Introduction
When it comes to hearty, flavorful dinners that the whole family can enjoy, it’s hard to beat a plate of delicious beef enchiladas. Bursting with rich, savory beef, smothered in a zesty sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, these enchiladas are a guaranteed hit. Today, we’re going to dive into how to make the Best Beef Enchiladas, based on a popular recipe that has earned rave reviews. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will not disappoint.
Detailed Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (19 ounce) can red enchilada sauce, divided
- 10 (7 inch) flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 (3.8 ounce) can sliced black olives
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 5 Servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in the diced green chilies, salt, cumin, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Add 1/3 cup of the enchilada sauce to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Spread about 1/2 cup of the remaining enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle the top with the shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced black olives.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sour cream and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
This recipe is highly versatile and can be tailored to your taste. Consider using whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different texture, or add extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the beef filling for a nutritional boost. For those who like it hot, some diced jalapeños would be a great addition. You could also swap out the Cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for a different flavor profile.
Cook Techniques
Perfecting beef enchiladas involves a few key cooking techniques that ensure the best results:
- Browning the Beef: Make sure to fully brown the ground beef and drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy filling.
- Layering Flavors: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices helps to develop a deep, rich flavor base for your enchiladas.
- Proper Assembly: Rolling the tortillas tightly and placing them seam-side down prevents them from unrolling while baking.
- Even Sauce Distribution: Pouring the sauce evenly over the tortillas ensures they stay moist and flavorful.
- Melting the Cheese: Baking just until the cheese is melted and bubbly keeps it from becoming too hard or overcooked.