Beef Enchiladas

Make these hearty and flavorful beef enchiladas featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a rich red enchilada sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or festive gatherings, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser with customizable toppings like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream.

Ingredients

For the Enchiladas:

• 1 batch red enchilada sauce (or 15 ounces store-bought red enchilada sauce)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ pounds (24 ounces) lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
• Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
• 8 large flour tortillas*
• 3 cups Mexican-blend shredded cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh cilantro
• Chopped red onions
• Diced avocado
• Sour cream
• Crumbled cotija cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:
   • If using homemade enchilada sauce, prepare it according to your recipe. If store-bought, set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Beef Filling:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Add the ground beef and cumin. Cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the beef with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned.
   • Stir in the pinto beans and green chiles until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
3. Prep the Oven and Baking Dish:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
   • Spread ½ cup of enchilada sauce evenly along the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   • Set up your assembly station with tortillas, enchilada sauce, beef filling, and shredded cheese.
   • Lay a tortilla flat. Spread 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over its surface.
   • Add a generous spoonful of beef filling in a line down the center, then sprinkle with ⅓ cup shredded cheese. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
   • Repeat with the remaining tortillas, filling the dish. Spread any remaining sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle the top with extra cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are slightly crispy on the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack.
6. Serve:
   • Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like cilantro, red onions, avocado, sour cream, or cotija cheese.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These beef enchiladas are a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or family dinners. With tender beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese wrapped in soft tortillas, it’s a recipe everyone will rave about.

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Tips

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Warm tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more pliable.
• Don’t skip spreading sauce on the bottom of the dish; it prevents sticking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a lighter option.
• Swap pinto beans with black beans or refried beans.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.

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FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving.

Can I freeze enchiladas?
Absolutely! Freeze assembled, unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both work well as substitutes.

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Serving and Suggestions

Serve these enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Pair with tortilla chips and guacamole for a complete Tex-Mex meal. A cold soda or a margarita complements this dish perfectly!