BEEF ENCHILADAS with extra cheese on top!!!

Classic Beef Enchiladas Recipe with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

These classic beef enchiladas are loaded with savory seasoned ground beef, topped with a rich homemade enchilada sauce, and finished with a layer of melted Monterey Jack cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, this recipe is sure to bring comfort and joy to your table. Here’s how to create this delicious Mexican-inspired dish with easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup tomato sauce

For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce:

• ¼ cup oil or butter (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil works well)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 cups low or no sodium beef broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

For the Enchiladas:

• ¼ cup canola oil (for softening tortillas)
• 12-15 white corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Making the Ground Beef Filling

1. Cooking the Beef
   Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, and cook until fully browned and no longer pink. As the beef cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles.
2. Seasoning the Beef
   Once the beef is browned, turn off the heat and drain any excess grease. Add chili powder, salt, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir in the tomato sauce until the beef mixture is evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the sauce and tortillas.

Preparing the Homemade Enchilada Sauce

1. Creating the Roux
   In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, warm the oil or butter. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring continuously to form a paste. Let the roux cook for about 1-2 minutes until it just begins to turn golden, being careful not to let it brown.
2. Adding the Seasonings
   To the roux, add black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder. Stir well to incorporate all the spices into a thick paste.
3. Finishing the Sauce
   Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the tomato paste, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth. Heat until the sauce is just below a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preparing the Enchiladas

1. Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Baking Dish
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of the homemade enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish. This layer of sauce will keep the enchiladas from sticking and add flavor.
2. Softening the Tortillas
   Heat the canola oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. To soften the tortillas, use tongs to dip each one in the hot oil for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This brief frying makes them flexible and prevents them from breaking when rolled. The tortillas should be soft and pliable, not crisp.
3. Coating the Tortillas with Sauce
   Once the tortillas are softened, dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Alternatively, you can brush the sauce on both sides if you prefer a lighter coating.

Assembling and Baking the Enchiladas

1. Filling and Rolling the Enchiladas
   Place each tortilla flat on a clean surface. Add a spoonful of the seasoned ground beef mixture and a sprinkle of shredded Monterey Jack cheese in the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Continue this process until the dish is filled with rolled enchiladas.
2. Adding Sauce and Cheese Topping
   Once all the enchiladas are assembled in the baking dish, pour any remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the enchiladas.
3. Baking
   Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The sauce should be hot, and the enchiladas should be heated through.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish the enchiladas with fresh chopped cilantro, diced green onions, or a drizzle of sour cream.
• Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad with lime vinaigrette.

Tips for Perfect Beef Enchiladas

1. Selecting the Tortillas
   Corn tortillas provide a classic flavor, but white corn tortillas work best for this recipe because of their softer texture. If you prefer flour tortillas, you can substitute them, though they may change the dish’s texture slightly.
2. Keeping Tortillas Pliable
   Dipping the tortillas in hot oil keeps them soft, preventing cracking as you roll them. You can skip this step, but be aware that the tortillas might be more prone to breaking.
3. Adjusting Spice Levels
   Feel free to customize the spice level to your preference. Adding extra chili powder or a sprinkle of cayenne can increase the heat, while reducing the chili powder can create a milder sauce.
4. Making Ahead
   This dish can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the enchiladas without baking. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if they’re cold from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made enchilada sauce instead of homemade?
Yes, pre-made sauce can be used if you’re short on time. However, making it from scratch allows you to control the flavors and spice level.

Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even black beans can be used for a different take on these enchiladas.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Can I freeze these enchiladas?
Yes, these enchiladas can be frozen. Assemble them without baking, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

These classic beef enchiladas are loaded with flavor and offer the perfect balance of spice, melted cheese, and creamy homemade sauce. They’re a wonderful choice for a comforting family meal or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated the next day, these enchiladas bring a satisfying warmth and rich taste to every bite. Make them for your loved ones, and let the vibrant flavors transport you straight to the heart of Mexico!