How to make Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños
Directions:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent. Then, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Mix in Ingredients: Once the beef is cooked, stir in the black beans, enchilada sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
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Prepare the Tortillas: While the beef mixture is simmering, warm the flour tortillas in a separate skillet for a few seconds on each side, just until they are pliable.
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Fill the Tortillas: Take a warmed tortilla and add about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
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Add Sauce and Cheese: Once all tortillas are in the baking dish, pour any leftover enchilada sauce over the top, and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over everything.
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Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Serve: Once cooked, take the enchiladas out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Top with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a fantastic choice for a family dinner. They are quick to prepare and bake, making them a perfect weeknight meal. The combination of ground beef, black beans, and cheese creates a satisfying and flavorful dish. Additionally, these enchiladas are customizable! You can add your favorite toppings or ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
These enchiladas are also a crowd-pleaser. When served hot from the oven, they are cheesy, rich, and full of flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults. They can also be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and baked when you’re ready to eat.
Nutriments benefits
Ground beef is a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. It also provides essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and some B vitamins, including B12, which helps keep your energy levels up.
Black beans add fiber to the dish, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling full. They are also high in protein and provide complex carbohydrates, which are beneficial for sustained energy.
Cheese provides calcium, an essential nutrient for bone health, and enhances the flavor of the enchiladas. Plus, with the fresh toppings, you’re adding vitamins and minerals that contribute to a balanced meal.
What to Serve With Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
When serving these enchiladas, consider pairing them with:
- Spanish Rice: A great side that complements the flavor of the enchiladas.
- Refried Beans: Extra protein and fiber can balance the meal.
- Corn Salad: A fresh salad with corn, tomatoes, and avocado adds color and crunch.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the spices of the enchiladas.
- Chips and Salsa: This classic appetizer can kick off your meal beautifully.
How to store Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas
If you have leftovers, let the enchiladas cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips and mistakes to avoid
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Don’t Overcook the Beef: Make sure not to overcook the beef in the skillet, as this can make it tough. Just cook it until browned and no longer pink.
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Warming the Tortillas: Always warm your tortillas before filling them. This prevents tearing and makes them easier to roll.
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Don’t Skip the Cheese: Cheese adds creaminess and flavor, so make sure to use a generous amount on top.
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Check for Seasoning: Adjust the salt and seasoning to taste. It’s always better to taste your filling before rolling the enchiladas.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe:
- ** Vegetarian Option**: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or lentils for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some chili powder for added heat.
- Cheesy Enchiladas: Use different kinds of cheese, such as pepper jack or Monterey jack, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used. Just make sure to warm them up as they can break easily. Two or three layers might be required to hold the filling.
2. How do I know when the enchiladas are done?
You can tell they are done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown slightly. The filling should be steaming hot.
3. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling in advance, store it in the fridge, and then assemble the enchiladas right before baking.
With these guidelines, you’ll make perfect Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef is preferable.
- 1 small onion, chopped Yellow or white onion works well.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed Can substitute with pinto beans.
- 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce Store-bought or homemade works.
- 8 small flour tortillas Corn tortillas can also be used.
- 1 cup shredded cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend recommended.
- 1 teaspoon cumin Adds warm flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Optional Toppings
- sour cream For drizzling on top.
- chopped cilantro Fresh herbs boost flavor.
- diced tomatoes Adds freshness.
- jalapeños For an extra kick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the black beans, enchilada sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate skillet, warm the flour tortillas for a few seconds on each side until they are pliable.
Assembly
- Take a warmed tortilla, add about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture in the center, and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Pour any leftover enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled tortillas, and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly.
Baking
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Serving
- Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Top with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños.
- Enjoy your delicious meal!