Beef Enchiladas Recipe

The Juiciest Beef Enchiladas Recipe for Taco Night Magic

Crafting delectable beef enchiladas sparks joy in any kitchen adventure.

Warmth and comfort radiate from these mouthwatering Mexican-inspired rolls packed with savory goodness.

Layers of tender meat, melted cheese, and zesty sauce create a culinary masterpiece that feels like a hug on a plate.

Rich spices dance through each bite, promising an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy Mexican restaurant.

Homemade magic happens when simple ingredients combine with love and a dash of creativity.

Smooth tortillas embrace the hearty filling, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger and warms the soul.

Grab your apron and let this recipe become your new weekend dinner champion.

Beef Enchilada Ingredient Essentials

Main Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the enchiladas.
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that serve as the delicious container for the filling.
  • Enchilada Sauce: A zesty, tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Mexican flavor.
  • Cheese: A melty topping that brings richness and creates a golden, bubbly surface.
Seasoning and Aromatics:
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that delivers authentic Mexican-style taste to the beef.
  • Onions: A fragrant vegetable that adds depth and sweetness to the meat mixture.
Garnish and Additional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro: Classic garnishes that provide cool, fresh contrast to the warm enchiladas.

How To Make Beef Enchiladas Step-By-Step

How To Make Beef Enchiladas Step-By-Step

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) for the perfect baking environment.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onions until they’re completely cooked.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir thoroughly to create a flavor-packed filling.

Step 3: Soften the Tortillas

Gently warm the tortillas to make them flexible and easy to roll.

This prevents cracking and makes wrapping a breeze.

Step 4: Create Flavor Parcels

Spread a layer of enchilada sauce on each tortilla.

Add the savory beef mixture and a generous sprinkle of cheese.

Roll tightly into delicious enchilada cylinders.

Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish

Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish, ensuring they’re snug and secure.

Step 6: Sauce and Cheese Blanket

Drench the enchiladas with the remaining enchilada sauce.

Shower the top with a final layer of cheese for maximum deliciousness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Dress and Serve

Finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Serve hot and enjoy your homemade enchilada feast!

Kitchen Tips For Better Beef Enchiladas

  • Slightly heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave to prevent cracking when rolling enchiladas, ensuring smooth and flexible wrapping.
  • Mix taco seasoning thoroughly with ground beef and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and rich flavor in the filling.
  • Layer cheese inside and on top of enchiladas for maximum melty goodness and balanced cheesy taste in every bite.
  • Ensure complete sauce coverage on tortillas and between rolls to keep enchiladas moist and prevent dry edges during baking.
  • Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse dietary preferences and exciting flavor variations.

Beef Enchilada Swaps And Mix-Ins

  • Chicken Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter protein option. Season chicken with same spices and follow original recipe steps.
  • Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas: Substitute beef with black beans and roasted vegetables. Use vegetable enchilada sauce and add extra cheese for protein.
  • Gluten-Free Corn Tortilla Enchiladas: Use 100% corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Check seasoning mix for gluten-free certification and ensure all ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Enchiladas: Replace tortillas with thin zucchini strips. Layer zucchini with beef mixture and cheese, then bake until tender and golden.

Serving Beef Enchiladas Like A Pro

  • Fiesta Night Plating: Arrange enchiladas on a colorful ceramic plate with vibrant salsa and extra cilantro sprigs for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Fresh Topping Paradise: Add diced avocados, sliced jalapeños, and a dollop of tangy sour cream to enhance flavor and create a delicious texture contrast.
  • Sidekick Companions: Serve with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp garden salad to complete the meal and provide balanced nutrition.
  • Family-Style Feast: Place enchiladas in a large central dish, allowing everyone to serve themselves and enjoy a casual, communal dining experience.

Beef Enchilada Storage Suggestions

  • Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
  • For quick reheating, place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to rotate and ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • How spicy are these enchiladas?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning. Choose mild for kids or add extra chili powder for more kick.

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works perfectly and creates a leaner version of the enchiladas.

  • Do I need special tortillas?

Use standard corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas work great and are easier to roll.

  • What if I don't have taco seasoning?

Make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or use premade packets from the store.

Beef Enchiladas: Bold, Cheesy, Satisfying

Beef Enchiladas: Bold, Cheesy, Satisfying
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado to make this recipe uniquely yours.
  • Family Favorite Feast: Kids and adults alike will love the rich flavors and hearty filling, making it an ideal meal for family gatherings or casual dinners.
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Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Beef Enchiladas Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x

Description

Spicy beef enchiladas dance with Mexican flavor, promising a zesty culinary adventure. Melted cheese and rich sauce create a comforting meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Tortillas and Beans:

  • 10 flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 can black beans

Cheese and Sauce:

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef with diced onions until meat is completely cooked through and no longer pink.
  3. Stir taco seasoning into the beef mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  4. Gently heat tortillas to increase flexibility, preventing cracking during rolling.
  5. Ladle a thin layer of enchilada sauce onto each tortilla, creating a flavorful base.
  6. Distribute seasoned beef across tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
  7. Carefully roll each tortilla, tucking in sides to create compact enchilada parcels.
  8. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
  9. Generously drench enchiladas with remaining sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  10. Scatter additional cheese over the top, creating a rich, melty layer.
  11. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is thoroughly melted and edges are golden brown.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
  13. Garnish with dollops of sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Soften tortillas in a skillet with a touch of oil for better pliability and enhanced flavor without cracking.
  • Use lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess grease and create a lighter, healthier enchilada.
  • Consider preparing the beef mixture ahead of time and storing in the refrigerator to streamline weeknight cooking.
  • Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based crumbles for dietary variations and added versatility.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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