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Irresistible Beef Enchiladas

Featured in Dinner Ideas That Actually Work.

Cook ground beef with garlic and onion, coat tortillas in sauce, stuff them with the beef mix, roll up, top with sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly.
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Clare Recipes
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:41:45 GMT
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Cheesy Beef Enchiladas | recipesclare.com

These classic beef enchiladas deliver authentic Mexican flavors in every bite. The combination of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and rich homemade sauce wrapped in corn tortillas creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. The sauce offers just enough spice to enhance the flavors without overwhelming the dish, making it perfect for family dinners.

This recipe has become a staple at family gatherings, earning rave reviews from even the most discerning eaters. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying meal that consistently draws requests for seconds and recipe sharing.

Essential Ingredients

  • Ground beef - Select 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture balance
  • Corn tortillas - Traditional choice that maintains structure and enhances authentic taste
  • Enchilada sauce - Homemade version featuring aromatic spices and signature cinnamon note
  • Sharp cheddar - Freshly grated for superior melting and flavor distribution
  • Fresh toppings - Cilantro, sour cream, and avocado for serving
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Homemade Pin it
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Homemade | recipesclare.com

Essential Techniques

Proper beef browning:
Allow beef to develop rich color, maintaining some texture in the crumbles. Avoid overworking the meat.
Tortilla preparation:
Quick-fry tortillas to enhance pliability and create moisture barrier. Ten seconds per side yields ideal results.
Sauce technique:
Toast spices and flour in oil thoroughly to develop deep flavors and eliminate raw taste.
Assembly method:
Use measured portions of filling and roll firmly. Position seam-side down in baking dish.
Cheese application:
Cover surface completely with cheese to seal in moisture during baking.
Resting period:
Allow 5-10 minutes rest time for optimal serving texture.

This recipe evolved from traditional family techniques, incorporating modern adaptations for enhanced flavor. The addition of cinnamon to the sauce and careful spice balancing creates a distinctive taste that sets these enchiladas apart from standard versions.

Serving Suggestions

Complete the meal with Mexican rice and refried beans for traditional presentation. Consider a fresh lime-dressed green salad for lighter accompaniment. Offer additional garnishes like diced onions, jalapeños, and lime wedges for customization.

Recipe Variations

Enhance the filling by incorporating chorizo with the beef, adding black beans for heartiness, or including cream cheese for extra richness. Each variation maintains the core flavors while offering unique taste experiences.

Storage Methods

Refrigerate leftovers up to three days. Microwave individual portions or reheat full dish at 325°F. Prepare ahead by assembling and refrigerating unbaked enchiladas for up to 24 hours, adjusting bake time accordingly.

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Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe | recipesclare.com

These enchiladas consistently earn praise from diverse palates, from casual diners to culinary enthusiasts. The balanced combination of authentic ingredients and careful preparation creates a reliable, satisfying dish that improves with each preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far ahead can I prepare these enchiladas?
You can assemble them up to a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and refrigerate. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the fridge.
→ Is it possible to freeze these enchiladas?
Yes! You can prepare them completely but skip baking. Cover well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
→ Do I have to fry the tortillas?
Nope! If you'd rather not fry them, warm the tortillas in the microwave with damp paper towels for about 30 seconds or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven.
→ Can I make these with flour tortillas?
Of course! But corn tortillas are more traditional and hold up better with the sauce. Just skip the frying step if you use flour ones.
→ What sides go best with these enchiladas?
Serve them alongside fluffy Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh green salad, or even some roasted corn.

Beef and Cheese Enchiladas

Soft tortillas stuffed with flavorful beef and gooey cheese, bathed in rich enchilada sauce, then baked to perfection. Always a hit at the dinner table!

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 6 Servings (12 enchiladas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Enchiladas

01 1 lb of ground beef
02 1 medium-sized onion, diced small
03 Two garlic cloves, crushed
04 Two cups of enchilada sauce, store-bought or homemade
05 12 small corn tortillas
06 Two cups of cheddar cheese, grated
07 Half a cup of vegetable oil to fry the tortillas
08 Salt and black pepper to your liking
09 Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, diced fresh tomatoes, or sliced avocado

→ Homemade Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

10 3 tbsp of olive oil
11 3 tbsp of flour of your choice (regular, whole wheat, or a gluten-free alternative)
12 A tablespoon of chili powder
13 A teaspoon of cumin powder
14 Half a teaspoon of garlic powder
15 A quarter teaspoon of dried oregano
16 A quarter teaspoon of salt, or adjust to taste
17 A tiny pinch of cinnamon (if you prefer)
18 2 tbsp of tomato paste
19 Two cups of vegetable broth
20 A teaspoon of either apple cider vinegar or plain white vinegar
21 Freshly cracked black pepper to suit your taste preferences

Instructions

Step 01

Turn on your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s preheated and ready when you need it.

Step 02

Mix together the dry stuff (flour, seasonings, salt) in a little bowl. Heat some olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Dump the flour mixture into the pot and stir constantly for around a minute until it smells amazing. Whisk in the tomato paste next, and slowly pour in the broth while stirring to get rid of any lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens up, about 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat, then stir in vinegar and black pepper.

Step 03

In a big frying pan, brown the ground beef on medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s done (5-7 minutes). Toss in the onion and garlic, and let them cook for another 3-5 minutes until the onion turns soft and see-through. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, then take it off the heat.

Step 04

In a small pan, heat up some vegetable oil on medium. Fry each tortilla for about 10 seconds per side, just long enough for it to bend without breaking. Let any extra grease drain off on some paper towels afterward.

Step 05

Dip one tortilla at a time into the enchilada sauce so both sides are coated. Put a spoonful of the cooked beef mix in the center, add a sprinkle of cheese, and roll it up. Lay it seam-down in a dish that goes in the oven.

Step 06

Pour the last bit of sauce over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle a final layer of cheese on top and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes or so, just until it’s all melty and bubbling.

Step 07

Once it cools down slightly, finish things off with toppings you love, like freshly cut cilantro, creamy sour cream, chopped tomatoes, or sliced avocado.

Notes

  1. You can save yourself some effort by grabbing a pre-made enchilada sauce instead of making it from scratch.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pan for browning the beef
  • A pot for making the sauce
  • A smaller pan to fry tortillas
  • A baking dish
  • Paper towels for draining oil
  • Something to whisk with

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This dish uses dairy (cheddar cheese)
  • If the sauce has regular flour, it contains gluten. Go for gluten-free flour if needed.