Easy Beef Enchiladas
Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or a weekend chef, Easy Beef Enchiladas are a delightful dish that brings the family together. With layers of warm tortillas, savory beef, and a zesty enchilada sauce, this meal is as comforting as it is delicious. The best part? It comes together quickly and requires minimal fuss, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Keep Making It
Once you try these Easy Beef Enchiladas, you’ll find yourself returning to the recipe time and again. The combination of seasoned ground beef with black beans and refried beans provides a hearty filling, while the gooey cheese and rich enchilada sauce create a mouthwatering experience. Plus, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your family’s preferences, whether you prefer spicier flavors or extra veggies. It’s a meal that satisfies cravings without demanding hours in the kitchen.
What We’re Using
In this recipe, we’ll be using a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- 1 large onion (finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Provides aromatic flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef – The star protein of our enchiladas.
- Salt and pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning – Adds a punch of flavor.
- 15 ounces black beans (drained and rinsed, 1 can) – For extra protein and fiber.
- 16 ounces refried beans (1 can) – Creamy texture that binds everything together.
- 3 cups red enchilada sauce – The delicious sauce that brings everything to life.
- 8-10 large flour tortillas – The vessel for our tasty filling.
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese (shredded) – For that gooey, cheesy topping.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish) – Adds freshness and color.
Cook’s Kit
Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Large skillet – For cooking the beef mixture.
- Spatula – To stir the ingredients.
- Large baking dish – To assemble and bake the enchiladas.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Wooden spoon – To mix and combine ingredients easily.
Stepwise Method: Easy Beef Enchiladas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Season and Mix
Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and refried beans. Mix well to combine everything and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Take a large flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle with a bit of Monterey Jack cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese
Once all enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the 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 golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Easy Beef Enchiladas with your favorite sides!
Seasonal Adaptations
Feel free to adapt this recipe based on the seasons and what you have on hand:
- In summer, add fresh corn and diced bell peppers for a crunchy texture.
- In the fall, consider incorporating roasted butternut squash for a touch of sweetness.
- In winter, add sautéed spinach or kale for a nutritional boost.
- For a spring twist, mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a lighter flavor.
Flavor Logic
The beauty of these Easy Beef Enchiladas lies in their layered flavors. The taco seasoning infuses the beef with a traditional Mexican taste, while the black beans and refried beans add richness and texture. The enchilada sauce not only moistens the tortillas but also ties all the components together, creating a cohesive dish that is both satisfying and delicious. The melted Monterey Jack cheese on top adds a creamy finish that complements the spices beautifully.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat your Easy Beef Enchiladas:
You can keep your enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep the tortillas from becoming soggy.
Easy Beef Enchiladas Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that still provides excellent flavor. Just season it well and follow the same cooking steps.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, along with the beans. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
What can I serve with enchiladas?
Enchiladas pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with sour cream or pico de gallo for added flavor.
Can I freeze enchiladas?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked enchiladas. Just assemble them in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze. When ready to bake, you can cook them from frozen; just add a bit more time to the baking process.
After enjoying your Easy Beef Enchiladas, consider these delightful desserts to finish off your meal:
Before You Go
With this Easy Beef Enchiladas recipe in your back pocket, you’re set to impress your family and friends. The combination of flavors, textures, and ease of preparation makes it an unbeatable option for any night of the week. Enjoy the cooking process, and don’t forget to get creative with your toppings and sides. Happy cooking!
Easy Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics - In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Brown the Beef - Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with your spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Season and Mix - Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, and refried beans. Mix well to combine everything and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Take a large flour tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture in the center. Sprinkle with a bit of Monterey Jack cheese, then roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Step 5: Top with Sauce and Cheese - Once all enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring they are well covered. Sprinkle the remaining Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Step 6: Bake - Cover the 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 golden.
- Step 7: Garnish and Serve - Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Enjoy your Easy Beef Enchiladas with your favorite sides!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add jalapeños to the filling.
- These enchiladas can be frozen before baking; just add extra time when cooking from frozen.
