Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas Recipe: How To Make Them In Just 30 Minutes!

Enchiladas, a staple of Mexican cuisine, are a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While they may seem intimidating to make, easy ground beef enchiladas are surprisingly simple to prepare. This step-by-step guide will provide you with all the necessary instructions to create delicious and authentic enchiladas in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.

Step 3: Create the Enchilada Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 5: Fill the Tortillas

Place a corn tortilla on a plate and spread a generous amount of ground beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.

Step 6: Roll the Tortillas

Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam side down in the prepared baking dish.

Step 7: Pour the Enchilada Sauce

Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are completely covered.

Step 8: Bake

Bake the enchiladas at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Flavorful Variations:

• Spicy Enchiladas: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a few diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture.
• Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute ground chicken for ground beef.
• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Omit the ground beef and use a mixture of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and corn.
• Cheese Enchiladas: Layer different types of cheese in the tortillas, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack.

The Perfect Pairing:

Enchiladas are best served with a side of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce. These accompaniments add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Finishing Touches:

Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the baked enchiladas before serving for an extra burst of freshness.

Ultimate Enchilada Experience:

• Homemade Tortillas: Elevate your enchiladas by using homemade corn or flour tortillas.
• Slow Cooker Enchiladas: Prepare the enchiladas and place them in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
• Enchilada Casserole: Pour the enchilada sauce over the assembled tortillas and bake in a casserole dish for a hearty and comforting meal.

Beyond the Enchiladas:

This versatile recipe can be adapted to create other Mexican-inspired dishes:

• Enchilada Soup: Combine the enchilada sauce with chicken broth, beans, and corn for a flavorful soup.
• Enchilada Burritos: Fill large flour tortillas with enchilada sauce, ground beef, and cheese for a portable and satisfying meal.
• Enchilada Pizza: Spread the enchilada sauce on a pizza crust, top with ground beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

What You Need to Learn

• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner option.

• What if I don’t have tomato paste?

You can substitute 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce for every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.

• Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

• How do I store leftover enchiladas?

Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Can I freeze enchiladas?

Yes, you can freeze assembled enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.