Beef enchiladas are a delicious, comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, flavorful spices, and gooey cheese, all rolled inside tortillas and topped with rich sauce. This recipe is simple to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. With every bite, you get a taste of Mexican-inspired flavors that can satisfy any appetite!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make beef enchiladas. First, they are filling and can feed a crowd, making them great for parties. Second, they are easy to customize to your taste. Want it spicy? Add more cayenne pepper! Prefer different beans? Go ahead and switch them out. Lastly, beef enchiladas are just plain delicious. Layered with cheese and fragrant spices, they are sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Make Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp each onion & garlic powder (Note 1)
- 1 tbsp each cumin powder, paprika, and dried oregano
- 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp flour (plain/all-purpose)
- 2 cups (500ml) chicken stock/broth (low sodium)
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) tomato passata OR 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce (e.g., Hunts) (Note 2)
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped, approximately 1 cup)
- 1 lb (500g) ground beef (mince)
- 400g (14oz) refried beans (1 can, e.g., Old El Paso)
- 400g (14oz) black beans, drained (1 can, Note 3)
- 8 tortillas (or burrito wraps)
- 1.5 cups (150g) grated melting cheese, or more (I like Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese)
- Cilantro/coriander leaves (roughly chopped, optional garnish)
Directions:
- Make the Spice Mix: In a bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Set this spice mix aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, then add the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Make the Filling: In another pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until soft. Then add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the refried beans, black beans, and about half of the spice mix. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tortilla, fill it with the beef mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. Pour the enchilada sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the grated cheese.
- Bake: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are best served warm, straight from the oven. You can have them on their own or pair them with sides like rice, guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad. The delicious sauce and melted cheese make every bite a delight!
How to Store Beef Enchiladas
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Tips to Make Beef Enchiladas
- Cheese Options: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor.
- Tortilla Choices: You can use flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference.
- Extra Spiciness: If you like it hot, add jalapeños or hot sauce to your filling.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace beef with black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.
Variation
You can also experiment with different types of meats, such as chicken or turkey. Another variation is to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn to the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought enchilada sauce. Just pour it over the assembled enchiladas and bake as directed.
2. Is there a way to make beef enchiladas healthier?
Yes! You can use lean ground beef, whole wheat tortillas, and add more vegetables to the filling, like spinach or zucchini.
3. Can I make beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp onion powder Note 1
- 1 tsp garlic powder Note 1
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 0.5 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for spiciness
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp flour plain/all-purpose
- 2 cups chicken stock low sodium
- 1.5 cups tomato passata OR 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce (e.g., Hunts)
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp pepper
Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely chopped, approximately 1 cup
- 1 lb ground beef mince
- 400 g refried beans 1 can (e.g., Old El Paso)
- 400 g black beans drained, 1 can
- 8 pieces tortillas or burrito wraps
- 1.5 cups grated melting cheese I like Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
- to taste garnish Cilantro/coriander leaves roughly chopped, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper to make the spice mix. Set aside.
- In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, then add the tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Set aside.
Making the Filling
- In another pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until soft.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the refried beans, black beans, and about half of the spice mix. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
Assembly and Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Take a tortilla, fill it with the beef mixture, roll it up, and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Pour the enchilada sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the grated cheese.
- Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
