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Cozy Beef Enchiladas

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A comforting and easy homemade beef enchiladas recipe perfect for family gatherings, combining seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and a homemade enchilada sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean, around 85% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water
  • 2 cups (480ml) red enchilada sauce
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 810 flour tortillas (10-inch size; corn tortillas can be substituted for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or crema, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your baking dish.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook for another 3-4 minutes until onions soften and beef is browned.
  4. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well and toast spices for about 1 minute.
  5. Pour in beef broth or water; simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid reduces slightly but mixture remains moist.
  6. In a small bowl, mix enchilada sauce and tomato paste until smooth.
  7. Spoon about 1/4 cup (60ml) of beef filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the filling, then roll the tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  8. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly side-by-side.
  9. Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas and sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and edges of tortillas start to crisp.
  11. Let enchiladas cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and add sour cream or crema if desired.

Notes

Use fresh, firm ground beef for better flavor. Toast spices in the pan to release oils and enhance aroma. Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking. Assemble enchiladas a day ahead for deeper flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with water if needed. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat. Avoid overstuffing tortillas to prevent tearing.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef enchiladas, easy dinner, family meal, homemade enchiladas, Mexican recipe, comfort food, ground beef recipe