Beef Enchilada Recipe: A Flavorful Mexican Fiesta
Beef Enchiladas are a mouthwatering Mexican dish that combines seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, all rolled up in soft tortillas and baked to perfection. This flavorful and comforting meal is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is loved by many around the world. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or simply craving a taste of Mexico, this Beef Enchilada recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Join us on a culinary journey to create this delicious Mexican classic.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 can (14 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 cans (10 ounces each) red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Assembling and Baking:
- 12 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the lean ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Season the beef mixture with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Add the drained black beans and corn kernels to the skillet. Stir to combine, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the beans and corn. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the Enchilada Sauce: 5. In a separate saucepan, combine the red enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Heat the sauce over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warm and well-mixed. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Beef Enchiladas: 6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pour a small amount of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish, spreading it evenly to prevent sticking.
- Spoon a portion of the beef and bean mixture onto each flour tortilla, and then sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are generously coated.
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top of the enchiladas.
Bake and Serve: 12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to get golden and slightly crispy.
- Garnish the Beef Enchiladas with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired.
- Serve the enchiladas hot, and enjoy this flavorful Mexican fiesta on your plate.
Cook’s Notes:
- You can customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or sliced olives.
- For a spicier kick, consider using pepper jack cheese or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the beef filling.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, you can use a mild enchilada sauce or adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin in the recipe.
- These enchiladas are delicious served with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole.
Beef Enchiladas are a delightful blend of savory beef, creamy cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce, all rolled up in a tortilla for a flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or savoring them on your own, these enchiladas are a tasty way to enjoy the flavors of Mexico at home. So, follow this recipe, make your own Beef Enchiladas, and savor the delicious taste of this Mexican classic. ¡Buen provecho!