Beef and Enchilada Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta in Your Kitchen
This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and satisfying beef and enchilada dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. We'll focus on optimizing both taste and ease of preparation, making this a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green, your preference)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enchilada Heaven
This recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness. Let's get cooking!
1. Preparing the Beef Filling:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
2. Assembling the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill the tortillas: Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with enchilada sauce. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef filling into each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese (if using).
3. Baking to Perfection:
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Beef Enchiladas:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Pepper jack or queso fresco would also be delicious additions.
- Make it ahead: The beef filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the enchiladas.
- Serving suggestions: Serve with your favorite sides, such as Mexican rice, refried beans, guacamole, or sour cream.
This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for your own culinary creativity. Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your signature beef and enchilada masterpiece! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
