If you’re in search of the ultimate comfort dish that combines bold flavors with a satisfyingly cheesy texture, look no further than these delightful Ground Beef Enchiladas. They’re packed with zest and warmth that will make you wish every day was enchilada day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Amplified: Taco seasoning enriches the beef, adding a layer of spice and depth that makes each bite unforgettable.
- Cheese Galore: With every mouthful, relish the gooey, melted cheddar cheese that blankets the enchiladas to perfection.
- Simple, Yet Extravagant: This recipe keeps it easy with minimal ingredients but offers a taste that’s truly out of this world.
- Versatile Serving: These enchiladas can be a savory side or a main course that fills the heart and the stomach.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for these Ground Beef Enchiladas are not just straightforward but essential to creating a melody of flavors that dance across your taste buds. Each component plays a pivotal role, whether it’s adding richness, a hint of sweetness, or a punch of flavor.
- Ground Beef: The foundation of the dish, offering a robust and savory base that’s perfectly seasoned.
- White Onion: Diced finely to provide a slight sweetness that balances the spiciness of the beef.
- Taco Seasoning: A genius blend that instantly elevates the ground beef to new levels of tastiness.
- Corn Tortillas: Warmed and ready, they’re pliable for easy rolling and absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Enchilada Sauce: This savory, spicy sauce coats the tortillas completely, ensuring each bite is equally delicious.
- Cheddar Cheese: Grated and generous, it melts to create a golden, bubbly topping that’s hard to resist.
- Sour Cream & Cilantro: These fresh touches add a creamy, herbal note that completes the dish.
Variations
Personalizing these Ground Beef Enchiladas is a breeze! You can adjust the ingredients easily to cater to different tastes or food restrictions, making this dish both flexible and delightful for everyone at the table.
- Vegetarian Enchiladas: Swap the ground beef with black beans or roasted vegetables for a hearty, vegetarian version.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick of heat.
- Different Cheese: Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and pepper jack for varied textures and flavors.
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by browning the ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture leaner. Enhance the flavor with taco seasoning and a dash of water, allowing it to simmer until reduced. This creates a richly seasoned meat filling that’s ready to go!
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spread a layer of enchilada sauce on the base of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of beef mixture and some cheese, then roll them up tightly. Place them snugly in the dish, seam side down, and saturate the lot with more sauce and a glorious amount of cheese on top. This sets the stage for optimal baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes. You’re looking for that golden hue and the aromatic waft of enchilada sauce mingling with the cheesy goodness wafting from your kitchen. The wait will be worth every second!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Ingredient Harmony: Blend your seasonings well with a splash of water to help marry the flavors together fully during cooking.
- Rolling Technique: Ensure your tortillas are warm to prevent them from cracking while rolling.
- Cheese Melt: For a uniformly creamy, delightful topping, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded ones come with additives that prevent full melting.
- Decorative Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro after baking adds both color and a refreshing note to balance the rich flavors.
How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas
Garnishes
Top your Ground Beef Enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. These garnishes not only enhance the presentation but also offer a creamy and fresh contrast to the hearty flavors—simply irresistible!
Side Dishes
Pair these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad to round out your meal. Either choice complements the robust flavors perfectly, adding variety without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Create a fiesta on your table by serving these Ground Beef Enchiladas on colorful plates with bright napkins, and if you’re feeling creative, add some edible flowers or carved vegetables for a touch of elegance!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, place your fully cooled enchiladas in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring a quick and tasty meal on busy days.
Freezing
For those thinking ahead, these enchiladas freeze wonderfully. Wrap them individually or as a whole dish in foil, followed by plastic wrap, and they’ll remain delicious in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat your enchiladas by covering them with foil and baking in a 350°F oven until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. For a faster option, use the microwave but cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture inside.
FAQs
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Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will yield a softer texture and are easier to roll. Simply ensure they’re warmed for easy handling.
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What other meats can I substitute for ground beef?
Chicken or turkey are excellent alternatives if you’re looking to switch things up. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly before assembling your enchiladas.
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Is homemade enchilada sauce better than store-bought?
While homemade sauce can be customized to your preference, a good quality store-bought sauce works perfectly for a quick and convenient option.
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Can these enchiladas be made dairy-free?
Yes, simply use dairy-free cheese alternatives and omit the sour cream or use a vegan version. The flavor will still be immensely satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Dive into the warmth and comfort of these Ground Beef Enchiladas, a dish that combines simplicity with savory indulgence. Share it with loved ones, and let the meal become a household favorite that brings joy and satisfaction with every bite. Happy cooking!
Print
Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These flavorful ground beef enchiladas are a hearty and cheesy Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for a comforting family dinner. They feature seasoned ground beef wrapped in warm corn tortillas, topped with rich enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasoning
1 lb ground beef1/2 white onion, diced
3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1/4 cup water
For Assembly
10-14 corn tortillas, warmed2 cups enchilada sauce
3 cups Cheddar cheese, grated
To Serve
Sour cream, for servingFresh cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking the assembled enchiladas.
- Cook beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning. Add water and simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare baking dish: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Fill tortillas: Place a line of seasoned beef mixture and some shredded cheddar cheese down the center of each warmed tortilla. Roll tightly to enclose the filling.
- Arrange enchiladas: Place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the prepared baking dish, close together.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are covered. Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese evenly over the sauce.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro, then serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and easier to roll, preventing tears.
- You can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- Feel free to customize with additional toppings like sliced jalapeños or chopped onions for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
