Ground Beef Enchiladas

The rich, flavorful combination of seasoned ground beef, bell peppers, and onions wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with a savory homemade enchilada sauce makes this dish an absolute winner. Melted Mexican cheese adds a gooey, irresistible finish to each bite, making it a family favorite. These Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect for a quick dinner or even a small gathering. You can easily adjust the spice level and make it your own by adding more jalapeños, using different types of cheese, or even swapping out the beef for a leaner option like ground turkey. The dish is versatile and always satisfying!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 8 soft taco flour tortillas or king corn tortillas
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup onion, chopped
  • 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups Mexican cheese

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 cups water
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. For the sauce, heat canola oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add tomato paste, cumin, oregano, chili powder, water, salt, and black pepper. Stir and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
  6. Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
  7. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll up, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  8. Pour remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with Mexican cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a beloved dish in many households, offering a hearty, flavorful meal that brings together the best of Mexican cuisine. Known for their savory filling, bold spices, and rich enchilada sauce, these enchiladas deliver comfort and taste in every bite. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinner or serve something special to guests, this dish never fails to impress.

The Essence of Enchiladas

Enchiladas have deep roots in Mexican culinary history, tracing back to the Aztecs, who would fill tortillas with fish or other simple ingredients and cover them with chili sauce. Over time, enchiladas evolved into a more elaborate dish, incorporating a variety of fillings such as meats, beans, and vegetables, all wrapped in tortillas and smothered in a flavorful sauce.

Ground beef enchiladas are one of the most popular variations. The use of seasoned ground beef gives the dish a robust, savory base that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. When combined with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and melted cheese, the filling becomes rich in flavor and texture. The addition of a homemade enchilada sauce, made with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and tomato paste, brings a vibrant, smoky taste that complements the beef and vegetables.

The Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures

The beauty of ground beef enchiladas lies in their ability to balance different flavors and textures in one dish. The tortillas provide a soft, slightly chewy base, while the beef and vegetables offer a hearty filling. The sauce adds a layer of complexity with its tangy, spicy profile, and the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, gooey topping that ties everything together.

The flavor profile of ground beef enchiladas is distinctly Mexican, with earthy spices like cumin and oregano, the heat from chili powder, and the freshness of vegetables like onions and bell peppers. These ingredients work harmoniously to create a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.

What makes enchiladas even more special is their adaptability. The basic concept can be adjusted to fit different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs. For those who prefer a spicier dish, adding jalapeños or extra chili powder to the sauce can turn up the heat. Vegetarians can substitute the beef with beans, mushrooms, or other plant-based proteins, while those looking for a leaner option can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Nutritional Benefits

While enchiladas are often viewed as indulgent comfort food, they can also be part of a balanced diet. Ground beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function. It also contains important nutrients like iron, which helps carry oxygen in the blood, and zinc, which supports the immune system.

The vegetables used in this recipe—onions, bell peppers, and garlic—add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Bell peppers, for example, are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system and maintain healthy skin. Garlic is known for its potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

For those concerned about calories or fat content, using lean ground beef or swapping it for turkey can reduce the fat content without compromising flavor. Opting for whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas can also make the dish more health-conscious while still keeping it delicious.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Ground beef enchiladas are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. They can be the star of a meal or part of a larger Mexican feast. Common accompaniments include:

  • Mexican Rice: A flavorful, spiced rice dish that pairs well with the bold flavors of enchiladas. The light, fluffy texture of the rice complements the richness of the sauce and beef.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy and full of flavor, refried beans add an additional layer of heartiness to the meal. Their smooth texture is a nice contrast to the crispy edges of the tortillas and the chunky beef filling.
  • Fresh Green Salad: A simple green salad with lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and a light lime vinaigrette can add freshness and balance to the richness of the enchiladas.
  • Guacamole and Salsa: These classic Mexican sides provide extra layers of flavor and texture. The cool, creamy guacamole helps mellow out the heat of the enchiladas, while a zesty salsa can enhance the spice.

When serving enchiladas for a party or gathering, they’re also great alongside other Mexican dishes like tacos, nachos, or quesadillas. This allows guests to mix and match different flavors and textures.

Customization Options

One of the best things about ground beef enchiladas is how easy they are to customize. Here are some ways to modify the recipe to suit different preferences:

  • Meat Alternatives: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, use black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed mushrooms as the main filling.
  • Cheese Choices: While a Mexican cheese blend is often used for enchiladas, you can experiment with other types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp cheese like feta can bring different tastes and textures to the dish.
  • Toppings: Enchiladas are even more delicious with the right toppings. Popular choices include sour cream, fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. For those who love spice, a drizzle of hot sauce or sriracha can add extra heat.
  • Sauce Variations: The traditional enchilada sauce is made with a tomato base and chili powder, but you can switch it up with a green tomatillo sauce or even a mole sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While ground beef enchiladas are relatively easy to prepare, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

  1. Overfilling the Tortillas: It can be tempting to stuff the tortillas with as much filling as possible, but this can make them difficult to roll and prone to falling apart. Be mindful of how much you add to each tortilla to ensure they stay intact.
  2. Not Using Enough Sauce: The enchilada sauce is a key component of this dish, adding moisture and flavor. Don’t skimp on the sauce—ensure each tortilla is generously coated to keep the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
  3. Underseasoning: Ground beef, while flavorful on its own, can benefit from a generous amount of seasoning. Don’t be afraid to use spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic to enhance the flavor of the filling.
  4. Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the enchiladas while they bake. Overbaking can cause the tortillas to dry out, making the dish less enjoyable. Bake just until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then remove from the oven to prevent drying.

Why Ground Beef Enchiladas Are Perfect for Any Occasion

One of the great things about ground beef enchiladas is their versatility. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner for the family or hosting a larger gathering, enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. They’re easy to make in advance and can be reheated without losing any of their deliciousness. In fact, the flavors often meld even more after a day or two, making leftovers just as good as the original meal.

For larger groups, you can easily double or triple the recipe and bake in large casserole dishes, allowing you to serve many people at once. Pair them with a variety of sides and toppings to create a customizable meal that suits everyone’s preferences.

Conclusion:

Ground Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful, satisfying dish that brings together the rich culinary traditions of Mexico with the ease of a weeknight meal. The combination of seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, melted cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce makes for a meal that’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make your own modifications, enchiladas are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious flavors of homemade ground beef enchiladas!

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