Weeknight Winner Ridiculously Easy Beef Enchiladas
Recipe Introduction
Fancy Some Easy Beef Enchiladas , Mate?
Ever stared blankly into the fridge on a weeknight, wondering what to conjure up? Honestly, sometimes I just want something proper comforting.
This easy beef enchilada recipe is my go-to! Think Tex-Mex hug in a dish, bursting with savory beef and cheesy goodness.
Enchiladas: A Bit of History & a Lot of Flavor
Enchiladas hail from Mexico, tracing back to Mayan times! This version keeps it simple: ground beef, tortillas, and lashings of red sauce.
Ready in under an hour, it serves 3-4 hungry souls. This quick beef enchilada dinner is a total winner.
The Magic of This Recipe
Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the beans, it’s not just tasty; it's relatively good for you! This beef enchiladas family meal is perfect for a casual get-together or a night in front of the telly.
What makes this recipe special? It's dead easy and utterly delicious, that's what! Now, lets get to the ingredients.
What You'll Need for Your Easy Beef Enchiladas
Ready to rumble? Here's what you'll need for this enchilada recipe ground beef . First, for that scrummy beef filling, grab some olive oil, ground beef, an onion, a clove of garlic, taco seasoning, water, black beans, and diced tomatoes and green chiles.
For the actual enchiladas, stock up on corn tortillas, red enchilada sauce, and cheddar cheese. Toppings? Go wild! Sour cream, coriander, spring onions, avocado you name it.
Ingredients & Equipment for Easy Beef Enchiladas
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this easy beef enchilada recipe . Don't worry, it's all pretty standard stuff.
You can find it in most supermarkets. Honestly, this is less about fancy ingredients and more about getting tasty food on the table quickly.
Main Players for this Enchilada Recipe Ground Beef
- Ground Beef: You'll need 1 lb (450g) of ground beef. Go for a leaner mix. It'll save you some draining later.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped. Yellow or white will do.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. Jarred minced garlic? I won't judge.
- Black Beans: 1 (15 oz / 425g) can, rinsed and drained.
- Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies: 1 (10 oz / 283g) can.
- Corn Tortillas: 10 (6 inch diameter). Warm them up!
- Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 (19 oz / 540g) can. Pick your favourite.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (200g) , shredded.
Quality indicators for your beef? Look for a bright red color and minimal liquid in the packaging. As for the enchilada sauce, choose a brand you already enjoy.
It makes a world of difference! This beef enchiladas family meal will be a sure crowd pleaser
Seasoning Notes: It's all about the flavour
The secret? Taco seasoning! 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) of taco seasoning. It's a cheat. But it works, innit?
Don't have any taco seasoning? Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season to your heart's content.
A dash of cumin and chili powder can add a real depth of flavour. The essential spice combinations that brings a touch of magic.
This is a beef enchiladas with red sauce recipe, but feel free to experiment.
Flavour enhancers? A pinch of cayenne if you like it hot. A bit of smoked paprika? Amazing.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Right then, you will need these essential tools .
- Large Skillet: For browning the beef.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: Because, well, you need to bake it in something.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To stop your cooking from being a free for-all.
- Cheese Grater: Unless you are buying pre-shredded.
- Slotted Spoon: Draining the beef, yeah?
Don't have a 9x13? A slightly smaller one works too. You might need to squeeze the ground beef enchiladas in a bit more tightly.
This quick beef enchilada dinner will be a success
Honestly, I used to try and get fancy equipment. Now I just use the same old skillet. It's got character! My grandma's recipe never needed fancy pans.
And this homemade beef enchiladas recipe is just as good as hers, honestly. This easy beef enchiladas are a real treat for a weeknight.
You now have a weeknight beef enchiladas recipe that are easy to assemble
Cooking Method: Baking These Easy Beef Enchiladas
Right, let's chat about baking, particularly for my easy beef enchilada recipe . Honestly, baking these is the easiest part. It's less cooking, more like... a warm hug for your enchiladas.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place and Safety Dance
First things first, preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . It needs to be ready and waiting. We also need to spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Think of it like a non-stick insurance policy. Safety wise? Just don't burn yourself on the oven rack, yeah?
step-by-step: The Enchilada Tango
Here's the super simple baking rundown:
- Assemble your enchiladas like little beefy logs in your prepared baking dish.
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top. Don't be shy, let them swim in it!
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese. The more the merrier!
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Keep an eye on things.
- They're done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
That's it. Seriously.
Pro Tips: The Secrets to Enchilada Success
Don't overbake! You want melty cheese, not burnt cheese.
Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving. Honestly, this prevents the cheese from sliding off and burning your tongue. I always learn the hard way.
Make these ahead! Assemble them, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a game changer for busy weeknights.
Think of these weeknight beef enchiladas as your new best friend. After one bite of my homemade beef enchiladas recipe you will never make them any other way!
I reckon this quick beef enchilada dinner will blow your mind!. If you like beef enchiladas with red sauce try adding a little bit of heat.
So there you have it! Here's an easy beef enchiladas recipe that even a toddler could help with. You know? Get baking and enjoy these ground beef enchiladas ! It's the perfect beef enchiladas family meal .
Recipe Notes for the Best Easy Beef Enchiladas Ever
Right, so you're about to make my easy beef enchilada recipe . Ace! Before you get started, let's run through a few bits and bobs to make sure you nail it.
Trust me, these tips will elevate your weeknight beef enchiladas game.
Serving Up Some Style
How you plate your grub matters, you know? I reckon these homemade beef enchiladas recipe look cracking served hot, straight from the oven, swimming in that glorious red sauce.
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. A scattering of fresh cilantro or sliced green onions adds a pop of colour and flavour, doesn't it? For sides, think Mexican rice or refried beans.
Wash it all down with a cheeky margarita. You deserve it!
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? No worries. Refrigerate your beef enchiladas with red sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
For longer storage, freezing is your mate. Wrap them tightly in foil or place them in a freezer safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months .
Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts. Always check they are piping hot all the way through before serving.
Honestly, they taste almost as good the next day!
Variations on a Theme
Fancy a change? Easy peasy! Swap the beef for shredded chicken for chicken enchiladas . Or, for a veggie option, use crumbled tofu, black beans, sweetcorn, and courgette.
For a creamy version, stir a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the enchilada sauce. These quick beef enchilada dinner adaptations mean there's an enchilada for everyone!
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Alright, let's talk numbers. Roughly, each serving (2 enchiladas) clocks in at around 600 calories. You're also getting a whopping 40g of protein and 35g of fat.
There's 40g carbs too. Remember, this is just a rough guide. Actual values depend on what brands you use. But hey, it's packed with protein and beans, so it's not all bad, is it?
So there you have it, my friend. Everything you need to whip up a batch of totally delicious easy beef enchiladas .
Now get in the kitchen and have a go. You will absolutely nail this enchilada recipe ground beef . Promise!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this easy beef enchilada recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them tightly with foil, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they're heated through. Think of it as your "Blue Peter" moment, getting it all prepped in advance!
My tortillas keep cracking when I try to roll them. What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the bane of many an enchilada maker! The trick is to warm your tortillas before rolling. A quick zap in the microwave wrapped in damp paper towels, or a few seconds in a dry skillet, will make them much more pliable. It's like giving them a nice warm bath before asking them to perform!
What are some good variations on this easy beef enchilada recipe?
Fancy a bit of a twist? You can easily swap the beef for shredded chicken, black beans for a vegetarian option, or even add some corn and bell peppers to the filling. For a creamier enchilada, mix a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over.
It's all about putting your own spin on it, like jazzing up a classic Sunday roast!
How do I store leftover beef enchiladas?
Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them individually or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
They also freeze well wrap them individually in foil before freezing, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just like saving those last roast potatoes for bubble and squeak!
Can I freeze these enchiladas for a later date?
Yes, absolutely! Freezing is a great way to have a quick meal ready when you need it. Assemble the enchiladas, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. It's like having a batch of shepherd's pie ready and waiting in the freezer!
Weeknight Winner Ridiculously Easy Beef Enchilad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
