If you have been searching for a comforting and flavor-packed dish to brighten up your dinner table, this Beef Enchiladas Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances a rich, homemade enchilada sauce with a hearty, spiced beef and bean filling, all wrapped snugly in soft tortillas and topped with gooey, melted cheese. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples in a way that delights the senses and warms the soul, making it an instant favorite for family meals or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef Enchiladas Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Together, they create a harmonious dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the spice mix without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Enhances savory notes while keeping the flavor bright and aromatic.
- Cumin powder: Brings an earthy warmth that is essential to authentic enchilada taste.
- Paprika: Offers vibrant color and a subtle smoky undertone.
- Dried oregano: Provides a hint of herbal complexity to balance the spices.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Allows you to dial up the heat for those who love a little kick.
- Olive oil: Used both for cooking the sauce and sautéing the beef mixture, it adds richness.
- All-purpose flour: Key for thickening the enchilada sauce into that perfect silky texture.
- Chicken broth (low sodium): Creates a flavorful base for the sauce without excess salt.
- Tomato passata or canned tomato sauce: Brings acidity and sweetness, forming the sauce’s backbone.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight and balance flavors.
- Minced garlic and chopped onion: Provide a fresh, aromatic foundation for the beef filling.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes these enchiladas satisfying and filling.
- Refried beans: Add creaminess and help bind the filling together.
- Black beans: Contribute texture and a boost of fiber and protein.
- Tortillas or burrito wraps: The soft, tender vessel for all that flavorful filling.
- Grated melting cheese: Like Monterey Jack or cheddar, provides that irresistible gooey topping.
- Cilantro/coriander leaves (optional): For a fresh, lively garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix
Start by blending your ground spices—onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper if you want heat—in a small bowl. This spice mix will infuse your sauce and beef with those classic enchilada flavors, giving your dish an irresistibly aromatic and slightly smoky base.
Step 2: Make the Enchilada Sauce
Heat olive oil in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a quick roux, cooking just a minute to avoid any raw flour taste. Gradually add chicken broth, stirring constantly, to ensure a smooth, thickened sauce base. Stir in tomato passata, salt, pepper, and a couple tablespoons of your spice mix. Simmer on medium-high heat until the sauce thickens beautifully—this rich, vibrant sauce is what makes this Beef Enchiladas Recipe so memorable.
Step 3: Prepare the Beef Filling
While the sauce simmers, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Sauté minced garlic and onions in olive oil until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly until nicely browned. Stir in the remaining spice mix, refried beans, black beans, and a portion of the enchilada sauce to tie everything together. Season with salt and pepper, then cook a little longer to blend the flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
To prevent sticking and add extra flavor, spread some enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Spoon the beef filling onto each tortilla’s lower third, then roll tightly and place seam side down in the dish. This step is where your dish starts to come alive, with each rolled tortilla promising a delicious bite.
Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas
Cover the rolled tortillas with the remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Bake covered for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 minutes so the cheese melts and bubbles to golden perfection. Once out of the oven, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro can add that fresh pop of flavor and color before serving.
How to Serve Beef Enchiladas Recipe
Garnishes
Top your enchiladas with freshly chopped cilantro for that vibrant green contrast and subtle citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lime for extra zest and creaminess, customizing each plate with your favorite finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Pair your enchiladas with sides like a crisp lettuce and avocado salad, Mexican-style rice, or refried beans to round out the meal. Fresh corn on the cob or pickled jalapeños can add exciting textures and flavors, making the meal feel festive and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or bake the enchiladas in a casserole dish for easy family-style serving. You might also top with sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices for color and a fresh flavor boost that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any enchiladas left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
To freeze your Beef Enchiladas Recipe, assemble the enchiladas completely (excluding the final bake) and wrap the baking dish tightly with foil. Freeze for up to two months, then bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time to ensure heating through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 180°C (350°F) wrapped in foil to keep them moist, or zap individual portions in the microwave for a quick meal. Either way, the sauce and cheese will be just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook it the same way you would the beef, adjusting seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
Is this Beef Enchiladas Recipe spicy?
The base recipe has a mild to medium level of spice thanks to the cumin, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne to make it perfect for your palate.
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Yes, swapping the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even extra beans creates a flavorful vegetarian version that everyone will love.
What type of cheese is best for enchiladas?
Melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or tasty cheese work best as they melt smoothly and add a lovely golden crust. Feel free to use a blend for extra richness.
Do I need to use tortillas or are burrito wraps okay?
Either tortillas or burrito wraps work fine here. Tortillas are traditional and provide a lighter texture, but burrito wraps are a sturdier option if you prefer a heartier roll-up.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making and sharing this Beef Enchiladas Recipe. It’s a dish that brings people together with its comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Trust me, once you try it, these enchiladas will become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire. So grab your ingredients, roll up those tortillas, and get ready to savor every cheesy, spicy bite!
Print
Beef Enchiladas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Beef Enchiladas recipe delivers a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring a spicy, savory beef filling combined with refried and black beans, all wrapped in tortillas and baked with a rich homemade enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) low sodium chicken stock/broth
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) tomato passata OR 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp Spice Mix (from above)
Beef Filling
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
- 1 lb (500 g) ground beef
- 400 g (14 oz) refried beans (1 can)
- 400 g (14 oz) black beans, drained (1 can)
- ~1/4 cup enchilada sauce (from above)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly and Topping
- 8 tortillas or burrito wraps
- 1.5 cups (150 g) grated melting cheese, such as Monterey Jack, tasty, or cheddar
- Cilantro/coriander leaves, roughly chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, cumin powder, paprika, dried oregano, and optional cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside for use throughout the recipe.
- Make Enchilada Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a paste, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly to avoid lumping. Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of chicken broth immediately; this will thicken into a smooth roux. Add the remaining chicken broth, tomato passata or canned tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of the prepared spice mix. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Beef Filling: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the remaining spice mix and cook for an additional 2 minutes until beef is fully browned. Mix in refried beans, drained black beans, and about 1/4 cup of the enchilada sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cook for another 2 minutes, and then remove from heat.
- Assemble Enchiladas: Lightly spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay out a tortilla, place a portion of the beef filling on the lower third, then roll it up tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling to fill the dish.
- Bake Enchiladas: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas in the baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper to 1 tsp or add a pinch of chili powder.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though baking times may need slight adjustment to prevent breaking.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat alternative.
- You can prepare the enchilada sauce a day ahead and refrigerate to save time on cooking day.
