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Perfectly Flavorful Beef Enchiladas

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Cook beef with garlic and onion, soak tortillas in sauce, stuff them with filling, roll, arrange in a dish, top with cheese and sauce, then bake.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:46:03 GMT
Perfectly Flavorful Beef Enchiladas Save
Perfectly Flavorful Beef Enchiladas | recipesclare.com

These classic beef enchiladas deliver the perfect combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and rich homemade sauce wrapped in traditional corn tortillas. The savory aroma fills the kitchen as they bake, creating an irresistible Mexican comfort food that's become a cherished family favorite. The balanced blend of spices provides just the right amount of warmth and depth without overwhelming heat.

This trusted recipe consistently impresses both casual diners and Mexican food enthusiasts. The combination of textures and flavors creates such satisfying results that guests regularly request these enchiladas for gatherings and celebrations. One taste explains why this dish earns a permanent spot in any recipe collection.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground beef - 80/20 blend provides ideal flavor and juiciness without excess grease.
  • Corn tortillas - Traditional choice that maintains texture and stands up to sauce better than flour varieties.
  • Enchilada sauce - Homemade with aromatic spices including the secret ingredient: a pinch of cinnamon for subtle warmth.
  • Cheddar cheese - Sharp cheddar grated fresh for optimal melting and flavor depth.
  • Fresh toppings - Cilantro, sour cream and avocado provide essential fresh contrast.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Homemade Save
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Homemade | recipesclare.com

Essential Techniques

Perfect meat browning:
Brown beef thoroughly for full flavor development, breaking into medium chunks for ideal texture.
Tortilla preparation:
Quick-fry tortillas in oil to prevent cracking and create moisture barrier.
Sauce technique:
Toast flour and spices properly to develop flavors and eliminate raw taste.
Assembly method:
Roll with 2-3 tablespoons filling, place seam down to maintain shape.
Cheese application:
Cover completely with cheese for moisture retention and even melting.
Resting period:
Allow 5-10 minutes rest time for optimal serving texture.

This recipe evolved from a traditional family method, refined through years of preparation and subtle adjustments. The addition of signature spices and careful technique modifications has created a version that honors authentic flavors while incorporating modern improvements. The result consistently draws praise from casual diners to discriminating food enthusiasts.

Serving Suggestions

Complement these enchiladas with classic Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. A fresh green salad with citrus dressing provides light contrast. For entertaining, offer additional garnishes like diced onions, jalapeños, and lime wedges for customization.

Variations

Enhance the filling by incorporating chorizo with the beef, mixing in black beans, or adding cream cheese inside each enchilada. Each variation maintains the core appeal while offering unique flavor profiles.

Storage Methods

Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or warm entire dish at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. Prepare ahead by assembling up to 24 hours before baking, adding extra cooking time when needed.

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe Save
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe | recipesclare.com

These enchiladas consistently earn praise from diverse audiences, from casual family meals to special occasions. The balanced combination of authentic techniques and carefully selected ingredients creates a memorable dish that becomes a lasting favorite. The recipe's adaptability and reliable results make it an essential addition to any cooking repertoire.

Recipe FAQs

→ Is it possible to prep these ahead?
Definitely! You can assemble them, cover tightly, and keep in the fridge for up to a day. When baking straight from the fridge, just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
→ Can I freeze this meal for later?
Yes! Assemble the enchiladas without baking them first. They can stay in the freezer for around three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bake.
→ Do I have to fry the tortillas?
Not at all! You can skip frying. Instead, warm up the tortillas in the microwave between damp towels for half a minute, or heat them wrapped in foil in the oven.
→ Are flour tortillas okay instead of corn?
Sure thing, but corn is more authentic and won’t get soggy in the sauce. If using flour, you can skip frying them altogether.
→ What can I serve on the side?
Pair with a green salad, Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or sweet corn. All of these go great with enchiladas.

Beef Tex-Mex Dish

Soft corn tortillas packed with spiced beef and cheese, coated in a rich enchilada sauce, and oven-baked until deliciously golden. A Tex-Mex classic everyone loves.

Preparation Time
25 min
Cooking Time
30 min
Total Time
55 min

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: Mexican

Makes: 6 Serves (12 enchiladas)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Enchiladas

01 1 lb of ground beef
02 1 medium onion, diced finely
03 2 garlic cloves, chopped very small
04 12 tortillas made from corn
05 2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
06 2 cups of enchilada sauce, homemade or store-bought
07 1/2 cup of oil (vegetable) for frying
08 Salt and black pepper, adjusted to taste
09 Add-ons (optional): diced tomatoes, cilantro, avocado slices, or sour cream

→ For Homemade Enchilada Sauce

10 3 tbsp of olive oil
11 3 tbsp of flour (choose wheat, all-purpose, or a gluten-free variety)
12 1 tsp cumin powder
13 1 tbsp of chili powder
14 1/4 tsp of dried oregano
15 1/2 tsp garlic powder
16 1/4 tsp salt (or tweak as required)
17 A dash of cinnamon, if you like
18 2 tbsp of tomato paste
19 2 cups of veggie broth
20 1 tsp of vinegar (apple cider or white work)
21 Ground black pepper, to your preference

Steps

Step 01

Get your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C) before starting to bake.

Step 02

Start by measuring out the flour, spices, and salt into a little bowl. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium until it's ready. Stir in the flour mix, whisking for about a minute until it smells nice. Add tomato paste and whisk again, slowly pouring in the broth to avoid lumps. Simmer it for 5–7 minutes till it thickens up. Take it off the heat, stir in vinegar and pepper, and you're done.

Step 03

In a large pan over medium, cook the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook it through in about 5–7 minutes. Add onion and garlic next, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until the onions get soft. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper, then take it off the burner.

Step 04

Heat up the vegetable oil in a small pan until hot. Lightly fry each tortilla on both sides for around 10 seconds, just until it's flexible but not crispy. Lay them on paper towels to soak up any extra oil.

Step 05

Take a tortilla, dip it in the enchilada sauce so it's covered. Add some beef filling in the middle, sprinkle cheese on top, then roll it up. Place it seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 06

Pour any leftover sauce over the enchiladas in the dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes or so, until it's bubbling and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Step 07

Let it sit a few minutes so it's not too hot. Then, add your favorite toppings like sour cream, tomato, avocado, or cilantro.

Helpful Notes

  1. If you're short on time, feel free to grab pre-made enchilada sauce instead of making it yourself.

Required Tools

  • A big frying pan
  • A small pot for making the sauce
  • A small pan to fry tortillas
  • A dish for baking
  • Paper towels
  • A whisk

Allergen Info

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Has dairy in it (cheese)
  • Contains gluten in the sauce unless you use gluten-free flour