How To Make Beef Enchiladas With Refried Beans – The Ultimate Comfort Food

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Filling: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

2. Spread Refried Beans in Tortillas: Spread a thin layer of refried beans down the center of each tortilla.

3. Add Beef Filling: Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto each tortilla, spreading it evenly over the beans.

4. Roll Up Enchiladas: Roll up the tortillas tightly, starting from the bottom edge. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

5. Pour Sauce Over Enchiladas: Pour the remaining beef sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are completely covered.

6. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the enchiladas.

7. Bake: Bake the enchiladas in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the enchiladas with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Tips for Perfection:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful cheese, and a well-seasoned beef filling will elevate the taste of your enchiladas.
• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Too much filling will make the enchiladas difficult to roll and may cause them to break apart.
• Heat the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle before filling them to make them more pliable and prevent tearing.
• Use a Variety of Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to customize your enchiladas, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded lettuce.
• Make Ahead: Enchiladas can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply heat them in the oven until warmed through.

Variations:

• Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute ground chicken for the ground beef.
• Vegetable Enchiladas: Omit the meat and use a combination of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and corn.
• Cheese Enchiladas: Fill the tortillas with a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese.
• Spicy Enchiladas: Add a touch of heat by using a spicy tomato sauce or adding diced jalapeños to the filling.
• Green Enchiladas: Use a green enchilada sauce instead of a red sauce.

Health Benefits of Enchiladas:

• Protein-Packed: Beef and beans provide a significant amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber-Rich: Refried beans and corn tortillas are good sources of fiber, which helps promote satiety and digestive health.
• Vitamin-Packed: Enchiladas contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin A (from the carrots), vitamin C (from the tomatoes), and vitamin K (from the cilantro).
• Antioxidant-Rich: Tomatoes and cilantro are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Recommendations:

Homemade beef enchiladas with refried beans are a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul. With their flavorful filling, crispy tortillas, and melted cheese, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them as a weeknight dinner or a festive party dish, homemade enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that will leave you craving more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey can be used as a healthier alternative to ground beef.

2. What other vegetables can I add to the filling?
Bell peppers, onions, corn, and zucchini are all great additions to the beef enchilada filling.

3. Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, enchiladas can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply heat them in the oven until warmed through.

4. How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking when rolling?
Heat the tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle before filling them to make them more pliable.

5. What are some different toppings I can use for enchiladas?
Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, and chopped onions are all popular toppings for enchiladas.