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Get ready to dive into the world of Classic Beef Enchiladas! This hearty recipe is packed with flavor and perfect for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll learn how to make these delicious enchiladas from scratch. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned chef, my guide will help you create a dinner that impresses everyone. Let’s get cooking and bring some warmth to your table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and corn creates a rich and satisfying taste in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like jalapeños, bell peppers, or different types of cheese to personalize your enchiladas.
- Perfect for Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prep or enjoying later in the week.
Ingredients
List of Essential Ingredients
To make classic beef enchiladas, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (mild or spicy)
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 8 large flour tortillas
These ingredients create a filling that is hearty and flavorful. The beef, beans, and spices mix well. You’ll enjoy the taste in every bite.
Optional Garnishes
You can add some fun garnishes to your enchiladas. Here are a few ideas:
– Fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor
– Sour cream for creaminess
– Sliced jalapeños for heat
– Avocado slices for a fresh touch
These garnishes add color and enhance the meal. Feel free to mix and match!
Common Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps:
– Use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option.
– Swap black beans with pinto beans for a different taste.
– If you can’t find flour tortillas, corn tortillas work well too.
– Use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
These substitutions still keep the enchiladas tasty and enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, gather all your ingredients. You need ground beef, onion, garlic, black beans, and corn. Make sure your cheese is shredded and ready. You will also need enchilada sauce and flour tortillas. This helps keep things organized.
1. In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet.
3. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. This makes the enchiladas less greasy.
5. Now, stir in the black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
Cooking Instructions
While your beef mixture cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for baking later.
1. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish. This helps keep the enchiladas from sticking.
2. Grab a tortilla and place about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture in the center.
3. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
4. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
5. Repeat this step with the remaining tortillas.
Baking Process
Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, it’s time to bake.
1. Pour the rest of the enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas.
2. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden.
4. After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious beef enchiladas!
Tips & Tricks
How to Avoid Soggy Tortillas
To keep your tortillas crisp, warm them before filling. Heat each tortilla in a dry pan for about 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them easier to roll. You can also dip them in enchilada sauce briefly. This adds flavor and protects them from soaking up too much liquid in the pan.
Best Cheese for Enchiladas
Cheddar cheese is my go-to for enchiladas. It melts well and adds great taste. You can also mix in Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. If you want a stronger flavor, try using pepper jack. This adds a nice kick to your dish. Always use fresh cheese for the best results.
Make Ahead Preparation Tips
You can prepare enchiladas a day in advance. Just assemble them, cover with foil, and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, pour the sauce and sprinkle cheese on top. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if they’re cold. This saves you time and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic will enhance the flavor of your beef enchiladas significantly. Opt for fresh corn kernels if available for added sweetness and texture.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness of the enchiladas by choosing a mild or spicy enchilada sauce. You can also add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the enchiladas a day in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re coming straight out of the fridge.

Variations
Vegetarian Enchiladas
You can make a tasty vegetarian version of enchiladas. Start with black beans or lentils instead of beef. Use fresh veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a healthy mix. You can also add corn for sweetness. Choose a mild or spicy enchilada sauce to match your taste. Top with cheese or a dairy-free option like cashew cream. These enchiladas are filling and full of flavor.
Spicy Beef Enchiladas
For those who love a kick, spicy beef enchiladas are perfect. Use ground beef mixed with jalapeños or hot sauce for a fiery touch. You could also try adding diced green chiles. This adds heat without losing flavor. Don’t forget to use spicy enchilada sauce for more intensity. Serve with sour cream to cool down the spice. These will surely excite your taste buds.
Low-Carb Enchilada Options
If you’re watching carbs, there are great low-carb options. Instead of tortillas, use thin slices of zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use cauliflower rice as a base. For the filling, stick with ground beef and vegetables. Top it with cheese and enchilada sauce as usual. Bake until the cheese is golden. These low-carb enchiladas provide all the taste with fewer carbs.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After you enjoy your beef enchiladas, store leftovers right away. Let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To save space, you can stack them. Just make sure they are covered well.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating your enchiladas is easy. You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you use the microwave, put them on a plate. Heat in short bursts of 1 minute until warm. Add a splash of water to keep them soft.
Freezing Enchiladas
Freezing enchiladas is a great way to save them. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh for about 2 to 3 months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy your tasty meal anytime!
FAQs
What is the origin of beef enchiladas?
Beef enchiladas come from Mexico. They are a staple in Mexican cuisine. The word “enchilada” means “to season with chili.” Traditionally, people filled tortillas with meat or cheese and then rolled them. They would cover the rolled tortillas with a spicy sauce. This dish has roots in ancient times, when people used corn tortillas.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas. Corn tortillas give a different taste and texture. They are smaller and thicker than flour tortillas. They hold up well with filling and sauce. Just make sure to warm them a bit first. This helps them stay soft and not break when you roll them.
How can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
You can prepare enchiladas a day in advance. Just follow the recipe until you fill the tortillas. Place them in the baking dish, cover with sauce and cheese, then wrap it tightly. Keep it in the fridge overnight. When you are ready to eat, just bake them. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This blog post covers all you need to make delicious enchiladas. We explored crucial ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to avoid soggy tortillas. I shared tips for different variations and how to store your leftovers.
Enchiladas are fun to make and enjoy. With these easy steps, you can impress anyone. Dive into your kitchen, get creative, and enjoy every flavorful bite with family and friends. Happy cookin
Mouthwatering Beef Enchiladas
Delicious enchiladas filled with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and cheese, topped with enchilada sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 45 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 serving sour cream for serving (optional)
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Stir in the black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder; mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Take a tortilla and fill it with a portion of the beef mixture (about 1/4 cup). Sprinkle some cheddar cheese on top, then roll the tortilla tightly. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve hot with sour cream on the side, if desired.
Serve with sour cream and fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Keyword beef, comfort food, enchiladas, Mexican cuisine
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