Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for ground beef enchiladas! These little rolled-up wonders are a quintessential Tex-Mex classic that just warms my heart every time I make them. I remember the first time I tried them at a local restaurant; the savory aroma filled the air, and one bite had me hooked! They’re so hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual get-togethers. The combination of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with zesty tomato sauce is simply irresistible. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, you’ll be savoring every bite and coming back for seconds!
Ingredients List
To make these delicious ground beef enchiladas, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef: This will be the hearty centerpiece of your enchiladas, so choose a good quality beef for the best flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped: A medium-sized onion works well, adding sweetness and depth to the filling. Make sure to chop it finely to blend nicely.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that aromatic flavor. Mince it up to release all those delicious oils.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: This adds a rich, tangy base to the enchiladas. You can also use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: I love using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a perfect melty topping, but feel free to use your favorite cheese!
- 8 corn tortillas: These are the vessels for your filling. Look for soft, pliable tortillas for easy rolling.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: This spice gives your filling that classic Tex-Mex kick. Adjust to taste if you like it spicier!
- 1 teaspoon cumin: This earthy spice complements the beef beautifully and adds warmth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy here—season to your preference!
How to Prepare Ground Beef Enchiladas a Hearty Tex Mex Classic Worth Savoring
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making these ground beef enchiladas! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that bubbly, cheesy topping we all love.
While the oven is warming up, grab a skillet and heat it over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Now, here’s a little secret: make sure to break up the beef as it cooks for even browning!
Once your beef is ready, stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes to meld those flavors together beautifully.
While that’s simmering away, warm your corn tortillas in a dry pan for just a minute on each side until they’re soft and pliable. This step is essential because it makes rolling them up so much easier—trust me on this one!
Now, it’s time to assemble! Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up tightly, and place them seam-side down in a baking dish. Once all the tortillas are nestled in, pour any remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle that glorious shredded cheese all over.
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. When you pull it out, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the hearty, savory goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: You can whip up these enchiladas in just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Easy to cook: With straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to follow, even for beginner cooks.
- Delicious flavors: The combination of seasoned ground beef, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Hearty and satisfying: These enchiladas are packed with protein and flavor, making them a filling meal that warms you from the inside out.
- Family-friendly: Great for both kids and adults, this dish is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste by adding your favorite ingredients or spices.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your ground beef enchiladas turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips for achieving the best results:
- Brown the meat properly: When cooking the ground beef, make sure to let it sit for a moment before stirring. This helps achieve that beautiful caramelization and deep flavor. Break it up into small pieces for even cooking!
- Don’t skip the simmer: Allowing the beef mixture to simmer for at least 10 minutes is crucial. It not only helps the flavors meld together but also thickens the sauce, making it even more delicious.
- Warm the tortillas: This step is key! Warming the corn tortillas in a dry pan for a minute on each side makes them pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them up. A little warmth goes a long way!
- Fill generously: Don’t be shy when it comes to the filling! Spoon a nice amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla—this ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Let them rest: After baking, let your enchiladas sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them set up a bit, making them easier to serve without falling apart.
Variations
One of the best things about ground beef enchiladas is how versatile they are! Here are some fun ideas to customize this hearty Tex-Mex classic worth savoring:
- Different meats: If you want to switch things up, try using shredded chicken, ground turkey, or even pulled pork instead of ground beef. Each meat brings its own unique flavor!
- Vegetarian option: For a meatless version, swap in black beans or pinto beans for protein. You can also add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and flavor.
- Cheese variations: Experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a smoky Gouda can add a delicious twist to your enchiladas.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to your beef mixture. You can also use a spicier salsa to top the enchiladas.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions can be sprinkled on top for a fresh finish. You can also mix in some taco seasoning with the beef for an extra flavor kick.
Feel free to get creative with these variations—after all, cooking is all about making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to properly store those delicious ground beef enchiladas so you can enjoy them later! If you have any leftovers (which is a rare treat, trust me), let them cool down to room temperature first. Then, simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
If you want to keep them for a longer stretch, you can freeze them! Just make sure to wrap each enchilada individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If they’re frozen, it’s best to let them thaw first. Place the enchiladas in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent them from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If you prefer the microwave, pop them in for about 1-2 minutes, but I recommend the oven for that fresh-baked flavor. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying ground beef enchiladas, knowing what you’re putting in your body is always a good idea! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (1 enchilada):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 18g
Please keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. But hey, knowing you’re getting a hearty dose of protein and flavor in each bite makes these enchiladas even more enjoyable!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even pulled pork would all work wonderfully in this recipe. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the enchiladas!
What can I serve with these enchiladas?
I love serving my enchiladas with a side of sour cream and fresh salsa for that tangy kick. You could also add some guacamole, Mexican rice, or even a simple green salad to round out the meal!
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven—this makes for a super convenient dinner!
How do I make these enchiladas spicy?
If you’re looking to heat things up, consider adding diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or using a spicier salsa on top. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Let any leftover enchiladas cool down to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months for later enjoyment!
Ground Beef Enchiladas: 5 Reasons to Savor This Classic
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Ground beef enchiladas are a hearty Tex-Mex classic worth savoring.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion and garlic until browned.
- Add tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Warm tortillas in a pan until soft.
- Fill each tortilla with beef mixture and roll up.
- Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Top with remaining sauce and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Notes
- Serve with sour cream and salsa.
- Can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Adjust spices according to your heat preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 enchilada
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: ground beef enchiladas, Tex-Mex, hearty, classic
