The Ultimate Guide To Making Beef Enchiladas With Corn Tortillas – You’ll Never Want To Cook Them The Old Way Again!

Enchiladas, a staple of Mexican cuisine, tantalize taste buds with their flavorful combination of corn tortillas, juicy fillings, and tantalizing sauces. Among the many variations, beef enchiladas with corn tortillas stand out as a culinary masterpiece, offering a perfect balance of savory and spicy. This comprehensive guide will embark you on a step-by-step journey into the art of crafting these delectable delights.

Gather the Culinary Arsenal: Ingredients for Beef Enchilada Glory

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Prepare the Enchilada Filling: A Symphony of Flavors

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Create the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Merge the Ingredients: Add the sauce to the browned beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Assemble the Enchilada Masterpieces: Layering Flavors

1. Dip the Tortillas: Dip each corn tortilla into the enchilada sauce to soften it.
2. Fill the Tortillas: Place about 1/4 cup of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla.
3. Roll the Enchiladas: Roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Sauce the Enchiladas: A Blanket of Flavor

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas.

Bake to Perfection: A Culinary Transformation

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Enchiladas: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Sprinkle with Toppings: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, and cilantro.

Serving the Enchilada Extravaganza: A Feast for the Senses

Serve the beef enchiladas with corn tortillas immediately with your favorite sides, such as rice, beans, or guacamole.

Enchilada Enrichment: Tips for Culinary Excellence

• Spice it Up: Add more chili powder or diced jalapeños to the filling for a spicier kick.
• Try Different Fillings: Experiment with other fillings, such as chicken, beans, or vegetables.
• Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian alternative, such as black beans or lentils.
• Use Different Sauces: Try using different enchilada sauces, such as a green tomatillo sauce or a mole sauce.
• Top with Your Favorites: Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or shredded lettuce.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How do I prevent the enchiladas from becoming soggy?
A: Make sure to drain the ground beef well and use a thicker enchilada sauce.

Q: Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Cover them and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: How do I store leftover enchiladas?
A: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking.