Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week.
Enchiladas are a Mexican classic that everyone loves. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Ground beef, cheese, and a delicious sauce come together to create a meal that's sure to please.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Savory ground beef with a zesty enchilada sauce
- Cheesy goodness that pulls apart perfectly
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
Easy to Customize
One of the best aspects of these Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas is their versatility. You can easily customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Consider adding black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers to the ground beef mixture for added texture and flavor. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to spice things up! You can add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chipotle chili powder to the meat mixture. If you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a green enchilada sauce instead of the traditional red sauce. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.
Serving Suggestions
These enchiladas are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with a fresh salad topped with lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Mexican rice or refried beans make excellent accompaniments as well, providing a hearty addition to your meal. For an extra kick, serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream.
Don’t forget the importance of presentation! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate your enchiladas from ordinary to extraordinary. These small touches not only enhance the flavor but also make your dish visually appealing, impressing your family and guests alike.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! These enchiladas store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep them fresh, place any uneaten enchiladas in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For best results, cover them with foil while baking to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
You can also freeze the enchiladas before baking. Simply assemble them in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze. When you're ready to cook, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes for a convenient meal option on busy nights, ensuring you always have a tasty dish on hand.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences!
Instructions
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Prepare the Enchiladas
Stir in the enchilada sauce and season with salt and pepper. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them up.
Bake the Enchiladas
Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Enjoy your delicious homemade enchiladas!
Nutritional Information
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas provide a balanced meal that combines protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making them satisfying and nourishing. Each serving offers a hearty amount of protein from the beef and cheese, essential for muscle repair and growth. The corn tortillas provide a gluten-free option, making this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
While enjoying these enchiladas, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake. By adding more vegetables to the filling, you can increase the nutritional value while keeping the dish delicious and filling. This makes the enchiladas not only a comfort food but also a wholesome meal choice.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
To achieve the perfect enchiladas, make sure to warm your tortillas before filling them. This prevents them from cracking during the rolling process and helps them stay intact while baking. A quick 30 seconds in the microwave or a few seconds on a hot skillet will do the trick.
Another helpful tip is to use a generous amount of sauce both in the filling and on top before baking. This keeps the enchiladas moist and flavorful. Don't skimp on the cheese either; a good layer on top will create that mouthwatering, cheesy crust that everyone loves. With these tips, your enchiladas will turn out perfectly every time.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
→ How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with black beans or a meat substitute.
→ Can I prepare these enchiladas in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble them a day ahead and bake them just before serving.
→ What sides go well with enchiladas?
Serve with rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
These Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any night of the week.
Created by: Violet Hart
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the enchilada sauce and season with salt and pepper. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them up.
Place the rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g