Ground beef enchiladas are a beloved classic in Mexican cuisine, offering a delicious blend of savory beef, melty cheese, and flavorful sauce wrapped in soft tortillas. Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making easy and delicious ground beef enchiladas that will impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re new to cooking Mexican food or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Enchiladas
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
How to Make Ground Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the spices to bloom and infuse the beef with flavor.
- Add Beans and Corn: Stir in the black beans and corn kernels. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Step 2: Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill the Tortillas: Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle with a small handful of shredded cheese.
- Roll and Place: Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and beef mixture.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Enchiladas
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired. Serve with sour cream on the side.
About the Main Ingredients
Ground Beef
Ground beef is the primary protein in this enchilada recipe, offering a rich and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices and other ingredients. When choosing ground beef, you can opt for a leaner cut to reduce the fat content, but ensure it has enough fat to remain juicy and flavorful after cooking.
Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce is a key component of this dish, providing the signature flavor and moisture that make enchiladas so delicious. You can use store-bought enchilada sauce for convenience, but making your own at home can elevate the dish with a personalized touch. The sauce typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, chili peppers, garlic, onion, and various spices.
Tortillas
Flour tortillas are used to wrap the enchilada filling, offering a soft and pliable texture that holds the ingredients together. While flour tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, you can also use corn tortillas for a more authentic Mexican flavor. Make sure to warm the tortillas before filling them to make them easier to roll.
Cheese
Cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend of cheeses is used in this recipe to add a creamy and melty texture to the enchiladas. The cheese not only enhances the flavor but also helps bind the ingredients together. If you prefer, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco, for different flavor profiles.
Black Beans and Corn
Black beans and corn add texture, color, and nutritional value to the enchilada filling. They complement the ground beef with their slightly sweet and earthy flavors, making the dish more balanced and hearty. Both ingredients are also high in fiber, making the enchiladas more filling and satisfying.
Spices
Cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper are essential spices in this recipe, providing the classic Mexican flavor profile. These spices add depth and warmth to the dish, making it aromatic and flavorful. Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat level according to your preference.
In conclusion, these easy and delicious ground beef enchiladas are perfect for any dinner occasion, offering a rich and satisfying meal that’s sure to please. With a well-balanced combination of beef, beans, corn, cheese, and spices, wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with savory enchilada sauce, this recipe is a must-try. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, these enchiladas will bring the taste of Mexico to your table, leaving everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the process of making this dish and savor the delightful flavors that come with each bite.
