Beef Enchilada Recipe: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Are you ready to tantalize your taste buds with a classic Mexican dish? This beef enchilada recipe is your ticket to a flavor fiesta! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed for easy preparation and maximum deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 12 enchiladas. 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 (your preference!)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (red or green, your choice!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional, for a richer flavor)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enchilada Perfection
1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded beautifully.
2. Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill each tortilla with approximately 1/4 cup of the beef filling.
- Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas.
- Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious beef enchiladas hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions. This recipe is incredibly versatile; feel free to experiment with different cheeses, spices, or add-ins like beans or olives to create your own unique version.
Tips for Enchilada Success:
- Warm your tortillas: For easier rolling, warm the tortillas slightly before filling them. You can microwave them for a few seconds or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15-20 seconds.
- Don't overfill: Overfilling the tortillas can make them difficult to roll and may cause them to burst during baking.
- Use quality ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will elevate the flavor of your enchiladas.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the beef filling and assemble the enchiladas a day ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
This beef enchilada recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and most importantly, have fun creating your culinary masterpiece! Remember to share your delicious creations with us! Let us know in the comments how your enchiladas turned out.
