Ground Beef Enchiladas

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy, savory bite of pure comfort. That’s exactly what these Ground Beef Enchiladas deliver, a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

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These aren’t just any enchiladas; they’re a flavorful experience wrapped in a soft tortilla, waiting to brighten any meal. From family dinners to potlucks, they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this Ground Beef Enchiladas recipe:

  • Effortless preparation makes this a perfect weeknight meal, ready in under an hour.
  • A robust blend of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile.
  • The vibrant enchilada sauce and colorful toppings deliver an eye-catching presentation.
  • Customize the fillings and toppings to create your own unique and satisfying enchilada masterpiece.

Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, or choose a blend with a bit more fat for extra flavor.
  • Onion A yellow onion provides a savory base note to the beef filling, adding depth and complexity.
  • Bell Pepper Adds a touch of sweetness and color. Red, green, or yellow bell peppers all work well.
  • Enchilada Sauce Opt for your favorite store-bought or homemade enchilada sauce. The sauce is the heart of the enchilada, so choose wisely!
  • Corn Tortillas Corn tortillas give an authentic texture and flavor. Warm them slightly before filling to prevent tearing.
  • Shredded Cheese Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully and provide that cheesy goodness.
  • Olive Oil Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the ground beef. You can substitute with any other cooking oil.
  • Spices Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper create a flavorful seasoning blend for the beef.
  • The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

    How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas

    Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

    Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef Filling

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, onion, and bell pepper. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any excess grease.

    Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture

    Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. Add about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

    Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.

    Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the ground beef mixture. Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

    Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

    Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are evenly coated. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Step 6: Serve

    Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or avocado. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are the perfect main course for a dinner or potluck!

    Perfecting the Cooking Process

    Ground Beef Enchiladas image 2

    To make the best **ground beef enchiladas**, start by browning the ground beef and then preparing the sauce. While the sauce simmers, assemble the enchiladas and bake. This sequence ensures each component is at its prime when brought together.

    Add Your Touch

    Want to jazz up your **ground beef enchiladas**? Consider swapping in ground turkey for a leaner option or adding diced bell peppers for extra veggies. For a spicy kick, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.

    Storing & Reheating

    Store leftover **ground beef enchiladas** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for quick meal.

    Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your **ground beef enchilada** experience is stellar:

    • Don’t overfill the tortillas to prevent them from tearing during rolling; a moderate amount of filling ensures a neat, delicious enchilada.
    • Lightly warm the tortillas before filling to make them more pliable and less likely to crack, resulting in a smoother rolling process.
    • Use a high-quality cheese for the topping – a good melting cheese enhances both flavor and texture.

    (Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading (very important! don’t write any title for this paragraph))

    I still remember the first time I made these, my friends devoured them so fast I barely got one! Now they are a staple at every gathering; everyone always asks for the recipe.

    Conclusion for Ground Beef Enchiladas:

    These Ground Beef Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re a fiesta on a plate! This recipe is versatile and comforting. Remember you can easily adapt them to suit your tastes, from the choice of meat to the level of spice. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make them your own. With their savory filling, cheesy topping, and delicious sauce, they are sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite of this easy and satisfying dish!

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    Ground Beef Enchiladas

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    3.5 from 148 reviews

    Delicious ground beef enchiladas recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.

    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • Ground beef: 1 pound
    • Onion: 1 medium, chopped
    • Taco seasoning: 1 packet
    • Enchilada sauce: 28 ounces
    • Corn tortillas: 10
    • Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups
    • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
    • Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, drained

    Instructions

    1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion and cook until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain off any excess grease.
    2. Step 2: Stir in taco seasoning and diced tomatoes into the ground beef mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    3. Step 3: Pour about 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
    4. Step 4: Warm the tortillas slightly (either in the microwave or a dry skillet) to make them more pliable. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture into each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
    5. Step 5: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
    6. Step 6: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.

    Notes

    • For optimal flavor, store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
    • Reheat enchiladas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for quicker serving.
    • Garnish your enchiladas with sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro for a vibrant and flavorful presentation.
    • To prevent soggy tortillas, lightly fry them in oil for a few seconds before filling, creating a more robust barrier against the sauce.
    • Author: Marlon Zuniga
    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 20 minutes
    • Method: Stovetop
    • Cuisine: American

    FAQs:

    Can I substitute the ground beef in these Ground Beef Enchiladas?

    Absolutely! If you are not feeling beefy, you can totally swap it out. Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully. Lentils or a vegetarian crumbles mix are a fantastic plant-based option, offering a similar texture. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, as the alternative protein may cook faster than ground beef. No matter your protein preference, these enchiladas will still be delicious! Feel free to experiment with different spices to complement your chosen substitute. Enjoy personalizing your Ground Beef Enchiladas!

    What kind of cheese is best for Ground Beef Enchiladas?

    The cheese selection is crucial! I like a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar for that perfect melt and flavor combo. However, feel free to explore. Queso Oaxaca is a great choice for its stringy, melty goodness. Pepper jack will add a little kick if you’re feeling spicy. Pre-shredded cheese blends are super convenient. Remember, a generous layer of cheese makes these Ground Beef Enchiladas truly irresistible! Don’t be shy!

    How can I make Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?

    You can absolutely prep these Ground Beef Enchiladas in advance. Assemble them completely, then cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few minutes to the cooking time, ensuring they are heated thoroughly. Alternatively, prepare the ground beef filling and the sauce separately. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake. This saves time on busy weeknights and ensures a delicious, home-cooked meal.

    What should I serve with Ground Beef Enchiladas?

    Oh, the possibilities! A simple side salad with a zesty lime vinaigrette is a classic, refreshing choice. Mexican rice and refried beans are essential for a complete enchilada experience. Elote (Mexican street corn) is another fantastic option, offering a burst of flavor. If you want something lighter, try a cucumber and avocado salad. Don’t forget the toppings: sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Ground Beef Enchiladas are always a crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with the right accompaniments!

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