The Best Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe: How To Make It Easy

Enchiladas, the epitome of Mexican cuisine, are a culinary delight that tantalizes taste buds with their savory fillings, aromatic spices, and tantalizing sauces. Ground beef enchiladas, in particular, are a delectable variation that offers an explosion of flavors and textures. If you’re craving these mouthwatering treats but are intimidated by the thought of making them, fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of creating easy ground beef enchiladas that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• 1 cup chopped onion
• Sour cream, for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown the Ground 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 Enchilada Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Dip each tortilla into the remaining sauce and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture. Roll the tortilla up tightly and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
4. Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the enchiladas. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped lettuce, tomato, onion, and a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Perfect Enchiladas:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh onion, garlic, and tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your enchiladas.
• Don’t overcook the ground beef: Overcooked ground beef will be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned through.
• Warm the tortillas: Warming the tortillas before rolling them will make them more pliable and less likely to tear.
• Don’t overstuff the tortillas: Overstuffed tortillas will be difficult to roll and may burst open during baking.
• Use a good quality enchilada sauce: The sauce is the key to flavorful enchiladas. Choose a sauce that has a rich tomato flavor and a hint of spice.

Variations:

• Add other fillings: In addition to ground beef, you can add other fillings to your enchiladas, such as shredded chicken, beans, or vegetables.
• Change the sauce: Try using a different type of sauce, such as a creamy white sauce or a mole sauce.
• Top with different cheeses: Instead of cheddar cheese, you can use Monterey Jack cheese, queso fresco, or a combination of cheeses.

FAQ:

Q: Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them just before serving.

Q: How do I store leftover enchiladas?
A: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze enchiladas for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw the enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Conclusion:

With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be able to create mouthwatering ground beef enchiladas that will delight your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.