Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that can brighten any meal. This recipe showcases seasoned ground beef rolled in soft corn tortillas, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, these enchiladas are sure to please everyone at the table!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a satisfying meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful: The combination of spices and enchilada sauce brings out bold flavors that will excite your taste buds.
• Versatile: Ground beef enchiladas can be customized with different toppings or fillings based on your preferences.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Ground beef enchiladas can be made ahead of time and reheated, perfect for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious ground beef enchiladas, having the right tools can make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Separate skillet for warming tortillas
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly while allowing space to mix in spices.
• 9×13 inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for holding all your rolled enchiladas while they bake to perfection.

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

For Assembling Enchiladas

• 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced onions

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (optional, for serving)

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How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

While the beef cooks, heat a separate skillet over medium heat. Lightly warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. This helps prevent them from tearing when rolled.

Step 3: Fill the Tortillas

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Set aside a 9×13 inch baking dish. To assemble, take a warm tortilla and spoon in 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture along with some diced onions and cheese. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this step with all remaining tortillas.

Step 4: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Once all enchiladas are arranged in the baking dish, pour the enchilada sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top to ensure every enchilada is covered.

Step 5: Bake

Place your dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream if desired. Enjoy your flavorful ground beef enchiladas!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef enchiladas are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Pairing them with the right sides and toppings enhances their flavor and makes for a well-rounded meal.

Classic Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy texture that balances the spiciness.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness and freshness to each bite.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the flavors of the enchiladas beautifully.

Side Salads

• Mexican Street Corn Salad: This salad combines corn, lime, and spices for a refreshing side.
• Simple Green Salad: A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp contrast to the rich enchiladas.

Additional Sides

• Refried Beans: A classic Mexican side, refried beans provide protein and flavor.
• Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices rounds out the meal perfectly.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

Perfecting your ground beef enchiladas involves attention to detail in preparation. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Seasoning: Ensure that you season your beef well with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin for maximum flavor.
• Warm Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before filling them; this prevents tearing and makes rolling easier.
• Layering Sauce: Use enough enchilada sauce in both the bottom of the baking dish and on top to keep enchiladas moist.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavors.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked enchiladas to sit for a few minutes before serving; this helps them set up nicely.
• Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños can enhance both presentation and flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Serving ground beef enchiladas alongside complementary side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip full of flavors pairs perfectly with spicy enchiladas.
2. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a zesty crunch.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to savory enchiladas.
4. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and richness to your plate.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips with salsa make a fun appetizer before the main course.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters offer a crispy texture that complements soft enchiladas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making ground beef enchiladas can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your dish. Here are some to steer clear of.

• Using uncooked tortillas: Always warm your corn tortillas before filling them. This prevents tearing and makes rolling easier.
• Overfilling the tortillas: Avoid adding too much filling; it can cause the tortillas to burst when baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of beef mixture.
• Skipping seasoning: Don’t forget to season your ground beef well. This adds flavor and ensures every bite is delicious.
• Not covering the enchiladas with sauce: Make sure to pour enough enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. This keeps them moist and enhances flavor.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to 375°F (190°C) for best results. This helps the cheese melt perfectly.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the enchiladas cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil.
• Label containers with the date for tracking.

Reheating Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place one enchilada on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

You can easily make homemade enchilada sauce using tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and spices. Blend until smooth and simmer for rich flavor.

Can I use different meats in my ground beef enchiladas?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian option while keeping the same delicious flavors.

What sides pair well with ground beef enchiladas?

Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that complements your ground beef enchiladas perfectly.

How can I customize my ground beef enchiladas?

Feel free to add ingredients like black olives, jalapeños, or different cheeses to suit your taste preferences and create your perfect dish!

Are ground beef enchiladas spicy?

The spice level depends on the chili powder you use. For mild flavors, opt for mild chili powder; use chipotle or cayenne for a kick!

Final Thoughts

Ground beef enchiladas are not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize them with various fillings and toppings. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try today!