Introduction
Ground beef enchiladas are a popular Mexican dish that combines flavorful seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and savory enchilada sauce all wrapped in corn tortillas. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends. In this article, we will explore the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations to customize the recipe, helpful tips for perfecting your enchiladas, and some frequently asked questions to ensure your cooking experience is a success.
Ingredients
To make delicious ground beef enchiladas, you will need the following ingredients:
1. 1 pound of ground beef
2. 1 small onion, diced
3. 2 cloves of garlic, minced
4. 1 can of enchilada sauce
5. 1 can of diced green chilies
6. 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
7. 1 teaspoon of chili powder
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. 8-10 corn tortillas
10. 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Ensure you have all these ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create delicious ground beef enchiladas:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it is no longer pink. Add the diced onions and garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
5. Fill each corn tortilla with a spoonful of the ground beef mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
6. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, making sure they are fully covered. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations
There are endless variations you can try to customize your ground beef enchiladas:
1. Add black beans or refried beans to the filling for extra protein and fiber.
2. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
3. Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack or queso fresco.
4. Top your enchiladas with sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or fresh cilantro for added freshness and flavor.
Feel free to get creative and tailor the recipe to your taste preferences.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you perfect your ground beef enchiladas:
1. To make rolling the enchiladas easier, warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds or on a skillet until they are pliable.
2. Double the batch and freeze half for a quick and convenient meal option later on.
3. Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete meal.
4. Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding hot sauce to the filling.
Conclusion
Ground beef enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. By following the simple steps outlined in this article and experimenting with different variations, you can create a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to showcase your culinary skills and enjoy a taste of Mexico right at home.
FAQs
Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: While corn tortillas are traditional for enchiladas, you can certainly use flour tortillas if that is your preference. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Q: How long will the leftover enchiladas last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I make vegetarian enchiladas using this recipe?
A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make vegetarian enchiladas by using a meat substitute or adding more veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until you are ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Delicious ground beef enchiladas that combine seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and savory enchilada sauce wrapped in corn tortillas. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
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1 pound ground beef
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can enchilada sauce
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1 can diced green chilies
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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8-10 corn tortillas
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2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Add onions and garlic, cook until onions are translucent.
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Stir in green chilies, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
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Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into a baking dish.
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Fill each corn tortilla with beef mixture and shredded cheese. Roll up and place in the baking dish seam side down.
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Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the tortillas and top with remaining shredded cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
