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Ground beef enchiladas with rich seasoning wrapped in soft corn tortillas and topped with gooey melted cheese. This dish hits the spot when you're craving warm Mexican comfort food and lets you mix up the flavors any way you like.
I whipped these up on a cool night when I wanted something simple but filling. They quickly turned into a go-to meal when I want dinner that’s easy and tasty every time.
What You’ll Need
- Lean ground beef: pick fresh lean meat for a filling that’s less greasy and full of flavor
- Chopped medium onion: cooks till it’s translucent and sweet, adding nice depth
- Garlic cloves minced: bring out that classic Mexican aroma
- Red enchilada sauce: either store-bought or homemade works great to moisten and flavor the dish
- Green chilies chopped: mild or hot to add gentle heat and tang
- Corn tortillas: lightly fried so they stay soft and don’t crack when rolled
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend: melts creamy with a sharp punch
- Fresh cilantro chopped: sprinkled on top for a fresh herb kick
- Olive or vegetable oil: just enough for frying tortillas crisp but not greasy
- Salt and pepper: to bring all the flavors together
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide
- Start The Flavor Base
- Pour olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Toss in chopped onion and cook until see-through, soft, and sweet. Add minced garlic and stir till fragrant to boost the aroma.
- Brown The Ground Beef
- Dump in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season it with salt, pepper, and stir in chopped green chilies. Let it simmer a few minutes so the flavors mix well.
- Warm The Tortillas
- Heat some oil in a different pan on medium. Fry each corn tortilla for a few seconds on each side until nice and soft but not crunchy. Drain on paper towels to avoid sogginess later.
- Roll The Enchiladas
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9 by 13 dish. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mix on a tortilla, add shredded cheese, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Top With Sauce And Cheese
- Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that gooey, melty finish.
- Bake Until Perfect
- Pop the dish in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden melted cheese. Let the dish rest a bit after baking so everything sets and serving is easier.
- Add The Final Touch
- Scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving. You can also add sour cream, sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or creamy avocado to jazz it up.
Green chilies are my favorite here. They add just the right tangy kick without overpowering the dish. I once added way too many by mistake and it got pretty spicy but still super tasty.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Put any extras in a sealed container and stash in the fridge. Reheat with foil on to keep them moist in the oven or microwave. You can freeze them too, then thaw and bake fresh when you want.
Switch Things Up
Try swapping ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans if you want to keep it veg-friendly. Use pepper jack cheese for a bit of heat, or Monterey Jack for creaminess. Toss in corn or diced bell peppers to add some more crunch.
Tasty Side Ideas
Serve these with a fresh, crisp salad of lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. A margarita or cold cerveza pairs great with the rich and spicy flavors. Add refried beans and rice on the side for the full experience.
Once you’re comfy with this method, you can get creative and make these your own. They’re always a hit wherever you serve them.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → How to keep tortillas from breaking when rolling?
Warm the corn tortillas in some oil briefly so they soften and bend easily without tearing.
- → Can other meats replace ground beef?
Sure, you can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken to change things up and make it leaner while keeping great texture.
- → What makes the enchiladas taste so good?
It’s the mix of sautéed onions, garlic, spicy green chilies, and tasty enchilada sauce that brings layers of flavor.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Add a hotter enchilada sauce or a little cayenne pepper to the beef to kick up the heat however you like.
- → Can this be made ahead?
Absolutely, you can put everything together and chill it before baking. Just bake a bit longer if it’s straight from the fridge.