Traditional Beef Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Traditional Beef Enchiladas are a comforting classic that bring a taste of Mexico right to your kitchen. This recipe is all about simplicity and rich flavors, offering an easy way to enjoy a satisfying homemade meal.

Ingredients for Traditional Beef Enchiladas

The star of this dish is the ground beef, providing a hearty base that's seasoned to perfection. Chopped onion and minced garlic add depth and aroma, while ground cumin and chili powder infuse the beef with a warm, spicy kick. A pinch of salt and black pepper balances the flavors. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice, lending an authentic touch to the dish.

Red enchilada sauce smothers the rolled tortillas, ensuring each bite is saucy and flavorful. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, tangy contrast, melting into gooey goodness. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and green onions gives a fresh, vibrant finish, enhancing both flavor and presentation. A little vegetable oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic, ensuring they cook evenly and don't stick.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh, soft corn tortillas to prevent cracking when rolling.
  • For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
  • Make sure to drain excess fat from the beef to avoid a greasy filling.
  • Use a good quality enchilada sauce for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas pair beautifully with a side of refried beans or a fresh avocado salad. A dollop of sour cream on top complements the dish nicely, adding a cool contrast to the spicy enchiladas. For a refreshing finish, serve with a cold Mexican cerveza or a glass of agua fresca.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different. Corn tortillas are traditional and hold up better with the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for black beans or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add extra baking time if needed.

Traditional Beef Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F. This will ensure it's ready by the time your enchiladas are assembled.

Grab a large skillet and heat up that tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, letting them cook until they’re soft and fragrant — this should take about 3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells amazing.

Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned and make sure to drain any excess fat. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, giving everything a good mix so the spices are well incorporated.

While the beef is cooking, warm up the corn tortillas. You can do this quickly in the microwave or in a separate skillet until they’re nice and pliable, which makes them easier to roll.

Now, take a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom. This helps prevent the tortillas from sticking and adds extra flavor.

Fill each tortilla with a portion of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down in your baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and finish with the remaining cheese.

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Full of authentic flavors that transport your taste buds to Mexico.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
  • Customizable to suit your spice preferences.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 corn tortillas
2 cups red enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing until the spices are well incorporated.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a microwave or skillet until pliable.
6. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Fill each tortilla with a portion of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
8. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with remaining cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions before serving.

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