Looking for an easy, tasty dinner? These Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are perfect! Packed with flavor and quick to make, they bring smiles to the whole family. With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a dish that’s cheesy, hearty, and full of good ingredients. Let’s dive into making your next family meal a hit that everyone will love!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Customizable Filling: You can easily swap out the ground beef for chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option to suit your taste.
- Cheesy Goodness: With two cups of cheddar cheese melted on top, these enchiladas are irresistibly cheesy and satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers: These enchiladas reheat well, making them a great option for meal prep or a delicious lunch the next day.
Ingredients
To make cheesy ground beef enchiladas, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
These ingredients bring rich flavors and textures. The ground beef forms a hearty base. The beans and corn add nice protein and sweetness. Onion and garlic give warmth and depth. Enchilada sauce ties everything together with a zesty kick. And, of course, cheese adds that gooey goodness we all love!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for cooking the enchiladas evenly.
Cooking the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook it over medium heat. Stir it well until it turns brown and crumbly, around 5-7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain it. This keeps the dish lighter.
Next, add 1 small diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook these for about 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and clear.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to mix in the fun stuff! Add 1 can of drained black beans and 1 cup of corn. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. This makes your filling tasty and full of flavor.
Filling and Rolling the Tortillas
Heat 8 small flour tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to roll.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture into each tortilla. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Baking the Enchiladas
Pour 1 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, let the enchiladas cool for 5 minutes. This helps with serving. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. For a creamy touch, serve with a dollop of sour cream on top. Enjoy your cheesy ground beef enchiladas!
Tips & Tricks
How to Prevent Tortilla Tears
To keep your tortillas from tearing, warm them before filling. You can microwave them for 30 seconds. This softens them and makes them flexible. If you heat them in a skillet, use low heat. This way, they won’t dry out.
Enhancing Flavor with Spices
Adding spices boosts the taste of your enchiladas. I suggest using cumin and chili powder. They give a warm, rich flavor. You can also add paprika or oregano for a twist. Always taste your filling and adjust the spices to your liking.
Best Cheese Options for Enchiladas
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for enchiladas. It melts well and adds great flavor. You can also try Monterey Jack or a blend of both. For a creamier texture, consider using queso fresco. Mix different cheeses for a unique taste.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
You need a few tools to make these enchiladas easy. A large skillet helps for cooking the beef and veggies. Use a 9×13 inch baking dish for baking the enchiladas. A spatula is great for lifting them out once baked. Don’t forget a good knife for chopping!
Pro Tips
- Warm the Tortillas: Heating tortillas before filling them makes them more pliable and prevents tearing when rolling.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, jalapeños, or any leftover veggies you have for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce: For a fresh twist, try making your own enchilada sauce using tomatoes, spices, and broth for a richer taste.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
Variations
Vegetarian Cheesy Enchiladas
You can easily make vegetarian cheesy enchiladas. Swap the ground beef for a mix of diced bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. This gives a great texture and flavor. Keep the black beans and corn for extra protein. Use the same spices to keep that delicious taste. Top with cheese and follow the same baking steps.
Different Protein Options (Chicken, Ground Turkey)
If you want to change up the protein, try chicken or ground turkey. For chicken, use shredded cooked chicken. It works well with the same spices. Ground turkey is also a lean choice. Cook it just like the ground beef. Both options still taste amazing in enchiladas. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if using precooked chicken.
Spicy Enchilada Twist
For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or diced green chilies to the beef mixture. You can also use spicy enchilada sauce instead of the regular kind. If you love heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper on top before baking. This twist will make your enchiladas a hit at any dinner table.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Enchiladas
To store leftover enchiladas, place them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. If you leave them out, they can spoil quickly. Make sure to eat them within 3 to 4 days for the best taste.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze enchiladas for later. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat enchiladas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until hot. You can also microwave them. Just cover them with a damp paper towel and heat for 2-3 minutes. Enjoy your cheesy goodness!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses. Monterey Jack or pepper jack work well. These cheeses melt nicely. You can also mix cheeses for more flavor. Just keep the amount similar to the recipe.
How can I make enchiladas spicier?
To spice up your enchiladas, add jalapeños. You can use fresh or pickled. Another option is to add more chili powder or hot sauce. Adjust the heat to your taste. Always start with a small amount, then add more if you like.
Can I prepare enchiladas ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge. Cover them well to keep them fresh. Bake them the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes dinner easy on busy nights.
What side dishes pair well with enchiladas?
Several side dishes go well with enchiladas. Consider serving rice or beans for a hearty meal. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch. You can also try guacamole and tortilla chips for extra flavor. These sides make your meal even more delicious!
We covered how to make delicious enchiladas using simple ingredients. You learned about key steps from cooking the beef to baking the dish. I shared tips to avoid tears in tortillas and enhance flavor with spices. You also got to explore variations and how to store leftovers.
Now, it’s time for you to try these recipes. Enjoy making your enchiladas unique and tasty! Whether you stick to the classic or go spicy, you can’t go wrong. Happy cookin
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the black beans, corn kernels, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
- Heat the flour tortillas in a microwave or on a skillet for about 30 seconds until soft enough to roll without cracking.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly into each tortilla (about 1/4 cup). Sprinkle a little cheese over the filling and roll the tortilla tightly. Place seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy finish.
