If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and loaded with flavor, Beef Enchiladas are exactly what you need. This dish is a vibrant celebration of tender beef wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered with punchy, tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheese. It’s a recipe that transforms simple weeknight ingredients into a festive dinner, delivering bold Mexican-inspired taste in every cheesy, saucy bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Enchiladas come together beautifully with a handful of accessible ingredients that all play starring roles in the final dish. From the deeply seasoned beef filling to the melty cheese on top, each part brings its own magic, color, and personality to your plate.
- 1 pound ground beef: The heart of the filling, offering rich, savory flavor and a satisfying texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional): Helps the onions and garlic release their flavors and keeps things from sticking.
- 1 small onion (finely chopped): Adds sweetness and depth; the foundational aromatic for the beef mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): For a punch of zest and classic Mexican flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses warmth and subtle earthiness that make the beef sing.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Offers color, spice, and a hint of smokiness—an absolute classic in enchiladas.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a whisper of smokiness that amps up the flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends a subtle herbaceous touch, rounding out the seasoning blend.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the filling perfectly—taste and adjust as needed!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to balance and highlight every other spice.
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce: The essential saucy element that ties everything together with a tangy, tomatoey kick.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: Choose your favorite—corn for tradition, flour for pillowy texture.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend): It melts beautifully, creating the irresistible gooey topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): For a burst of green freshness right before serving.
- Sour cream and lime wedges, for serving: These cool, tangy accents take every bite over the top.
How to Make Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this gives you the perfect temp for melting cheese and browning the edges just right. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks, and set it aside. You’re setting the stage for enchilada greatness here!
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a little vegetable oil if you want to keep things extra non-stick and flavorful. Add your chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns soft and slightly golden. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. The aroma at this stage is always a sign something delicious is about to happen.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the beef is completely browned—about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, go ahead and drain it so you have a nicely balanced filling.
Step 4: Season the Filling
With the beef nearly done, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir this gorgeous blend into the beef mixture and let it cook for another minute or so—this step really unlocks the spices’ full flavor. Next, pour in 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce to bring moisture and a punch of tangy tomato to the filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas
Pour 1/4 cup of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread it out. This keeps your tortillas saucy and prevents sticking. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with a little cheese, and then roll them up tightly. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the dish, keeping them snug so they hold their shape while baking.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Once all your tortillas are lined up, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure every bit is covered. Sprinkle over the rest of your cheese—it’ll melt into a bubbly golden crust. Cover with foil first and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake another 5 to 10 minutes until the top is fantastically melted, gooey, and lightly browned.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Scatter chopped cilantro (if using) over your hot Beef Enchiladas for a pop of fresh color. Serve immediately with generous dollops of sour cream and a few lime wedges on the side. Every bite is saucy, savory, cheesy perfection.
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
The finishing touches make these Beef Enchiladas restaurant-worthy. A handful of fresh cilantro adds color and herbal zip, while cool, creamy sour cream beautifully balances the bold and spicy flavors. Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for a bright, zesty kick that ties everything together.
Side Dishes
These enchiladas are wonderful with sides like classic Mexican rice, black beans, or even a simple avocado salad. For a more festive table, set out bowls of salsa, guacamole, and crunchy tortilla chips—everyone will want a taste of everything!
Creative Ways to Present
While they’re hardest to resist straight from the baking dish, try serving Beef Enchiladas family-style with a build-your-own toppings bar. Let everyone customize with extra cheese, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or crisp radishes. For entertaining, cut the enchiladas into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers for a fun appetizer twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baking dish tightly or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, and the flavors only get richer and more delicious with time.
Freezing
Beef Enchiladas are perfect for freezing, either baked or unbaked. Cool completely, wrap well in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also zap individual portions in the microwave for a speedy lunch—just add a splash of extra enchilada sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas give Beef Enchiladas an authentic flavor and are naturally gluten-free. If you find them a bit fragile, try warming them first to prevent tearing when you roll.
What type Main Course
Cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses are classic choices for their meltiness and bold flavor, but you could experiment with Monterey Jack or even spicy Pepper Jack for a delicious kick.
Can I make these Beef Enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with a can of black beans, lentils, or sautéed veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. The same seasonings and enchilada sauce keep the flavors bold and satisfying.
How do I make these spicier?
If you love heat, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or stir in a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce. You can also sprinkle a layer of sliced fresh chiles on top before baking.
Can I assemble Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble them a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to warm them through completely.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dinner, these Beef Enchiladas are destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give them a try, play with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every flavor-packed bite!
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Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a family dinner. Flavorful ground beef seasoned with spices, wrapped in tortillas, smothered in enchilada sauce, and baked with melted cheese – a comforting classic!
Ingredients
For the beef filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For assembling:
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- sour cream and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and beef until cooked. Season with spices and enchilada sauce.
- Assemble: Fill tortillas with beef mixture, roll up, and place in the baking dish. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream and lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding green chilies or black beans to the beef filling.
- Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 enchiladas
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
