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Beef Enchiladas

Rolled tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, smothered in rich enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese for the ultimate Mexican comfort food.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 enchiladas
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Beef Filling
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20
  • 1 medium onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup water or beef broth
Assembly
  • 12 corn tortillas 6-inch
  • 3 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 2.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil for softening tortillas
Garnish
  • fresh cilantro chopped
  • red onion diced
  • tomatoes diced
  • sour cream optional
  • sliced avocado optional

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Small skillet for tortillas
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and no pink remains.
  3. Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices.
  5. Pour in the water or beef broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Working one at a time, dip each tortilla in the oil for about 5 seconds per side to soften. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce into the bottom of your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to coat the entire surface.
  8. Working with one tortilla at a time, place about 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of cheese, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  9. Repeat the rolling process with remaining tortillas, arranging them snugly in the dish.
  10. Pour the remaining 2 cups of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, making sure all tortillas are covered.
  11. Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously over the top, covering all the enchiladas with an even layer.
  12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh cilantro, diced red onion, and tomatoes.
  14. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, don't skip the oil-dipping step for tortillas as it prevents cracking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months.