Zesty Chipotle Beef Enchiladas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Zesty Chipotle Beef Enchiladas are the perfect dish to spice up your dinner routine. This recipe combines the smokiness of chipotle with the savory richness of beef, all wrapped in a cheesy, comforting tortilla. It's a crowd-pleaser that's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Zesty Chipotle Beef Enchiladas

The star of this dish is the ground beef, providing a hearty base that absorbs the flavors beautifully. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth, while tomato sauce brings a touch of sweetness and acidity. The real magic, however, comes from chipotle peppers in adobo sauce — these smoky, spicy peppers infuse the beef with an irresistible kick. Ground cumin and chili powder enhance the flavor profile, and a pinch of salt ties everything together. Flour tortillas serve as the perfect vessel for our filling, while a generous sprinkle of Mexican cheese blend adds creamy, melted goodness. For a fresh finish, cilantro offers a burst of color and herbal notes. Sour cream provides a cool contrast, and lime wedges add a zesty touch. Finally, olive oil ensures our onions and garlic caramelize perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a milder dish, reduce the number of chipotle peppers or omit the seeds.
  • Warm your tortillas slightly before filling to make them more pliable.
  • Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef mixture to the tortillas, keeping excess liquid away.

Serving Suggestions

These enchiladas are delightful on their own, but if you're looking to round out your meal, consider serving them with a side of Mexican rice or a simple avocado salad. A cold, refreshing beverage like a citrusy margarita pairs wonderfully with the spicy flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Just ensure they're warmed to prevent cracking when you roll them.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for black beans or a mixture of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Zesty Chipotle Beef Enchiladas Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, let's get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, grab a large skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them sauté until they're nice and soft — about 5 minutes should do.

Next, add the ground beef into the skillet. Cook it until it's browned all over, breaking it up with a spatula as you go. Once it's cooked through, drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now, stir in the tomato sauce, minced chipotle peppers, ground cumin, chili powder, and salt. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together.

Now for the fun part! Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each flour tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of Mexican cheese blend on top of the beef, then roll each tortilla up tightly. Place them seam-side down in a baking dish to keep them snug and secure.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the enchiladas. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once they're done, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve them up with a dollop of sour cream and a few lime wedges on the side.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold, smoky flavors that pack a punch
  • Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients
  • Perfect balance of spices for a flavorful kick
  • Customizable toppings to suit your taste

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
8 flour tortillas (8-inch)
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add ground beef, cooking until browned, then drain excess fat.
4. Stir in tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, cumin, chili powder, and salt; simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, top with cheese, and roll up tightly.
6. Place enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the enchiladas and bake for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and lime wedges.

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