Ground Beef Enchiladas

These Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Tex-Mex right to your dinner table. With a rich homemade enchilada sauce and a hearty filling of seasoned ground beef, these enchiladas are perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or any occasion that calls for comfort food. The combination of melting cheese and vibrant toppings makes each bite a satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
• Flavorful Filling: The seasoned ground beef combined with spices creates a mouthwatering taste.
• Customizable Toppings: You can top these enchiladas with your favorite ingredients, from sour cream to avocado.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These enchiladas are great for make-ahead meals or freezing for later.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s taco night or game day, these enchiladas are sure to impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment will help ensure your Ground Beef Enchiladas turn out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Baking dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking dish: Ensures even baking and easy serving of your delicious enchiladas.

Ingredients

These ground beef enchiladas are made with a homemade enchilada sauce, stuffed with Mexican ground beef and loaded with plenty of cheese!

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 3 tbsp Flour
• 3 tbsp Tomato Puree (Tomato Paste in US)
• 720ml / 3 cups Chicken Stock
• 1 tbsp Hot Chilli Powder (or to spice preference)
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 1/4 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

For the Filling:

• 1 large Red Pepper (finely diced)
• 1 medium White Onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves of Garlic (finely diced)
• 500g / 1lb lean Ground/Minced Beef (5-10%)
• 2 tsp EACH: Paprika, Cumin
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

For Assembly:

• 8x 6-7 Flour Tortilla Wraps
• half a 435g/15oz can of Refried Beans
• 200-250g / 2 – 2.5 cups Cheddar (to top)
• 100-150g / 1 – 1.5 cups Mexican/Spicy Cheese Blend (to stuff inside or more cheddar)

Toppings:

• Sour Cream (recommended)
• Avocado (diced)
• Fresh Tomato (diced)
• Green/Spring Onion (finely sliced)
• Fresh Coriander/Cilantro (finely diced)
• Lime Wedges

How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add tomato puree and chicken stock while continuing to whisk until thickened. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

In another skillet, sauté red pepper, onion, and garlic over medium heat until softened. Add ground beef along with paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until beef is browned completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread some enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a tortilla wrap; layer refried beans followed by the beef mixture and cheese blend inside. Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 4: Bake

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

Once baked, let cool slightly before serving. Top each portion with sour cream, avocado, fresh tomato, green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Ground Beef Enchiladas!

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

Ground beef enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. They can be paired with various toppings and sides to enhance their flavor and presentation.

Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spice.
• Diced Avocado: Fresh avocado brings a cool and refreshing element to your dish.
• Chopped Fresh Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add brightness and a pop of color.
• Finely Sliced Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a crunchy texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro gives a fresh, herbaceous note that complements the savory flavors.

Sides

• Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans pair well with enchiladas for added protein.
• Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad adds sweetness and crunch to your meal.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Enchiladas

To achieve the best ground beef enchiladas, consider these tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Meat: Select lean ground beef (5-10%) for a flavorful filling without excess fat.
• Homemade Sauce: Making your own enchilada sauce enhances the overall taste and freshness.
• Don’t Overfill Tortillas: Be mindful of the amount you stuff in each tortilla to prevent tearing.
• Bake Until Golden: Ensure you bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden for a delicious finish.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing them to sit for a few minutes after baking helps them hold together better when serving.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Pairing side dishes with your ground beef enchiladas can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice: This seasoned rice is a classic side that pairs perfectly with enchiladas.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide additional protein and texture alongside your dish.
3. Guacamole: This rich, creamy dip adds flavor and pairs well with crunchy tortilla chips.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and crunch, making it a great addition.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer an excellent appetizer or side option.
6. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens offers freshness that balances the richness of enchiladas.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making ground beef enchiladas can be simple, but some mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using store-bought sauce: Homemade enchilada sauce enhances the flavor significantly. Avoid pre-made sauces and make your own for the best taste.
• Overfilling tortillas: Filling them too much can lead to tearing. Use just enough filling so that you can roll them securely without breaking.
• Skipping the cheese layer: Cheese adds creaminess and flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle cheese on top before baking for a delicious finish.
• Not seasoning the meat: Ground beef needs seasoning to shine. Add spices like cumin and chili powder to enhance the overall flavor of your enchiladas.
• Rushing the cooking time: Allowing enough time for baking ensures everything melds together beautifully. Don’t rush it; let it bake until bubbly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge.
• They will last for about 3-4 days.

Freezing Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Ground Beef Enchiladas

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

You can make homemade enchilada sauce by combining vegetable oil, flour, tomato puree, chicken stock, and your favorite spices in a saucepan over medium heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned.

How can I customize my Ground Beef Enchiladas?

You can customize your enchiladas by adding different vegetables such as zucchini or corn or substituting different cheeses based on your preference.

What toppings go well with Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Common toppings include sour cream, diced avocado, fresh tomatoes, and green onions. Feel free to add whatever you enjoy!

Can I prepare these enchiladas ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

These ground beef enchiladas are not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit any taste. Feel free to customize them with your favorite ingredients or toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!