Absolutely Amazing Beef Enchiladas

Beef enchiladas are a Tex-Mex classic, a dish that embodies comfort food with its layers of savory filling, melty cheese, and warm enchilada sauce. This recipe, earning a stellar rating of 4.6 stars from over 500 reviews on Allrecipes, promises to be an absolute winner – a recipe your family will love.

Today, we’re diving deep into this delicious dish, unpacking its secrets, and exploring ways to make it your own. So, grab your apron and prepare for a delightful enchilada odyssey!

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe boasts several key features that contribute to its success:

Balanced Flavor Profile: The combination of ground beef, cheese, taco seasoning, chilies, and a touch of oregano creates a harmonious blend of savory and slightly spicy flavors. The addition of sour cream and black beans provides a creamy texture and a welcome contrast.
Simple Ingredients: This recipe relies on readily available ingredients, making it a great choice for busy weeknight meals.
Straightforward Instructions: The clear and concise instructions ensure a smooth cooking process, even for beginner cooks.

**A Step-by-Step Enchilada Expedition:

Gather Your Provisions (Prep Time: 25 minutes)

The Hero – The Filling:
- 2 pounds ground beef – Lean ground beef is recommended for a healthier option, but feel free to use ground beef with a higher fat content for a richer flavor.
- ¼ medium onion, finely chopped – The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
- 1 ¼ cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided – One cup is incorporated into the filling for added creaminess, and the remaining ¼ cup is used for a cheesy topping.
- ½ cup sour cream – Sour cream adds a touch of tang and creaminess, balancing the savory flavors.
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley – Parsley brings a touch of freshness to the dish. You can substitute with other dried herbs like cilantro or oregano if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning – Taco seasoning is a convenient blend of spices that adds a Tex-Mex flair to the filling. You can adjust the amount based on your desired spice level.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano adds a subtle herbal note that complements the other spices.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper – Black pepper adds a touch of heat and depth.
- 2 ½ cups enchilada sauce – You can use store-bought enchilada sauce or try making your own for a more customized flavor (see recipe variation below).
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder – Chili powder adds a touch of smokiness and warmth.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste after simmering the sauce.
The Foundation – The Tortillas:
- 8 flour tortillas – Use good quality flour tortillas that are pliable and won’t tear easily when rolling.
The Extras – The Cast of Supporting Characters:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained – Black beans add protein and textural contrast to the enchiladas.
- 1 (4-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained – Black olives add a salty and briny element to the dish. These are optional, so feel free to omit them if you’re not a fan.

Prepare for Battle (Preheating and Sautéing):

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the enchiladas bake evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
In a large skillet heated over medium-high heat, cook and stir the ground beef and onion until the beef is browned and crumbly (5 to 7 minutes). This step is crucial for developing flavor in the filling.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Grease is good, but too much can make the enchiladas heavy.

Building the Enchilada Armada (Simmering and Assembling):

In the same skillet with the cooked beef, stir in 1 cup of the shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, parsley, taco seasoning, oregano, and black pepper. Let the cheese melt and incorporate all the ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
Add the enchilada sauce, chili powder, garlic, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Prepare your battlefield – a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Spread about ½ cup of the enchilada sauce evenly along the bottom to prevent the tortillas from sticking and to add extra flavor.
Enchilada Boot Camp – Assemble your enchiladas! Lay a single tortilla on a clean work surface. Spoon about ¼ cup of the meat sauce down the center of the tortilla. You can add more or less filling depending on your preference.
Troop Reinforcement – Top the meat sauce with 1 tablespoon of black beans and a sprinkle of black olives. These add textural contrast and salty pops of flavor.
Attention to Detail – Roll up the tortilla tightly, enclosing the filling. The seam should be facing down to prevent the enchilada from unrolling during baking.
Forming the Ranks – Place the rolled-up enchilada seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Saucy Siege – Spoon any remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas. This ensures all the enchiladas are well coated and enveloped in delicious sauce.
Troop Scatter – Scatter any remaining black beans and black olives over the top of the enchiladas for an even distribution of flavor and texture.

Victory is at Hand (Baking and Serving):

Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Cheddar cheese over the top of the enchiladas. This creates a beautiful golden brown crust and adds another layer of cheesy goodness.
Bake the enchiladas in your preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is starting to simmer around the edges.
Stand Down – Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burns.

Diplomacy on a Plate (Serving and Enjoying):

Serve the enchiladas hot, spooning extra enchilada sauce over the top if desired. You can also offer sour cream, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or crumbled cotija cheese as accompaniments for those who want to customize their enchilada experience.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Savor the delicious combination of savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and flavorful sauce. The black beans add a touch of heartiness, while the black olives provide a delightful salty contrast.

Mission Debriefing (Tips and Variations):

Spice it Up: For a spicier enchilada, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling. You can also use a spicier taco seasoning or enchilada sauce.
Vegetarian Twist: Make this recipe vegetarian by using crumbled tofu or lentils instead of ground beef. Saute the tofu or lentils with the onions and add them to the filling as instructed.
Cheese Extravaganza: Love cheese? Add another type of shredded cheese to the filling, such as Monterey Jack or pepper Jack, for an extra layer of flavor.
Homemade Enchilada Sauce: For a more customized flavor, try making your own enchilada sauce. There are many recipes available online, and you can adjust the spices to your liking.
Leftovers: These enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

With this recipe and a little creativity, you can create a delicious and satisfying enchilada experience that your family will love. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to embark on your own enchilada adventure!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

583	Calories
29g	Fat
46g	Carbs
33g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 583
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 29g	37%
Saturated Fat 12g	61%
Cholesterol 94mg	31%
Sodium 1216mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate 46g	17%
Dietary Fiber 7g	25%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 33g	66%
Vitamin C 10mg	11%
Calcium 235mg	18%
Iron 7mg	36%
Potassium 791mg	17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.