Ground Beef Enchiladas Hearty and Flavorful Meal

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Looking for a hearty and flavorful meal? Ground beef enchiladas are the answer! With savory beef, melty cheese, and a zesty sauce, this dish packs a punch in every bite. In this post, I’ll share my tried-and-true tips to make enchiladas that will impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, you’ll find everything you need to create this delicious dish. Let’s get started!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of spices, black beans, and corn creates a savory and satisfying filling that’s hard to resist.
2. Customizable Heat: With the option of mild or hot enchilada sauce, you can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste preferences.
3. Quick and Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes, these enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
4. Great for Meal Prep: These enchiladas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a convenient option for future meals.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef

– 8-10 medium flour tortillas

– 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)

Flavor Enhancers

– 1 small onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild or hot)

– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

– 1 teaspoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

– Sour cream

– Chopped cilantro

– Additional toppings like jalapeños or avocado

This list of ingredients will help you create a dish that is hearty and full of flavor. The ground beef serves as the main protein, while the tortillas hold everything together. The shredded cheese adds a creamy texture when melted. Each spice enhances the dish’s flavor, giving it a delicious kick. Feel free to mix and match your favorite garnishes to make your enchiladas even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Beef

To start, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until you see no pink. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. This step is key for even cooking. Once brown, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This helps keep your dish from being greasy.

Preparing the Filling

Next, add 1 small chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and sauté until the onion looks clear. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. The smell will be amazing! Then, mix in 1 can of drained black beans and 1 cup of corn. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Pour in half of the enchilada sauce. Stir for another 3 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Now, it’s time to fill the tortillas. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take a tortilla and place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture in the center. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Do this for all the tortillas until you use up the filling.

Baking the Enchiladas

Once all the tortillas are filled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble nicely. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To make your enchiladas stand out, adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you like heat, add more chili powder or try a hotter sauce. If you prefer mild flavors, go for a mild enchilada sauce. Using fresh ingredients also boosts the taste. Fresh onions, garlic, and corn bring bright flavors to your dish.

Making it Ahead

You can prepare these enchiladas ahead of time. Just assemble them, cover, and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven. For longer storage, freeze them before baking. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your enchiladas with sides like rice or a fresh salad. Refried beans also make a great match. For drinks, try a cold soda or a refreshing margarita. You can also serve them with a light beer for a casual meal.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap out ground beef for other meats. Ground turkey or chicken works great. These meats are leaner but still tasty. If you want something different, try using shredded beef or pork. Both add a rich flavor.

For a plant-based option, use lentils or black beans instead of meat. You can also try crumbled tofu for a protein boost. Just season it well to enhance the taste.

Sauce Variations

You can choose from many enchilada sauces. A green sauce gives a fresh kick, while a mole sauce adds depth. If you like it spicy, try a chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor.

You can also make your own enchilada sauce. Here’s a very simple recipe:

– 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

– 1 tablespoon chili powder

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– Salt to taste

Mix these ingredients in a bowl and adjust to your taste. Homemade sauce can make your enchiladas even better.

Cooking Methods

You can cook enchiladas in several ways. The stovetop method is quick. Just prepare them in a skillet and let them simmer.

For a hands-off approach, try a slow cooker. Layer the tortillas, beef mixture, and sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 hours. This method keeps everything moist and full of flavor.

These variations let you enjoy enchiladas in new ways. Try them out and see what you love!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

After making your ground beef enchiladas, you may have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool down before sealing the container. If they are still warm, steam can form and spoil the meal.

Freezing

If you want to save enchiladas for later, freezing works well. First, allow the enchiladas to cool completely. Then, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped enchiladas in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to eat, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out.

Shelf Life

To enjoy your enchiladas safely, eat them within 3 days when refrigerated. In the freezer, they can stay good for 2 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or smell something off, it’s best to toss them.

FAQs

How do I make enchiladas taste better?

To enhance the flavor of your enchiladas, consider adding these spices:

– Chili powder

– Cumin

– Smoked paprika

These spices give depth and warmth. You can also add more garlic or onion for a fresh taste. Mixing in some fresh herbs, like cilantro, can brighten the dish.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas. They have a different texture and a slightly nutty taste. Corn tortillas are more fragile, so warm them up first. This helps prevent tearing. Flour tortillas are softer and more flexible, making them easier to roll.

What sides pair well with ground beef enchiladas?

Try these sides for a great meal:

– Mexican rice

– Refried beans

– Guacamole

– Pico de gallo

These add color and flavor to your plate. You can also serve a simple salad for freshness.

You learned how to make delicious ground beef enchiladas with easy steps. We covered the essential ingredients, from tortillas to cheese, along with flavor enhancers like spices and sauce. I shared tips to elevate the taste and advice for making enchiladas ahead of time. Exploring variations lets you customize the recipe to your taste. Remember, storing leftovers properly keeps your enchiladas fresh. Enjoy your cooking and make this dish a family favorit

Savory & Spicy Ground Beef Enchiladas

Delicious enchiladas filled with a savory and spicy ground beef mixture, topped with cheese and enchilada sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• to taste salt and pepper
• 8 to 10 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• optional sour cream and chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat.
• To the skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and half of the enchilada sauce. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a clean work surface, take a tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center. Sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, then roll it up tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat for all tortillas.
• Once all tortillas are filled and rolled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Once finished, remove the enchiladas from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes, then garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot enchilada sauce.

Keyword enchiladas, ground beef, savory, spicy

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