The smell of sizzling beef mingling with spicy enchilada sauce is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture this: warm tortillas wrapped around seasoned ground beef, drizzled with melted cheese, and topped off with a hint of fresh cilantro. If you’re not drooling yet, just wait until you take that first bite of these delightful Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas.
I remember the first time I made these enchiladas for my family; it was a chilly autumn evening. As soon as they entered the house, the aroma wafting from the kitchen had them rushing to the table like kids on Christmas morning. The laughter and joy that filled the room as we savored each cheesy bite was unforgettable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a breeze to prepare and can be whipped up in no time
- The rich layers of flavor make every bite an explosion of taste
- Visually appealing with their vibrant colors, they’ll be the star of your dinner table
- Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, everyone will want seconds!
Everyone at the table couldn’t resist reaching for more; it was a hit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Tortillas: Choose corn tortillas for authenticity or flour tortillas for extra softness; either way works wonderfully.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds that gooey richness we all crave in enchiladas.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion brings sweetness and depth; sauté until translucent.
- Enchilada Sauce: Use store-bought or homemade; both options deliver delicious results.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the dish; sprinkle some on top before serving.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creamy tanginess that perfectly balances flavors.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Sauté the Ground Beef and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef along with chopped onions until browned and fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add Spices and Sauce: Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and half of your enchilada sauce into the meat mixture until well combined. Allow it to simmer for about five minutes.
Assemble Your Enchiladas: Take each tortilla and fill it with a generous scoop of beef mixture. Roll it tightly and place seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
Top with Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top before baking.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown; let cool slightly before serving.
Now that you’ve mastered these Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas, get ready to impress your friends and family! Enjoy each cheesy bite as you bask in culinary glory.
You Must Know
- Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a delightful blend of savory beef, rich cheese, and zesty sauce
- They’re easy to customize, making them perfect for any gathering
- The aroma of these enchiladas baking will have everyone racing to the dinner table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef with onions and spices. While it cooks, warm your tortillas and prepare the sauce. This sequence ensures every component is hot and ready to assemble.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian twist. Adding fresh cilantro or avocado enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use corn tortillas for authentic Tex-Mex flavor; they hold together better than flour ones
- Don’t overfill your enchiladas; too much stuffing can lead to messy results
- Let the enchiladas rest before serving; this helps meld all those flavors beautifully
Sharing Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas with friends always brings smiles, especially when they ask for seconds—nothing feels better than that!
FAQ
Can I use a different protein in Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas?
Absolutely! Shredded chicken or even beans work well as alternatives.
What side dishes pair well with Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas?
Consider serving them with Mexican rice or a fresh salad for balance.
How can I make Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or use a spicy enchilada sauce for an extra kick.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of easy Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas, filled with seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and topped with zesty enchilada sauce—perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream (for serving)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until cooked through; drain excess fat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and half of the enchilada sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture, roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown; let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 enchilada (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
