Sometimes life calls for something spicy, cheesy, and downright delicious. Picture this: warm tortillas enveloped in a rich, savory ground beef filling, slathered in zesty sauce and melted cheese that oozes like a warm hug. Ground beef enchiladas are not just food; they are an experience that takes your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride of flavor and satisfaction.
I remember the first time I made these delightful rolls of goodness; my friends thought I had turned into a culinary wizard overnight. Little did they know it was just my secret stash of spices and an abundance of love poured into each layer. Whether it’s taco night or a cozy gathering on the couch with Netflix playing in the background, these enchiladas always steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These ground beef enchiladas are simple to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal
- The flavor combination is a fiesta of tastes that will leave everyone wanting more
- Plus, they look stunning when plated up—perfect for impressing guests or feeding your family
- Versatility shines here; customize fillings or toppings based on your cravings!
There was that one dinner party where I served these bad boys for the first time. The moment my friends took a bite, there was an audible gasp followed by enthusiastic mmm’s all around—definitely a night to remember!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option while still enjoying all that juicy flavor.
- Tortillas: Opt for corn tortillas if you want authenticity or flour ones for extra tenderness.
- Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; finely chop it to blend seamlessly into the filling.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic lends depth; nothing beats that aromatic scent wafting through your kitchen.
- Enchilada Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; either way, it’s the star player in this dish!
- Cheese: Shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) creates that gooey goodness we all crave.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; sprinkle it on top just before serving.
- Spices: Cumin and chili powder bring warmth; don’t skip them unless you enjoy blandness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Work Begins: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab an 8×12-inch baking dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking later.
Sautéing Time: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep things light and flavorful.
Add Flavor: Toss in one chopped onion and two cloves of minced garlic into the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté everything together until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.
Mix Spices!: Stir in one teaspoon each of cumin and chili powder along with salt to taste. Let those spices mingle for another minute or two—it’s where magic happens!
Tortilla Time: Warm your tortillas briefly in a dry skillet so they become pliable—this prevents tearing when rolling them up with our glorious filling.
Roll ‘Em Up: Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top, then roll tightly from one end to another. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Dress It Up: Pour your enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas until they are well-coated but not swimming! Sprinkle more cheese over everything because we believe in excess when it comes to cheese.
Bake Away: Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—this is where patience pays off!
Enjoy serving these delicious ground beef enchiladas hot from the oven garnished with fresh cilantro! You can pair them with sour cream or guacamole for added flair.
Now you’ve got yourself an incredible dish that is bound to impress anyone lucky enough to snag an invite to dinner at your place!
You Must Know
- Ground Beef Enchiladas are not just a meal; they’re a fiesta on your plate!
- The rich aroma and gooey cheese will make your kitchen feel like a Mexican cantina
- Plus, these enchiladas are perfect for leftovers, so make extra for a delightful next-day treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef with spices, then fill tortillas and roll them before layering with sauce and cheese. This sequence ensures the flavors meld beautifully while keeping prep efficient.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian version. Experimenting with different sauces, like green salsa or mole, can also elevate your enchiladas to new heights.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through—around 20 minutes should do it.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly rolled enchiladas, warm the tortillas in a pan first to prevent tearing
- Always taste and adjust spice levels before filling
- Baking uncovered will give you that golden, bubbly cheese topping that everyone loves!
Making Ground Beef Enchiladas reminds me of family gatherings where we’d gather around the table, laughing and competing for the last piece—delicious memories wrapped in tortillas!
FAQ
What can I use instead of ground beef in enchiladas?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even lentils work great as substitutes for ground beef.
Can I freeze my enchiladas for later?
Yes! Just wrap them tightly and they’ll last up to three months in the freezer.
How do I make my enchiladas spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle chili powder into the meat mixture for extra heat.
Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious blend of savory ground beef, zesty sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in warm tortillas—perfect for any family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cumin
- Chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×12-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat for 5-7 minutes; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until onions are translucent.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, and salt; cook for an additional minute.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable.
- Spoon about 3 tablespoons of beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle cheese on top, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (150g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
