Homemade Beef Enchiladas – Bex’s Kitchen

Before we dive into making these delicious homemade beef enchiladas, let’s talk about what can pair wonderfully with them. Enchiladas are versatile, and a few sides can heighten the entire experience.

Consider adding a fresh salad with mixed greens, diced tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette. The crispness of a salad balances the hearty sauce and cheese. You could also serve them alongside Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice. The flavors of the rice merge beautifully with the enchiladas, making each bite a joy.

Guacamole is another fantastic choice. Its creamy texture contrasts the enchiladas’ richness, lending a refreshing taste that’s hard to beat. And let’s not forget sour cream — a dollop can mellow out the zesty flavors while adding creaminess.

Lastly, pour yourself a glass of iced tea or a spicy margarita. A cold drink can complement those tangy enchiladas perfectly!

When I think of comfort food, homemade beef enchiladas immediately come to mind. This dish brings me back to family gatherings and lazy weekends in the kitchen. The aroma of ground beef sizzling with spices is inviting. It makes you feel right at home.

Enchiladas are adaptable, which makes them even more appealing. Whether you are cooking for family or friends, they allow for creativity. Each component tells a story: from the enchilada sauce to the melting cheese.

Let’s explore what homemade beef enchiladas are, why my recipe stands out, and how to make your own delicious batch.

What are Homemade Beef Enchiladas?

Homemade beef enchiladas are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of corn or flour tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with a rich enchilada sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly. 

It’s a wonderful blend of flavors, textures, and plenty of cheese. The beauty of making homemade enchiladas lies in controlling every nuance that goes into the dish.

Instead of store-bought versions, my recipe allows you to adjust spices and flavors for your family’s taste. You can use quality ingredients, which often makes all the difference in flavor.

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What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Homemade Beef Enchiladas?

This recipe reflects a fusion of traditional techniques and my dietary insights as a registered dietitian. I’ve included rich flavors from taco seasoning and spices, but also added a twist with lime juice and green chilies for a bit of zest.

Many recipes might overlook the significance of balance. Too often, enchiladas can be overwhelmingly rich or bland. Mine strikes a harmonious chord. The black beans add fiber and texture while ensuring you feel satiated without feeling heavy.

I believe in making food not only delicious but also nourishing. This recipe highlights a variety of ingredients that contribute to a well-rounded meal, without compromising on taste.

How Does It Taste Like?

Diving into a plate of these enchiladas is like being welcomed with open arms. You experience savory ground beef infused with spices, topped with a zesty sauce. The cheese melts into everything, giving it a dreamy creaminess that tantalizes the taste buds.

The first bite brings a delightful combination of textures. The tortilla is soft but substantial, encasing the seasoned beef and beans inside. A hint of chili powder delivers an inviting warmth, while the lime juice cuts through the richness, adding brightness.

Overall, it’s a comforting dish, designed to make you smile while satisfying your hunger.

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Dish

To create scrumptious homemade beef enchiladas, gather the following ingredients:

• 2½ cups enchilada sauce: This is the soul of your dish! Choose a brand that meets your taste or make your own for more customization.
  
• 1¼ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided: Cheese plays a key role, giving that gooey goodness you’re craving.
  
• ½ cup creamy sour cream: Adds richness and balances the spices.
  
• 2 pounds ground beef: You’ll want to get quality beef that is flavorful and juicy.
  
• 8 flour tortillas: Flour tortillas tend to be softer, making them easier to roll.
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Brings added protein and texture.
  
• 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained: Offers a nice salty flavor.
  
• ¼ medium onion, finely diced: Onion gives depth to the filling.
  
• 1 garlic clove, minced: Garlic adds an irresistible flavor base.
  
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix: This mix is essential for robust flavor.
  
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes: For a touch of color and freshness.
  
• 1 tablespoon diced green chilies: For mild heat and extra flavor.
  
• 1½ teaspoons ground chili powder: This adds warmth to your filling.
  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves: For a hint of earthiness.
  
• 1 teaspoon lime juice: For a fresh finish.
  
• ½ teaspoon sea salt: To season the beef.
  
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: To enhance flavor.

Step by Step Instructions

Let’s get to cooking! Here’s how to make these homemade beef enchiladas step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. This should take about 7-10 minutes. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spatula. This ensures even cooking. Once browned, drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

To your skillet with the beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Then stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, oregano, green chilies, black beans, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes. This step believes in mingling flavors!

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

While the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, heat your tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds. Softening the tortillas will make them easier to roll without tearing.

Step 4: Assemble

Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, take each tortilla and fill it with about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of the filling before rolling. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all the tortillas are filled.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese generously on top. This creates that cheesy, bubbly goodness.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye out!

Step 7: Serve

Take your enchiladas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, olives, or fresh herbs, if desired. Your meal is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips & Tricks on Making Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Cooking is a lot about personal experience. Here are five tips to ensure your enchiladas turn out great every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and quality meat enhance the flavor immensely. If possible, find organic or grass-fed beef.
  
• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add in more filling, avoid overstuffing tortillas. This can cause them to break during rolling or baking.
  
• Keep Tortillas Warm: Always keep your tortillas warm and covered while you work to prevent them from drying out.
  
• Experiment with Sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making homemade enchilada sauce. You can control the spice level and flavor profile to suit your taste.
  
• Let Them Rest: After baking, let the enchiladas rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes for easier slicing.

Nutrition Information

Creating a homemade feast doesn’t mean sacrificing your health. Here is a general breakdown of the nutrition per serving (1 enchilada, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 300
  
• Protein: 20g
  
• Carbohydrates: 30g
  
• Fat: 12g
  
• Fiber: 5g
  
• Sugar: 3g
  
• Sodium: 550mg
  

This dish provides a hearty mix of nutrients. Feel free to adjust portions based on your dietary needs.

How Do I Store This Dish?

Storing your homemade beef enchiladas is easy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container. They can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

When reheating, cover them with foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain moisture. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be wary — it can dry out the edges.

What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Homemade Beef Enchiladas?

Feeling like a change? Here are some substitutions you can consider:

• Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, swap out ground beef for ground turkey. It still delivers plenty of flavor.
  
• Vegetarian Crumbles: For a plant-based choice, use meat substitutes like soy or lentil crumbles. They replicate a similar texture.
  
• Sweet Potatoes: Adding roasted sweet potatoes can provide sweetness and fluffiness to the filling.
  
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of beans. It adds volume without the carbs.
  
• Corn Tortillas: If you prefer, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour. They add a delightful flavor and can be gluten-free.

Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Before we dive into making these delicious homemade beef enchiladas, let's talk about what can pair wonderfully with them.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Servings: 8

Calories: 300kcal

Equipment

• oven

Ingredients

• 2½ cups enchilada sauce
• 1¼ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese divided
• ½ cup creamy sour cream
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 8 flour tortillas
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 4-ounce can sliced black olives, drained
• ¼ medium onion finely diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 tablespoon diced green chilies new addition for a mild heat
• 1½ teaspoons ground chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
• 1 teaspoon lime juice new addition for a fresh, zesty finish
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

• Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. This should take about 7-10 minutes. As the meat cooks, break it up with a spatula. This ensures even cooking. Once browned, drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Spices

• To your skillet with the beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent. Then stir in the taco seasoning, chili powder, oregano, green chilies, black beans, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for another 5 minutes. This step believes in mingling flavors!

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas

• While the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, heat your tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or microwave them in a microwave-safe dish covered with a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds. Softening the tortillas will make them easier to roll without tearing.

Step 4: Assemble

• Spread about ½ cup of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, take each tortilla and fill it with about ⅓ cup of the beef mixture. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cheese on top of the filling before rolling. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all the tortillas are filled.

Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese

• Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese generously on top. This creates that cheesy, bubbly goodness.

Step 6: Bake

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be sure to keep an eye out!

Step 7: Serve

• Take your enchiladas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, olives, or fresh herbs, if desired. Your meal is ready to be enjoyed!

Notes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and quality meat enhance the flavor immensely. If possible, find organic or grass-fed beef.
• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add in more filling, avoid overstuffing tortillas. This can cause them to break during rolling or baking.
• Keep Tortillas Warm: Always keep your tortillas warm and covered while you work to prevent them from drying out.
• Experiment with Sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, try making homemade enchilada sauce. You can control the spice level and flavor profile to suit your taste.
• Let Them Rest: After baking, let the enchiladas rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes for easier slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 12g | Sodium: 550mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Homemade beef enchiladas are not just a dish; they embody comfort and tradition. They remind me of cozy evenings spent with family sharing stories around the table. It’s a go-to recipe that invites creativity and nourishes the soul.

Try making these enchiladas for your next gathering or family dinner. They’ll be a crowd pleaser, guaranteed! Plus, with tips and variations in this guide, you can customize the dish to your liking.

So, roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delightful meal! I can almost guarantee they’ll be a new favorite at the dinner table, just as they’ve become in mine.

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