Name: Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Bold and Cheesy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: Beef Filling:; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup black beans (optional); Enchilada Sauce:; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 can (15 oz tomato sauce); 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp salt; Assembly:; 12 corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream (optional); Optional: Cilantro (jalapeños); Suggested Pairings: Mexican rice (margarita)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Beef Enchiladas are a classic, comforting dish, perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or hearty meal prep. This bold casserole, featuring tender beef wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese, delivers vibrant, savory flavors in every bite. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, garnished with fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños, these Beef Enchiladas offer a warm, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, and ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings Mexican-inspired warmth to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

For the Enchilada Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt

Assembly:

12 corn tortillas (6-inch)
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream (for filling or topping)

Serving:

Optional: Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream
Suggested Accompaniments: Mexican rice, guacamole
Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, margarita
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
Suggested Equipment: Large skillet, medium saucepan, 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowl, measuring cups/spoons, spatula

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Beef Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until meat is browned and onion is soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in black beans (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or chili powder for a balanced flavor. Set aside.
Make Enchilada Sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Soften Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a microwave (wrapped in a damp towel) for 30 seconds or in a skillet for 10 seconds per side to make them pliable.
Assemble Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup enchilada sauce in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch white ceramic baking dish. Place 2–3 tbsp beef filling and 1 tbsp cheese (and 1 tsp sour cream, if using) in the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat for all 12 tortillas.
Top and Bake: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are fully covered. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, or sour cream. Serve hot in the white ceramic baking dish with Mexican rice, guacamole, iced tea, or a margarita.

Tips for Better Beef Enchiladas

Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor; flour tortillas work but may become soggy.
Taste the beef filling before assembling to balance spices, as chili powder potency varies.
Drain excess fat from beef to avoid a greasy filling.
Warm tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling.
Use a white ceramic baking dish for a vibrant presentation, highlighting the red sauce and golden cheese.
Make ahead: Assemble enchiladas (without baking) and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake fresh.
Check doneness by ensuring the center is hot and cheese is melted.
Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic baking dish with cilantro or jalapeños for a bold, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Beef Enchiladas: Use gluten-free flour for the sauce and ensure corn tortillas are gluten-free.
Vegan Beef Enchiladas: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat, use vegan cheese, and omit sour cream or use vegan sour cream.
Spicy Beef Enchiladas: Add 1 diced jalapeño to the beef or 1/4 tsp cayenne to the sauce.
Vegetarian Beef Enchiladas: Replace beef with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or extra beans.
Low-Sodium Beef Enchiladas: Use low-sodium broth and tomato sauce, reduce salt to 1/4 tsp.
Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute beef with shredded cooked chicken.
Creamy Beef Enchiladas: Mix 1/4 cup sour cream or cream cheese into the beef filling.
Green Enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce (tomatillo-based) instead of red sauce.

Storage and Serving Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; they can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwaved for 2–3 minutes.
Freeze baked or unbaked enchiladas for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in foil, thaw in the fridge overnight, and bake or reheat at 350°F.
Serve hot for the best flavor; avoid keeping at room temperature for over 2 hours due to meat and dairy.
Use leftovers in taco bowls or as a nacho topping.
Pair with Mexican rice or guacamole to complement the bold, cheesy flavor.
Presented in a white ceramic baking dish with vibrant garnishes for a warm, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 6 servings (2 enchiladas each, with sour cream):

Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 900mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 26g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 20% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. High in sodium; try the low-sodium version. Pair with vegetables for balance.

Conclusion

This Beef Enchiladas recipe offers a bold, cheesy dish, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a Mexican-inspired classic. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a favorite. The rich sauce and tender beef delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its hearty, versatile appeal.