Easy Beef Enchiladas
There’s something incredibly comforting about a hearty plate of enchiladas. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender tortillas wrapped around a savory filling, all smothered in rich, flavorful sauce. Our Easy Beef Enchiladas are perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you crave a taste of Mexico without spending hours in the kitchen. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, these enchiladas come together quickly, ensuring you can satisfy your cravings without the fuss.
The Upside of Easy Beef Enchiladas
The beauty of Easy Beef Enchiladas lies in their versatility and the ease of preparation. You can enjoy them any night of the week, and they cater to various tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few reasons why these enchiladas should be on your dinner table:
- Quick to prepare and cook, making them a perfect weeknight meal.
- Customizable ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Kid-friendly and perfect for feeding a crowd.
What Goes Into Easy Beef Enchiladas
To create these mouth-watering Easy Beef Enchiladas, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can)
- 16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
- 3 cups red enchilada sauce
- 8-10 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Equipment Breakdown
Before you dive into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large skillet – for sautéing the onions, garlic, and ground beef.
- Mixing bowls – for combining your ingredients.
- 9×13 inch baking dish – to hold the enchiladas while they bake.
- Spatula – for flipping and serving.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in your ingredients.
Easy Beef Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s get started on creating your Easy Beef Enchiladas. Follow these simple steps for a delicious result.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.
Step 3: Combine the Beans
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the black beans and refried beans. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1 cup of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Take a large flour tortilla and spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture onto the center. Sprinkle with a little shredded Monterey Jack cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese
Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring all tortillas are covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum 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.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Easy Beef Enchiladas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños!
Fresh Seasonal Changes
One of the best things about Easy Beef Enchiladas is their adaptability. You can easily swap in seasonal ingredients to enhance the flavor profile. Here are some ideas:
- Summer: Add fresh corn and diced bell peppers for a burst of sweetness.
- Fall: Mix in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for a cozy twist.
- Winter: Incorporate sautéed spinach or kale for a nutritious boost.
- Spring: Try using fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions for a bright flavor.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
While making Easy Beef Enchiladas, a few common issues might arise. Here’s how to handle them:
- Too dry: If your enchiladas seem dry before baking, add a bit more enchilada sauce before covering with foil.
- Sticking: To prevent sticking, ensure that the baking dish is greased or well-coated with sauce.
- Overcooked: If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil to shield it from direct heat.
- Filling spills out: Make sure to roll the tortillas tightly and don’t overfill them to keep the filling secure.
Leftovers & Meal Prep
One of the perks of Easy Beef Enchiladas is that they make excellent leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them:
Allow leftover enchiladas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, if refrigerated, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Quick Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken is a great alternative and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them with foil to prevent drying out.
What if I don’t like black beans?
No problem! You can substitute with pinto beans, kidney beans, or even leave the beans out entirely for a meatier enchilada.
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute like lentils or tofu, and use vegetarian refried beans.
The Last Word
In just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, Easy Beef Enchiladas are a delightful way to enjoy a homemade Mexican classic. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make dinner a fiesta! You won’t regret adding this recipe to your culinary repertoire.
Easy Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break up the meat as it cooks for even browning.
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the black beans and refried beans. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1 cup of red enchilada sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Take a large flour tortilla and spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture onto the center. Sprinkle with a little shredded Monterey Jack cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Once all the enchiladas are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring all tortillas are covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum 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.
- Once baked, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Easy Beef Enchiladas with your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapeños!
Notes
- These enchiladas can be customized with seasonal ingredients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- For meal prep, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
