Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and comforting dish loaded with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and a rich, flavorful enchilada sauce. Wrapped in soft tortillas and baked to perfection, these enchiladas make a satisfying meal for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
  • Great for feeding a crowd
  • Customizable with different proteins or vegetarian options

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Ground beef
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beef broth
  • Corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Olive oil
  • Green chilies (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable.
  7. Spoon the beef mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll them up.
  8. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
  9. Pour any remaining sauce over the enchiladas and top with more cheese.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  11. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Chicken Enchiladas: Swap ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use black beans, corn, and bell peppers instead of meat.
  • Spicier Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
  • Different Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or queso fresco.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
  • Freezing: Wrap enchiladas tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

FAQs

How do I keep my enchiladas from getting soggy?

Lightly frying the tortillas before filling them can help prevent sogginess.

Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What type of tortillas should I use?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas work well too.

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Yes, but homemade sauce adds extra flavor and freshness.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your seasonings and broth are gluten-free.

What sides pair well with beef enchiladas?

Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad complement them well.

Can I add beans to the filling?

Absolutely! Black beans or pinto beans make a great addition.

How do I make a creamy version?

Mix some sour cream or cream cheese into the beef filling for extra creaminess.

What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas without drying them out?

Cover with foil while reheating in the oven to keep them moist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese entirely.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy your homemade enchiladas with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete Tex-Mex experience!

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Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These cheesy, saucy Tex-Mex beef enchiladas are packed with flavor and smothered in a rich red enchilada sauce. They’re made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and soft corn tortillas, then baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Beef Filling:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes (drained)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup tomato sauce

For Assembling:

 

  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  • Make the Enchilada Sauce:

    • Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
    • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden.
    • Add chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
    • Gradually whisk in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
  • Prepare the Beef Filling:

    • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
    • Add onions and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until softened.
    • Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    • Mix in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Assemble the Enchiladas:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Warm tortillas slightly to prevent cracking.
    • Spoon beef filling into each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
  • Bake:

    • Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
    • Sprinkle with shredded Mexican cheese blend.
    • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

 

  • Serve:

    • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • For extra heat, add diced jalapeños to the filling.

 

  • Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or a side of Mexican rice.

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