Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas are your ticket to a flavorful, satisfying meal that brings a touch of heat and smokiness. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these enchiladas are packed with bold flavors and are surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients for Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef serves as the hearty base for our enchiladas, providing a rich and meaty texture that holds up well to the bold flavors. The chipotle peppers in adobo are the star ingredient here, offering a smoky heat that's balanced by the sweetness of the adobo sauce. Onion and garlic add depth and aromatic flavors, while ground cumin and smoked paprika enhance the smokiness and add warmth. You'll want to season with salt and pepper to taste. The flour tortillas are your vehicle for all this goodness, and they hold everything together nicely. Enchilada sauce brings moisture and tanginess, while the shredded Mexican blend cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream add freshness and creaminess to each bite.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra kick, mix a bit more adobo sauce into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the tortillas.
  • If you like your enchiladas extra cheesy, feel free to add more cheese on top.
  • Warm the tortillas slightly before filling to make them easier to roll.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas pair perfectly with a side of Spanish rice or refried beans. A fresh green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette can balance the richness of the enchiladas. For a refreshing beverage, consider serving with a light Mexican beer or a homemade limeade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas will work well and add a slightly different texture. Just ensure they are warmed to prevent cracking.
Can these enchiladas be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Smoky Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Toss in the ground beef and let it cook until it's nicely browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess fat to keep your dish from becoming too greasy.

Next, add the onion, garlic, and those delicious chipotle peppers in adobo. Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, then season with salt and pepper. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes, or until the onion softens and the flavors meld beautifully.

Now, pour 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Take each flour tortilla and spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture onto it. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam side down in the dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they're well covered. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top, making sure to cover them evenly. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once out of the oven, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a generous dollop of sour cream before serving. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Features a smoky, spicy kick from chipotle peppers in adobo.
  • Perfectly cheesy with a melted Mexican blend cheese topping.
  • Quick to prepare and uses everyday ingredients.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and sides.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 cups enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup sour cream (optional)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until onion is soft.
4. Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Place about 1/3 cup of beef mixture in each tortilla, roll up tightly, and place seam side down in the dish.
6. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with shredded cheese.
7. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!