Introduction
Transform humble ground beef and everyday pantry staples into a fiesta of flavor with these easy Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or fun family gatherings. Get ready for a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that everyone will love.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a fantastic balance of ease and incredible taste. The simple steps make it perfect for even beginner cooks, while the rich, savory flavors of the beef and the spicy kick of the Tex-Mex seasoning will have everyone asking for seconds! Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying and perfect for a chilly evening.
Key Ingredients
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🧅 1 medium onion, chopped
- 🌶️ 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 🥫 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 🫘 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 🌮 1 packet taco seasoning
- 🧀 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- tortillas 12 corn tortillas
- 🧴 1 cup enchilada sauce
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef 🥩. Drain off any excess grease.
2️⃣ Sauté the Veggies: Add the chopped onion 🧅 and green bell pepper 🌶️ to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Simmer the Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes 🥫, kidney beans 🫘, and taco seasoning 🌮. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4️⃣ Warm the Tortillas: While the filling simmers, warm the corn tortillas 🌮 according to package directions. You can heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
5️⃣ Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce 🧴 on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Fill each tortilla with about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchiladas seam-down in the baking dish.
6️⃣ Top and Bake: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce 🧴 over the enchiladas. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese 🧀. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy: Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cheese 🧀, sour cream (optional), and fresh cilantro (optional).
Handy Tips
- For easier rolling, lightly spray your tortillas with cooking spray before filling.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas; otherwise, they might burst during baking.
- If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is used initially to brown the beef quickly, preventing it from becoming tough. The heat is then lowered to a simmer to allow the flavors to develop fully. The oven temperature of 375°F (190°C) ensures the cheese melts perfectly and the enchiladas are heated through without burning.
Crunch Factor
The warm, soft corn tortillas provide a delightful contrast to the hearty beef filling and the melted, slightly stringy cheddar cheese. For extra crunch, you could top with some crushed tortilla chips after baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use pre-shredded cheese to save time.
- Add a can of drained corn to the filling for extra sweetness and texture.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Storage Tips
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These enchiladas make a fantastic homemade gift! Bake them in individual ramekins for easy portioning and transport. Wrap each ramekin in cellophane and tie with a festive ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Fiesta: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the beef mixture for extra heat.
🌟 Creamy Chipotle: Stir in a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
🌟 Black Bean Delight: Substitute black beans for the kidney beans.
🌟 Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian ground beef.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Enchiladas: If your enchiladas are dry, add a little more enchilada sauce before baking.
- Burnt Enchiladas: Reduce the oven temperature slightly if the edges are browning too quickly.
- Broken Enchiladas: Handle the tortillas gently to prevent them from tearing.
FAQ
- Can I use flour tortillas? Yes, but corn tortillas are traditional and offer a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What kind of cheese is best? Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend work well too.
- Can I freeze these? Yes, assemble the unbaked enchiladas, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Bake a bit longer than instructed to ensure they heat fully.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy these delicious and easy Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas! They’re the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Share your culinary creations with us on social media using #AngelRecipes – we can’t wait to see your stunning enchilada creations!