Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas
If you’re in the mood for a comforting and flavorful dish, look no further than these Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas! Bursting with a smoky, spicy flavor profile, these enchiladas will quickly become a household favorite. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, they’re sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a great choice for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into the delicious details!
The Upside of Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a plate of enchiladas, especially when they’re filled with seasoned ground beef and topped with melty cheese. These Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas are not just tasty; they also offer a variety of benefits:
– Flavorful and Spicy: The combination of chipotle peppers and spices elevates the taste to a whole new level.
– Customizable: You can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
– Make Ahead: These enchiladas can be prepared in advance and stored for later, making meal prep a breeze.
– Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy nights in, they offer a warm, hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Your Shopping Guide
Before you start cooking, here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you’ll need to make these Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 4 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef stock
- 12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
- 12 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced yellow onion
- 1 tablespoon minced cilantro
Kitchen Gear Checklist
Gather these essential kitchen tools to make your cooking experience seamless:
- Large skillet: For browning the beef and sautéing vegetables.
- Baking dish: To hold your assembled enchiladas.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables and peppers.
- Measuring spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
- Spatula: For stirring and serving.
Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas: How It’s Done
Now, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making these delicious Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and jalapeño, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once the meat is fully cooked.
Step 3: Add the Flavor
Stir in the finely diced chipotle peppers, chili powder, cocoa powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine all the spices and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Stock
Pour in the fire roasted diced tomatoes and beef stock, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Prepare the Tortillas
While the filling simmers, heat the vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a tortilla, spoon a generous amount of the beef filling down the center, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes. Garnish with minced yellow onion and cilantro before serving for a fresh touch.
Make It Year-Round
These Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas are versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Here are some tips on how to adapt them:
- Seasonal Vegetables: Add in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a fresh twist.
- Protein Swaps: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option.
- Freeze for Later: Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for an extra kick.
Pro Tips & Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to the filling.
- Don’t skip the cocoa powder! It adds depth to the flavor without making the dish taste chocolatey.
- To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble.
- For a creamier sauce, drizzle some sour cream or a homemade Chipotle Aioli on top before serving.
Save for Later: Storage Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store them:
Allow the enchiladas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked enchiladas in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, increasing the baking time by about 15-20 minutes.
Ask & Learn
Can I make these enchiladas vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option.
How spicy are these enchiladas?
The spice level primarily depends on the amount of chipotle peppers and jalapeño used. You can adjust these to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
What can I serve with enchiladas?
Pair your enchiladas with a simple side salad, guacamole, or rice to create a complete meal. You could also serve them with Our Favorite Lightened Up Beef Enchiladas With 10 Minute Enchilada Sauce for a fun enchilada night!
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used instead of corn tortillas, but corn tortillas are traditional and provide a unique flavor and texture.
If you enjoyed these Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas, you’ll want to check out these delicious recipes:
Make It Tonight
Ready to enjoy a plate of Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas? With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, these enchiladas are sure to please everyone at the table. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare yourself for a delicious meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Chipotle Ground Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and jalapeño, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in chipotle peppers, chili powder, cocoa powder, kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in fire roasted diced tomatoes and beef stock, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes.
- While the filling simmers, heat vegetable oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Lightly fry each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. Drain on paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon a generous amount of beef filling down the center of each tortilla, roll it up tightly, and place seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Once all enchiladas are in the baking dish, sprinkle shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with minced yellow onion and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to the filling.
- Don’t skip the cocoa powder! It adds depth to the flavor without making the dish taste chocolatey.
- To save time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble.
