right is key to their success.
- Choose Your Beef: Ground beef works perfectly, but you can also use shredded beef from slow-cooked chuck roast for extra richness.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and brown the beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spatula and cook until fully browned.
- Add Flavor: Once the beef is browned, add diced onions and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant. Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Set the filling aside while you prepare the rest of the recipe.
Preparing the Enchilada Sauce
A good enchilada sauce is what transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. You can either use store-bought sauce or make it from scratch for a homemade touch.
- Heat Oil: In a small saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Create a Roux: Add the flour and whisk it into the oil. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden.
- Add Spices: Stir in the chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Add salt to taste.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Preparing the Tortillas
Tortillas are prone to breaking if not handled correctly. Here’s how to prep them to prevent tearing:
- Choose Corn or Flour: Corn tortillas are more traditional but can be fragile. Flour tortillas are sturdier and easier to work with.
- Warm the Tortillas: Lightly heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds. This makes them pliable and easier to roll.
Soft tortillas will help keep your enchiladas intact during assembly.
Assembling the Enchiladas
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps for perfectly assembled enchiladas:
- Prepare Your Workspace: Grease your baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Fill the Tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat, spoon a generous amount of beef filling onto the center, and add a sprinkle of cheese.
- Roll and Place: Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat: Continue filling and rolling the tortillas until the dish is full. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring all tortillas are covered.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the enchiladas.
Next, it’s time to bake!
Baking the Enchiladas
Baking is the final step that brings all the ingredients together, creating that irresistible cheesy, saucy finish.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it fully preheat.
- Cover with Foil: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the enchiladas from drying out.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and bubble. If you want a slightly crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Once baked, the enchiladas should be hot and bubbly, with melted cheese covering every inch. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Beef enchiladas are delicious on their own, but adding the right garnishes and side dishes elevates the meal even further.
Garnish Options:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Squeeze of fresh lime juice
Recommended Side Dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Corn salad or elote (Mexican street corn)
- Chips and salsa or queso dip
These accompaniments will complete the meal and balance the bold flavors of the enchiladas.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Enchiladas
Even experienced cooks can encounter challenges when making enchiladas. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls:
- Prevent Soggy Enchiladas: Avoid overloading the tortillas with filling and sauce. Use just enough sauce to coat the tortillas without drenching them.
- Choose the Right Tortillas: If using corn tortillas, warming them before filling is crucial to prevent cracking.
- Add Layers of Flavor: Don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning of your beef and enchilada sauce to your taste. Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for extra depth.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add extra baking time when cooking from chilled.
By following these tricks, your enchiladas will turn out perfect every time!
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers? No problem! Beef enchiladas store and reheat beautifully.
How to Store:
- Transfer leftover enchiladas to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the enchiladas with foil and bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating in the oven helps maintain the texture of the tortillas and cheese.
Variations of Beef Enchiladas
Want to try something new? There are plenty of ways to customize beef enchiladas to suit your taste preferences.
Spicy Beef Enchiladas:
- Add diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef filling for an extra kick.
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas:
- Increase the amount of cheese in the filling and on top for ultra-cheesy enchiladas. Consider adding cream cheese to the filling for creaminess.
Loaded Enchiladas:
- Add black beans, cooked rice, or roasted vegetables to the beef filling for a heartier meal.
Low-Carb Option:
- Use low-carb tortillas or swap out the tortillas entirely and layer the beef, sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish like a lasagna.
These variations ensure you never get bored with the recipe!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional profile of these enchiladas? Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on a recipe that serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
Keep in mind that nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs about Beef Enchiladas Recipe
What kind of beef is best for enchiladas?
For enchiladas, it’s ideal to use ground beef with a moderate fat content, such as an 80/20 mix. This ensures the beef is flavorful and moist without being too greasy. Alternatively, shredded chuck roast or brisket can also be used for a richer texture.
How can I make my beef enchiladas spicier?
To increase the heat in your beef enchiladas, you can add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers to the beef mixture. Another option is to incorporate a spicier enchilada sauce, or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the mix.
Can I prepare beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, beef enchiladas are perfect for making ahead. Simply assemble the enchiladas in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake them as directed. You can prepare them up to 24 hours in advance.
What are some good side dishes to serve with beef enchiladas?
Traditional sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple salad work well with beef enchiladas. For a lighter option, consider a corn salad or a tangy slaw to balance the richness of the enchiladas.
How do I store leftover beef enchiladas?
Leftover beef enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until thoroughly warmed.
Are beef enchiladas freezer-friendly?
Yes, beef enchiladas freeze very well. Cool the cooked enchiladas completely before wrapping them individually in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Conclusion
There you have it—a foolproof recipe for making mouthwatering beef enchiladas at home. With tender beef, zesty sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, beef enchiladas deliver big on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking!
