How To Make Beef Enchiladas Mexican Style: A Beginner’s Guide

Enchiladas, a beloved Mexican dish, are a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. This guide will provide a comprehensive step-by-step walkthrough on how to make beef enchiladas Mexican style, ensuring that every bite is an authentic culinary adventure.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• Sour cream, for serving
• Salsa, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Filling:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
• Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
• Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

2. Warm the Tortillas:

• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
• Warm the corn tortillas for 15-20 seconds per side, or until they are pliable and slightly browned.

3. Assemble the Enchiladas:

• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Place a tortilla in the dish and spoon a generous amount of beef filling down the center.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese and cilantro.
• Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in the baking dish.
• Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.

4. Bake the Enchiladas:

• Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the enchiladas from the oven and serve immediately with sour cream and salsa.

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they will tear when rolled.
• For a spicier enchilada, add more chili powder or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
• If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead.
• Enchiladas can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.

Variations:

• Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Omit the meat and use sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, in the filling.
• Cheese Enchiladas: Fill the tortillas with shredded cheese only.
• Mole Enchiladas: Use mole sauce instead of tomato sauce.

Key Points: Enchiladas, a Culinary Symphony

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will empower you to create authentic and delicious beef enchiladas Mexican style. Enjoy the process of preparing this flavorful dish and savor every bite of its culinary magic.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey as a healthier alternative to ground beef.

Q: How can I make my enchiladas more flavorful?
A: Add chopped jalapeños, bell peppers, or onions to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.

Q: Can I freeze enchiladas?
A: Yes, enchiladas can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Q: Can I make enchiladas without cheese?
A: Yes, you can make cheese-free enchiladas by omitting the shredded cheese from the filling.

Q: What is the difference between enchiladas and burritos?
A: Enchiladas are rolled tortillas filled with a variety of ingredients and covered in sauce, while burritos are larger tortillas filled with meat, beans, and other fillings and folded in half.