Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican dish that will impress your family and friends? Our Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is the perfect choice! This recipe combines seasoned ground beef, rich enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in soft tortillas. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making these mouthwatering enchiladas, from ingredients to presentation tips.

What are Ground Beef Enchiladas?

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish featuring tortillas filled with a seasoned ground beef mixture, rolled up, and covered with enchilada sauce and cheese. The dish is then baked until bubbly and delicious. Enchiladas are versatile and can be customized with various fillings, sauces, and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients List for Ground Beef Enchiladas

Basic Ingredients:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef.
2. Tortillas: 8-10 flour or corn tortillas.
3. Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
4. Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced.
5. Enchilada Sauce: 2 cups of red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade).
6. Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
7. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
8. Spices: 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.
9. Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
10. Beef Broth: ¼ cup of beef broth.
11. Green Chilies: 1 can (4 ounces) of diced green chilies.
12. Fresh Cilantro: Chopped, for garnish.

Optional Ingredients:

1. Black Beans: 1 can (15 ounces), drained and rinsed.
2. Corn: 1 cup of frozen or canned corn.
3. Jalapeños: Sliced, for added heat.
4. Avocado: Sliced, for a creamy topping.
5. Sour Cream: For serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

1. Protein: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat alternative for a different twist.
2. Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
3. Tortillas: Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas.

Variations:

1. Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and use a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
2. Spicy: Add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
3. Cheesy: Increase the amount of cheese or try different varieties for a richer flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Chop Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. Add Onions and Garlic: Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent.
2. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Chilies

1. Add Beef Broth and Green Chilies: Pour in the beef broth and add the diced green chilies. Stir well to combine.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Spread Sauce: Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Fill Tortillas: Spoon the beef mixture onto each tortilla, then roll them up and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
3. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle with shredded cheese.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top of the enchiladas.
2. Serve: Serve hot with optional toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling Tortillas: Avoid overfilling the tortillas to prevent them from bursting.
2. Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure the filling is warm to promote even cooking.
3. Skipping the Sauce: Make sure to cover the enchiladas with enough sauce to keep them moist.
4. Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Ground Beef Enchiladas

1. Serve Hot: These enchiladas are best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven.
2. Garnish with Fresh Ingredients: Top with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
3. Pair with Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple side salad.

Presentation Ideas for Ground Beef Enchiladas

1. Colorful Garnishes: Use vibrant toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeño slices, and colorful bell peppers.
2. Family Style: Present the dish in the baking dish for a rustic, family-style meal.
3. Individual Plates: For a more formal setting, serve individual portions on plates with garnishes neatly arranged on top.

Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe Tips

1. Prep Ahead: Prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
2. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the beef mixture and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and cilantro enhance the flavor of the dish.
4. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to suit your heat tolerance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas ahead of time. Assemble the enchiladas, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze Ground Beef Enchiladas?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the enchiladas in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.

Q: What can I use instead of enchilada sauce?
A: You can use salsa or a homemade tomato-based sauce as a substitute for enchilada sauce.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a dairy-free alternative.

Conclusion

Our Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing for a gathering with friends, these enchiladas are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Give it a try today, and don’t forget to share your variations and tips with us! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

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