These cheesy, saucy Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are packed with seasoned ground beef, smothered in a rich enchilada sauce, and baked to perfection. They’re the ultimate comfort food and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup diced green chilies (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
For the Enchiladas:
- 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Tex-Mex cheese blend
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and green chilies (if using). Cook for another minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable (use a microwave or stovetop).
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let the enchiladas cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Tips for Perfect Enchiladas
- Tortilla choice: Use corn tortillas for authentic texture or flour tortillas for a softer bite.
- Homemade sauce: Make your own enchilada sauce for an extra flavor boost.
- Prevent sogginess: Lightly fry corn tortillas in oil before filling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
These Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve with a side of Spanish rice and refried beans for a full Tex-Mex feast! 🌮🧀