Contents
Ground Beef Enchiladas
How often do you crave a comforting and satisfying meal that’s also easy to prepare? Ground beef enchiladas might just be the answer to your nightly dinner dilemmas! These delicious, cheesy bundles are not only a crowd-pleaser but also a quick solution for busy weeknights. With the right ingredients and steps, creating flavorful ground beef enchiladas will become second nature. Let’s dive into this recipe that promises to be a family favorite.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean beef for a healthier option, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: Opt for green or red sauce based on your taste preference; consider homemade sauce for an extra flavor kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonders, but feel free to mix and match! Dairy-free cheese can be used for a lactose-free option.
- 8 small flour tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas add a healthier spin, while corn tortillas are gluten-free.
- 1/2 cup diced onion: Sautéed onions bring out a wonderful sweetness. You can swap with shallots for a milder flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: For an authentic taste, but chili powder can be a great substitute.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
Timing
Preparing these ground beef enchiladas takes approximately 30 minutes, with about 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time. This is significantly less time than the average enchilada recipes that can take over an hour, making it a perfect choice for busy weekdays!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet, cook the diced onion over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for around 5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
While the beef is cooking, warm up the tortillas in a pan or microwave, just enough to make them pliable. This step ensures they don’t crack when rolling.
Step 3: Fill the Tortillas
Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, adding a sprinkle of cheese. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Sauce it Up
Pour your enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well-covered. This keeps the enchiladas moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the sauced enchiladas, creating a delicious, melty layer.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with optional toppings for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
A serving of ground beef enchiladas typically contains:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
This meal is rich in protein, making it perfect for energy and muscle repair, especially after a workout.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Vegetable Substitution: Replace ground beef with diced mushrooms, lentils, or a mix of your favorite veggies for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Low-Carb Options: Use zucchini slices instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
- Dairy Alternatives: Use nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a vegan treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your loaded ground beef enchiladas with a side of:
- Mexican Rice: For a complete meal.
- Refried Beans: Creamy and delectable.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lime dressing adds brightness.
For a fun twist, try serving enchiladas as a taco bar, allowing everyone to customize their toppings!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling Tortillas: Avoid tearing by not overwhelming the tortillas with filling.
- Using Cold Tortillas: Always warm them first to prevent cracking.
- Skipping the Sauce: Not covering the enchiladas well may result in dry tortillas.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftover ground beef enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, which can extend their life to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven for the best flavor!
Conclusion
Ground beef enchiladas are a quick, satisfying dish that can be easily customized to suit your dietary preferences while delivering great flavor. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Explore similar recipes on our blog for more culinary delights that will make every meal memorable.
FAQs
Q: Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble them in advance and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
Q: What can I substitute for ground beef?
A: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meats work great as alternatives!
Q: Are enchiladas gluten-free?
A: Using corn tortillas makes them gluten-free! Always check the sauce labels to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Now it’s time to gather your ingredients, and let’s make some irresistible ground beef enchiladas! Don’t forget to share your delicious results!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Choose lean beef for a healthier option, or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce Opt for green or red sauce based on your taste preference; consider homemade sauce for an extra flavor kick.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or Monterey Jack works wonders, but feel free to mix and match! Dairy-free cheese can be used for a lactose-free option.
- 8 small flour tortillas Whole wheat tortillas add a healthier spin, while corn tortillas are gluten-free.
- 1/2 cup diced onion Sautéed onions bring out a wonderful sweetness. You can swap with shallots for a milder flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin For an authentic taste, but chili powder can be a great substitute.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning.
Optional Toppings
- sour cream
- guacamole
- fresh cilantro
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, cook the diced onion over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for around 5 minutes until the beef is fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
Tortilla Preparation
- While the beef is cooking, warm up the tortillas in a pan or microwave, just enough to make them pliable.
Assembly
- Spoon a portion of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, adding a sprinkle of cheese.
- Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Pour your enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are well-covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the sauced enchiladas.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
- Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm with optional toppings.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest