Beef Enchiladas
Indulge in the rich and savory world of beef enchiladas, a beloved Mexican dish that combines tender beef, zesty sauce, and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe will elevate your cooking game and satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into the delicious details of making these flavorful enchiladas from scratch!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) enchilada sauce
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 8 corn tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 enchilada) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 20g
– Fat: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
4. Stir in cumin and chili powder, mixing well.
5. Pour in half of the enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Warm tortillas in a separate pan until soft.
7. Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
8. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish seam-side down.
9. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
11. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can use shredded chicken or black beans instead of ground beef for a different flavor. Additionally, corn tortillas can be swapped for flour tortillas if preferred, and low-fat cheese can be used for a lighter option.
Serving and Pairings
Beef enchiladas are delightful when paired with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. A dollop of sour cream and a slice of lime enhance the dish, making it a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option. Beef enchiladas can also be frozen; just ensure they are tightly wrapped.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overfilling tortillas can cause them to break.
- Not warming tortillas first makes them brittle.
- Using too much sauce can lead to soggy enchiladas.
- Skipping the cheese on top results in less flavor.
- Not browning the beef thoroughly can affect taste.
Helpful Tips
- Use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
- Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Experiment with different spices for a unique twist.
- Make enchiladas ahead of time and bake when ready.
FAQs
Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time, cover them, and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
You can use homemade tomato sauce or salsa as a substitute for enchilada sauce for a different flavor profile.
Are beef enchiladas spicy?
The spice level can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili powder and using mild or hot enchilada sauce, depending on your preference.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still yield delicious enchiladas with a lighter flavor.
How do I know when the enchiladas are done?
The enchiladas are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortillas are slightly crispy.
Conclusion
Beef enchiladas are a satisfying and flavorful dish that brings comfort to the table. With their savory filling and cheesy topping, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine!
Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 15 oz enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened.
- Stir in cumin and chili powder, mixing well.
- Pour in half of the enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a separate pan until soft.
- Spoon beef mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
