Classic Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Sauce
If you’re in the mood for a comforting, richly flavored meal, these classic beef enchiladas are a perfect choice. Made with savory ground beef, topped with a homemade enchilada sauce, and layered with Monterey Jack cheese, these enchiladas deliver a satisfying taste with every bite. This recipe provides all the instructions you need to make a batch of enchiladas that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
Ground Beef Filling
The ground beef filling is the heart of these enchiladas, bringing a seasoned flavor profile that perfectly complements the sauce and cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with a spatula into small crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Turn off the heat and drain any excess grease from the skillet. Add the chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder to the meat, stirring well to ensure the seasonings are evenly mixed. Finally, add the tomato sauce, stirring to coat the beef thoroughly. Set the seasoned beef aside while preparing the enchilada sauce and tortillas.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Creating your own enchilada sauce adds a fresh, robust taste to the dish. This homemade sauce is easy to make and far superior to canned options.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup oil or butter (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil recommended)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 cups beef broth (low or no sodium)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Instructions:
- Create the Roux: Heat the oil or butter in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture forms a thick paste.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, oregano, and chili powder. Stir until well combined with the roux, forming a thick, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Incorporate the Broth and Tomato Paste: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the tomato paste and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth. Allow it to cook until just below a simmer, thickening slightly. Once finished, remove from heat and set aside.
Preparing the Enchiladas
Assembling the enchiladas is a step-by-step process that results in beautifully rolled tortillas filled with seasoned beef, coated in sauce, and topped with cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup canola oil (for frying the tortillas)
- 12-15 white corn tortillas
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350℉ to warm it up while you prepare the enchiladas.
- Spread Sauce in the Baking Dish: Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a glass 9×13 baking dish. This prevents the enchiladas from sticking and adds flavor from the bottom up.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Heat the canola oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, use tongs to gently place a tortilla in the oil. Allow it to cook for 10-15 seconds per side—just enough to soften the tortilla without browning or crisping it. This step makes the tortillas flexible and prevents them from cracking when rolled.
- Dip in Sauce and Fill: After softening each tortilla, dip it in the enchilada sauce or use a brush to coat each side with the sauce. Lay the coated tortilla flat and place a spoonful of the prepared ground beef in the center, followed by a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Roll and Arrange in Baking Dish: Roll each filled tortilla and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process until the dish is full, with the enchiladas snugly lined up in rows.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese: Once all enchiladas are assembled, pour any remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with the leftover shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced onions, or avocado slices for an added touch of flavor and texture. Pair them with classic Mexican side dishes like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.
Tips for Making the Perfect Enchiladas
- Selecting Tortillas: Opt for white corn tortillas, as they tend to hold up better in enchiladas than flour tortillas, providing an authentic taste and texture.
- Preventing Sogginess: Lightly frying the tortillas in oil before dipping them in sauce helps seal them, reducing the chances of sogginess.
- Control the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder in both the ground beef and the sauce. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Using a Different Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully and complements Mexican dishes well. However, you can also try using cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even queso fresco.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but keep in mind that flour tortillas can become soggy faster than corn tortillas. If using flour, be cautious not to over-sauce the enchiladas before baking.
How long do these enchiladas keep?
These enchiladas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain texture, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.
Can I freeze enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked enchiladas. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with sauce and cheese, then bake.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Substitute lean ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or use a low-fat cheese option.
Making beef enchiladas from scratch may seem a bit involved, but the result is truly rewarding. With homemade enchilada sauce, seasoned beef, and melted cheese, these enchiladas offer a memorable meal full of classic Mexican flavors.