EASY GROUND BEEF ENCHILADAS

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EASY GROUND BEEF ENCHILADAS: Quick Recipe You’ll Love!

Cooking enchiladas brings back many fond memories. As a child, weekends often involved gathering in the kitchen with family, laughter filling the air as we rolled tortillas and crafted delicious meals together. The vibrant smell of spices and sizzling meat made the kitchen feel warm and inviting. Now, as an adult, I find joy in those same flavors through easy ground beef enchiladas.

These enchiladas combine simplicity and comfort in every bite. Ground beef and melted cheese enveloped in soft tortillas create an irresistible experience. The tangy enchilada sauce adds that perfect zing, elevating the dish into something truly special. Each time I whip up a batch, it feels like I’m wrapping up a hug with each tortilla, sharing good times with loved ones.

With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to recreate this family favorite. Ground beef enchiladas allow anyone to enjoy a hearty meal on any day of the week. Get ready to dive into this quick recipe you’ll love as I share tips and techniques for making the best enchiladas at home.

Ground Beef Enchiladas: A Classic Dish

Fundamentals

Ground beef enchiladas hold a special place in culinary traditions across many cultures. Using inexpensive ingredients, this dish showcases how to create a satisfying meal that feels indulgent. The history of enchiladas dates back to ancient civilizations in Mexico, where tortillas wrapped around tasty fillings became a daily staple. Today, many different variations exist, but the classic ground beef enchilada remains time-tested and beloved.

What makes these enchiladas unique is the balance of flavors and textures in each bite. Whether you embrace these on hectic weekdays or add them to a family gathering, the warmth they offer is undeniable. Preparing your own enchiladas allows for personal touches, making family meal time even more special. Now let’s explore how to bring this delightful dish to life in your kitchen.

Preparation/Setup

Start by gathering your ingredients. You’ll need 1 lb of ground beef, a can of 10 oz enchilada sauce, 8 flour tortillas, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Having everything on hand makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures the cheese melts perfectly, turning bubbly and golden. While the oven heats, you can begin preparing the beef filling. Cooking ground beef doesn’t take long, so be ready to embrace those delicious aromas filling your kitchen soon after you start.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

These ingredients create the perfect flavor profile for the enchiladas. The minced onion and garlic powder complement the beef beautifully, while the cumin adds depth. The marriage of these flavors makes every bite of the enchiladas wonderfully satisfying.

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  3. Add chopped onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef and cook until the onion is soft.
  4. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll them up.
  6. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
  7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

EASY GROUND BEEF ENCHILADAS: Quick Recipe You’ll Love!

Enhancing the Ground Beef Enchiladas

Technique

Creating the perfect ground beef enchiladas can be straightforward. A successful technique involves ensuring the beef is cooked properly before stuffing the tortillas. Sautéing the onion alongside the meat brings out natural sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor. Don’t rush; let the beef brown beautifully for the best taste.

After browning the meat, don’t forget to season generously with salt and pepper. The spices in the enchilada sauce will also interact with the beef mixture, resulting in a deeply flavorful filling. Rolling the tortillas tightly will also contribute to a great presentation and satisfying texture.

Tips/Tricks

When preparing these enchiladas, consider the following tips to elevate your dish:

  1. Choose Tortillas Wisely: Flour tortillas offer a soft texture that blends beautifully with the filling. Some may prefer corn tortillas for a more traditional experience—try both and see which you prefer.

  2. Customize Fillings: Ground beef is a solid base, but feel free to explore other fillings like chicken or beans. Adding beans can enhance the protein content and provide a different texture.

  3. Sauce Variation: If you want to switch things up, consider different types of enchilada sauce or even homemade sauce for more control over flavors. This adaptability makes each batch of enchiladas unique.

Bringing Out the Best in Your Enchiladas

Perfecting Results

To perfect your ground beef enchiladas, ensure even cooking. Baking them until the cheese is melted and bubbly guarantees a delightful texture and flavors meld beautifully while staying warm inside. Don’t hesitate to check the oven periodically to achieve that coveted golden cheese appearance.

If you want to add an extra kick, consider drizzling sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro before serving. These additions create a beautiful contrast to the rich flavors within the enchiladas. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for best results.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. If your enchiladas turn dry, consider adding more sauce or moisture. A little splash of water in the baking dish can help steam them during cooking. Alternatively, make sure your baking dish is covered for part of the cooking time if you prefer a softer enchilada.

For a vegetarian version, swap out ground beef for tools like lentils or black beans. They still provide that hearty filling every enchilada lover craves. Likewise, adjusting the spice level of the enchilada sauce can cater to varying taste preferences in your household.

Serving and Storing Ground Beef Enchiladas

Serving

Once baked, allow the enchiladas to sit for a few moments for easier serving. Cutting them into individual portions can enhance the table presentation and encourage everyone to dig in. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs, sour cream, or even sliced jalapeños to cater to individual tastes.

Serving enchiladas with a side of rice or salad can complete the meal beautifully. Since these dishes taste even better after a day in the fridge, leftovers are often the highlight the next day.

Pairings/Storage

Ground beef enchiladas pair well with an array of sides. A fresh salad or grilled vegetables create a wonderful contrast to these comforting enchiladas.

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to reheat carefully to maintain that scrumptious cheesy topping. Enjoying the next day adds to the charm of this dish, as the flavors only deepen with time.

In conclusion, the simplicity and heartiness of these easy ground beef enchiladas make them a go-to recipe in any home. Cooking enchiladas with family creates lasting memories while bringing joy to the dinner table. With every bite, you’ll taste the magic of home cooking and the satisfaction of shared meals.

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Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas


  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Beef

Description

Quick and delicious ground beef enchiladas with melted cheese and tangy enchilada sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned.
  3. Add chopped onion, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the beef and cook until the onion is soft.
  4. Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
  5. Fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll them up.
  6. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish.
  7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

Consider serving with fresh herbs, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: enchiladas, ground beef, quick dinner, Mexican food, comfort food


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