Beef Enchiladas are a delightful Mexican dish that combines seasoned ground beef, beans, and rich flavors wrapped in soft tortillas. This recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for any night of the week. With the added bonus of a homemade enchilada sauce, your taste buds will dance with delight as you savor every bite. Let’s dive into making these delicious enchiladas!
Why You’ll Love This Beef Enchiladas
This recipe for beef enchiladas is not just about delicious flavor; it’s packed with benefits. First, it’s a quick meal option that can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights. Second, the combination of ground beef enchiladas, refried beans, and black beans provides a hearty and nutritious meal. Third, the homemade enchilada sauce allows you to customize the spice level, making it great for everyone. You’ll find that these enchiladas are a fantastic alternative to beef tacos or beef burritos. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser, ensuring your family will love them!
Ingredients for Beef Enchiladas
Gather these items:
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500ml) low sodium chicken stock/broth
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) tomato passata or 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef (mince)
- 400g (14oz) refried beans (1 can)
- 400g (14oz) black beans, drained (1 can)
- 8 tortillas or burrito wraps
- 1.5 cups (150g) grated melting cheese
- Cilantro/coriander leaves, roughly chopped (optional garnish)
How to Make Beef Enchiladas Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set this spice mix aside to use in the sauce and filling.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute until it just starts to color. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to avoid lumps. Add the tomato passata or canned tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Add half of the prepared spice mix to the sauce. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Step 3: In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned through, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the remaining half of the spice mix, refried beans, and drained black beans. Cook together for another 5 minutes until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon generous amounts of the beef and bean filling onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 5: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, covering all the enchiladas.
- Step 6: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
- Step 7: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with roughly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious beef enchiladas!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Enchiladas
Keep these in mind:
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the cayenne pepper.
- Use your choice of cheese for topping to enhance flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
- Try adding some veggies like bell peppers or corn for a healthy twist.
Best Ways to Serve Beef Enchiladas
These enchiladas are fantastic on their own but can be paired with:
- Fresh guacamole for a creamy contrast.
- Mexican rice or beans for a complete meal.
- Top with sour cream and fresh salsa for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Beef Enchiladas
To keep your enchiladas fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Meal prepping these enchiladas ahead of time can save you time during busy weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Enchiladas
What’s the secret to perfect Beef Enchiladas?
The key to perfect beef enchiladas lies in the seasoning of the beef and the thickness of the sauce. Make sure to balance the spices and allow the sauce to thicken adequately for the best flavor and texture.
Can I make Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef filling and sauce in advance. Assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them for a quick and satisfying meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Beef Enchiladas?
Avoid overstuffing the tortillas and ensure they are warmed before rolling. Also, don’t skip the baking step, as this helps meld the flavors and melt the cheese perfectly.
Variations of Beef Enchiladas You Can Try
Feel free to get creative with your enchiladas! Here are some variations:
- Spicy Beef Enchiladas: Add more cayenne or jalapeños for heat.
- Beef Enchiladas with Green Sauce: Swap the red sauce for a green tomatillo sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Healthy Beef Enchiladas Alternatives: Use lean turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Beef Enchiladas Stuffed with Cheese: Add extra cheese inside the tortillas for a gooey surprise!
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe section for inspiration!
Learn more about the health benefits of ground beef and how it can fit into a balanced diet.
Finally, for a sweet treat after your meal, try our Salted Caramel Cookies or Caramel Apple Cheesecake!
Print
Delicious Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
These Beef Enchiladas are packed with a flavorful blend of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, and black beans, wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a homemade enchilada sauce. Topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro, they offer a satisfying and hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500ml) low sodium chicken stock/broth
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) tomato passata or 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce (e.g. Hunts)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef (mince)
- 400g (14oz) refried beans (1 can, e.g. Old El Paso)
- 400g (14oz) black beans, drained (1 can)
- 8 tortillas or burrito wraps
- 1.5 cups (150g) grated melting cheese (e.g. Monterey Jack, tasty, or cheddar)
- Cilantro/coriander leaves, roughly chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Combine the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set this spice mix aside to use in the sauce and filling.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute until it just starts to colour. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to avoid lumps. Add the tomato passata or canned tomato sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Add half of the prepared spice mix to the sauce. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned through, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in the remaining half of the spice mix, refried beans, and drained black beans. Cook together for another 5 minutes until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Spoon generous amounts of the beef and bean filling onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, covering all the enchiladas.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with roughly chopped cilantro or coriander leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious beef enchiladas!
Notes
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the cayenne pepper.
- Use your choice of cheese for topping.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 649
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55.3 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 45.6 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg