Beef Enchilada Recipe (with Video)

Beef Enchilada Recipe: Beef enchiladas bring a delicious, hearty flavor to any table. With its blend of savory ground beef, melty cheese, and spicy sauce wrapped in soft tortillas, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits every occasion, from casual dinners to special gatherings. Originating from the heart of Mexican cuisine, enchiladas have evolved with regional variations.

This recipe keeps the basics but adds some easy-to-follow steps for a perfect beef enchilada, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook.

Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas

• Ground beef (1 lb): The star of the show, providing a rich, meaty filling.
• Enchilada sauce (2 cups): Can be homemade or store-bought, used for both flavor and moisture.
• Tortillas (8-10 corn tortillas): Soft and pliable for rolling.
• Onion (1 small, diced): Adds an aromatic sweetness.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Provides depth and savory notes.
• Shredded cheese (2 cups): Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet: Essential for browning the beef.
• Mixing bowl: To combine ingredients.
• Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works well for baking.
• Ladle or spoon: For spreading sauce.
• Foil: To cover the dish while baking, keeping the moisture in.

How to Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onion until it’s translucent, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, draining any excess fat.
3. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well, cooking until the seasonings coat the beef thoroughly.

For added variety, you can incorporate black beans, diced bell peppers, or corn for a twist in texture and flavor.

How to Make the Enchilada Sauce

Homemade sauce is often richer and spicier, but store-bought works in a pinch. Here’s how to make a simple sauce from scratch:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, 1 cup of tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and salt to taste.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more chili powder or cumin if you prefer a bolder flavor.

The sauce should be smooth, slightly thick, and fragrant. You can store extra sauce in the fridge for later use.

Preparing the Tortillas

Corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, but flour tortillas can work as well. Here’s how to soften corn tortillas so they’re easy to roll without tearing:

1. Heat in the Microwave: Stack the tortillas, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
2. Pan Fry Option: Quickly heat each tortilla in a dry skillet for 10 seconds on each side, or dip them briefly in hot oil. This helps prevent them from cracking when you roll them.

Choose whichever method suits you best for soft, pliable tortillas that won’t fall apart during assembly.

Assembling the Beef Enchiladas

1. Spread Sauce on the Baking Dish: Spoon a layer of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish. This keeps the enchiladas from sticking and adds flavor.
2. Fill and Roll the Tortillas: Place a spoonful of beef filling and some shredded cheese in the center of each tortilla. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in the dish.
3. Add Remaining Sauce and Cheese: Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle cheese on top.

Baking the Enchiladas

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it warm up while you finish the preparations.
2. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture locked in, which helps the enchiladas stay soft. Bake for about 20 minutes.
3. Uncover for a Golden Top: After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step melts the cheese into a delicious, golden layer over the enchiladas.

You’ll know your enchiladas are ready when the cheese is bubbling, and the sauce is slightly thickened around the edges.

Adding Toppings and Garnishes

Once the enchiladas are out of the oven, it’s time to add your favorite toppings. Here are some options:

• Sour Cream: Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spicy enchiladas.
• Chopped Green Onions: Provides a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the savory beef.
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole: Gives a creamy texture and a mild flavor to balance the spiciness.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, fresh or pickled jalapeños are a perfect garnish.

Feel free to mix and match toppings to suit your taste and add a fresh, vibrant look to your enchiladas.

Serving Suggestions

Beef enchiladas are delicious on their own, but pairing them with traditional Mexican sides makes a full, satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas:

1. Mexican Rice: A seasoned rice dish with tomatoes and spices complements the enchiladas’ flavors.
2. Refried Beans or Black Beans: These add a hearty, creamy element to your meal.
3. Corn Salad or Elote: Mexican street corn with cheese, lime, and chili powder brings a fresh, tangy crunch.
4. Tortilla Chips and Salsa: A classic pairing that’s perfect for adding some texture and a crunchy bite.
5. Margaritas or Agua Fresca: For a refreshing drink, try a traditional margarita or a non-alcoholic agua fresca.

These sides turn a simple beef enchilada recipe into a memorable feast.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (or if you’ve made a large batch for meal prep), here’s how to store them:

1. Refrigerating: Place the enchiladas in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing: Beef enchiladas freeze well. Wrap each enchilada in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: For best results, reheat refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave, though the tortillas may soften more than in the oven.

Proper storage and reheating help preserve the enchiladas’ flavors and textures, so you can enjoy them as deliciously as the first day.

Making Beef Enchiladas in Advance

If you’re prepping these enchiladas ahead of time, here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Assemble the Enchiladas: Follow the steps to fill and roll the tortillas, but stop before adding the sauce and cheese on top.
2. Wrap and Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
3. Add Sauce and Cheese Before Baking: When you’re ready to bake, pour the sauce and sprinkle the cheese over the enchiladas just before popping them in the oven.

You can also freeze the assembled enchiladas before baking. When ready, bake directly from the freezer at 350°F, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Tips for Customizing Your Beef Enchiladas

Enchiladas are versatile! Here are some ideas for customizing them to fit various dietary needs and taste preferences:

1. Add Vegetables: Sneak in some veggies by mixing bell peppers, spinach, or corn into the beef filling.
2. Spice It Up: Add extra chili powder, cayenne, or fresh jalapeños if you love a spicy kick.
3. Make It Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
4. Try Different Proteins: Swap beef for shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a unique twist.

With a few adjustments, these enchiladas can suit almost any preference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make your enchiladas just right, here are some common pitfalls and tips on avoiding them:

1. Soggy Tortillas: Softening the tortillas before filling them prevents them from breaking. Avoid overloading the sauce to keep everything in balance.
2. Over- or Under-seasoning the Beef: Taste the beef mixture as you cook and adjust seasonings as needed. Don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt or spices if needed.
3. Overcrowding the Baking Dish: Make sure each enchilada has enough room to absorb the sauce. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.

By keeping these tips in mind, your enchiladas will have a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

FAQs about Beef Enchilada Recipe

Q: What ingredients are typically used in a beef enchilada recipe?

A: Beef enchiladas commonly use ingredients like ground beef, flour or corn tortillas, shredded cheese, enchilada sauce, onions, and spices such as cumin and chili powder for authentic flavor.

Q: How do I make beef enchiladas less spicy?

A: To reduce spiciness, choose mild enchilada sauce and limit chili powder. You can also add sour cream or cheese, which helps balance out the heat.

Q: Can I prepare beef enchiladas in advance?

A: Yes, you can assemble beef enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover them tightly and bake when ready to enjoy.

Q: What sides go well with beef enchiladas?

A: Popular side dishes include Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, and a fresh salad. These sides complement the rich, flavorful enchiladas.

Q: Can I freeze beef enchiladas?

A: Absolutely. Assemble the enchiladas and wrap them tightly with foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw and bake for best results.

Conclusion

Beef enchiladas are a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that combines flavorful beef, melty cheese, and a zesty sauce—all wrapped in a warm tortilla. By following each step, from filling preparation to baking and topping, you’ll have a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with toppings, side dishes, and spice levels to create a unique meal every time. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the rewarding process of crafting a delicious plate of homemade beef enchiladas.