Authentic and Savory Beef Enchiladas Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
12 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the black beans and corn kernels, then remove the skillet from heat.
Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Take one tortilla and spoon a bit of the beef and bean mixture down the middle. Sprinkle with some of the shredded cheese, then roll the tortilla up around the filling. Place the rolled tortilla seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the filled tortillas in the baking dish, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, top with chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, and some diced tomatoes.

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic.
Baking dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish is required to assemble and bake the enchiladas.
Spoon - A spoon is needed to spoon the beef and bean mixture onto the tortillas.
Cheese grater - A cheese grater is necessary to shred the cheddar cheese.
Oven - An oven is needed to bake the enchiladas.
Knife - A knife is required to chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Measuring cups and spoons - Measuring cups and spoons are necessary to accurately measure the ingredients.

Recipe variations

Use chicken or shredded pork instead of ground beef for a different protein option.
Replace the corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture.
Add sliced bell peppers or jalapenos to the filling for extra flavor and spice.
Include cooked rice or quinoa in the filling mixture for added substance.
Make it vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or tofu.
Try different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a variation in flavor.
Experiment with different enchilada sauces, like green or mole, to change up the taste profile.
Add a layer of refried beans or guacamole to the tortillas before rolling them up for extra creaminess.
Top the enchiladas with sliced avocado, chopped scallions, or pickled onions for additional toppings.

Recipe overview

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these scrumptious Beef Enchiladas. This dish is bursting with flavor, packed with hearty ground beef, tender black beans, and sweet corn kernels, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas. To top it all off, it's drenched in a rich, tangy enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is straightforward and simple, making it perfect for a weeknight meal, but it's also sure to impress guests at your next dinner party. From the first bite to the last, these beef enchiladas are a true delight. Enjoy them hot out of the oven, and don't forget to add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, creamy sour cream, and ripe tomatoes. Let's get cooking!

Common questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef in this recipe.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They will yield a slightly different texture and taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze the leftover enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with beef enchiladas? Beef enchiladas go well with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side salad. You can also serve them with guacamole and salsa.
How can I make the enchiladas spicier? If you prefer spicier enchiladas, you can add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture. You can also choose a spicier enchilada sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - A 9x13 inch baking dish is ideal for baking the enchiladas.
Large skillet - Use a large skillet for cooking the ground beef and other ingredients.
Spatula - A spatula will help you stir and flip the ground beef while cooking.
Knife - You'll need a knife for chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
Cutting board - Use a cutting board to safely chop your ingredients.
Measuring cups - Measuring cups are helpful for accurately measuring the enchilada sauce and other ingredients.
Cheese grater - A cheese grater will allow you to shred the cheddar cheese for the enchiladas.
Oven mitts - Oven mitts will protect your hands when handling the hot baking dish.
Serving spatula - A serving spatula or large spoon is useful for transferring the enchiladas from the baking dish to individual plates.
Optional garnish tools - If you plan to add optional toppings like chopped cilantro, a spoon or small dish for sour cream, and a knife for dicing tomatoes may be helpful.

Origin stories

Enchiladas trace their origins back to Mayan times when people in the Valley of Mexico would eat tortillas rolled around small fish. These early enchiladas are quite different from what we're familiar with today. The practice of rolling tortillas around other food, however, endures. The term 'enchilada' itself, translates to 'in chili', a nod to the fact that traditionally, corn tortillas were dipped in a chili sauce before being filled with a variety of ingredients. It was not until the late 19th century, during the period of Mexican regional consolidation, that enchiladas took on the form that we recognize today: tortillas filled with meat, cheese or beans, and covered in chili sauce. With time, regional varieties of enchiladas have developed across Mexico, each with their own unique fillings and sauces, a testament to the enduring popularity and adaptability of this humble dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.