Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a delicious, comforting dish filled with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich red enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. These enchiladas are packed with flavor and are perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or any time you’re craving authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: Spiced beef, tangy sauce, and melty cheese create the perfect bite.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Customizable: Adjust the fillings and toppings to your taste.
• Great for meal prep: Make ahead and enjoy all week long.
• Perfect for gatherings: A crowd-pleaser that can easily be doubled.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Enchiladas

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas

For the Enchilada Sauce

• 2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder

Toppings (Optional)

• Sliced green onions
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Diced tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Sliced black olives

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese.
3. Prepare the Enchilada Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder. Slowly whisk in the enchilada sauce and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas: Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon a portion of the beef mixture into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
5. Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the sauce.
6. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with your favorite toppings and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Enchiladas: Swap the beef for shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies instead of meat.
• Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy enchilada sauce.
• Cheese Enchiladas: Skip the meat and fill the tortillas with a mix of cheeses.
• Green Sauce Variation: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.
• Freezing: Freeze assembled but unbaked enchiladas tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas. Warm them first to prevent cracking when rolling.

How do I prevent enchiladas from becoming soggy?

Lightly fry the tortillas in a bit of oil before filling them. This creates a barrier that helps keep them from soaking up too much sauce.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

What kind of cheese is best for enchiladas?

A Mexican blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese works well.

Can I add beans to the filling?

Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition to the beef mixture.

How do I make homemade enchilada sauce?

Mix tomato paste, broth, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and a bit of flour to make a simple homemade enchilada sauce.

Should I cover enchiladas while baking?

No need to cover them. Baking uncovered helps the cheese melt perfectly and gives a nice, slightly crispy edge.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use corn tortillas and ensure your enchilada sauce and seasonings are gluten-free.

What can I serve with beef enchiladas?

Serve with Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How do I prevent my enchiladas from drying out?

Make sure they are well-coated in sauce before baking, and do not overbake.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a delicious way to bring the flavors of the Southwest to your dinner table. With a savory beef filling, a tangy enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s an easy and versatile recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. Give these enchiladas a try and enjoy the authentic, comforting flavors of this Tex-Mex classic!

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