Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Flavorful Fiesta in Your Kitchen
Are you craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that's also relatively easy to make? Look no further than these delicious ground beef enchiladas! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. We'll walk you through each step, ensuring a perfect enchilada experience every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 6-8 people, but you can easily adjust it to your needs. Make sure you have these ingredients on hand before you start:
- For the Ground Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn or flour tortillas (your preference!)
- 2 cups of your favorite enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite Mexican blend)
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Enchilada Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create restaurant-quality ground beef enchiladas right in your own kitchen:
Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling
- Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your baking dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Fill the tortillas: Spoon about 1/3 cup of the ground beef mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
- Cover with sauce and cheese: Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas, ensuring they're well coated. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, shredded lettuce, and chopped cilantro.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef filling.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- Add black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with seasoned black beans or lentils.
Enjoy Your Homemade Enchilada Fiesta!
This ground beef enchilada recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful fiesta in your kitchen! Remember to share your creations and tag us – we'd love to see your delicious enchiladas!
