What Are Beef and Cheese Mexican Enchiladas?
Beef and cheese Mexican enchiladas are a variation of traditional enchiladas, featuring seasoned beef and cheese wrapped in corn tortillas. The tortillas are then drenched in either red or green enchilada sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors that makes it a favorite at family dinners and gatherings.
Enchiladas have been a staple in Mexican kitchens for centuries, with each region putting its twist on the dish. For example, in northern Mexico, you may find beef enchiladas with shredded beef, while in other areas, ground beef is the go-to filling.
Learn more about traditional Mexican enchiladas from resources like How to Make Perfect Cheesesteak Tortellini.
The Origins of Enchiladas
Enchiladas are thought to have originated in Mexico during pre-Columbian times. The word enchilada comes from the Spanish verb enchilar, meaning “to season with chili.” Early versions of enchiladas were simple, with corn tortillas filled with local ingredients such as beans, vegetables, and chili peppers, and then rolled up and served with sauces.
Today, enchiladas have evolved into a diverse dish, with regional variations using different fillings, sauces, and toppings. Beef, chicken, and cheese are common fillings, while the sauce can vary between red, green, or even mole.
Why Beef and Cheese?
The combination of beef and cheese in enchiladas is a match made in heaven. The rich, savory flavor of beef pairs perfectly with the creamy, melty texture of cheese. This classic combination provides a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese blends are often used in beef and cheese enchiladas. The cheeses add a smooth and indulgent quality that contrasts beautifully with the robust flavor of the beef and the tangy enchilada sauce.
Essential Ingredients for Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
Before you can dive into making beef and cheese enchiladas, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
1. Beef
- Ground beef or shredded beef: Ground beef is the most common choice, offering a quicker cooking process, while shredded beef provides a more traditional, rich flavor.
2. Cheese
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it melts wonderfully.
- Monterey Jack cheese: A milder, creamy alternative.
- A Mexican cheese blend is also an excellent option for an authentic touch.
3. Tortillas
- Corn tortillas are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, but flour tortillas can be used for a softer texture.
4. Enchilada Sauce
- You can use store-bought red or green enchilada sauce, but making your sauce from scratch adds incredible depth of flavor.
5. Seasonings
- Basic seasonings like chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano bring out the Mexican flavors in the beef.
How to Make Beef and Cheese Mexican Enchiladas
1. Prepare the Beef
The first step is to cook the beef. If using ground beef, start by browning it in a large skillet. Drain any excess fat, then add your seasonings (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Stir the beef until fully cooked and fragrant.
If you prefer shredded beef, you can cook it in a slow cooker with onions, garlic, and beef broth. After a few hours, shred the beef using two forks. This method gives a tender and juicy filling for your enchiladas.
2. Make the Enchilada Sauce
Although you can use store-bought enchilada sauce, making your own enhances the flavor significantly. For red enchilada sauce, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, then add tomato paste, chili powder, oregano, and a bit of sugar. Let this mixture simmer for about 15 minutes until thickened.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly fry the tortillas in oil for a few seconds on each side to make them more pliable. This helps prevent the tortillas from cracking when you roll them.
Then, fill each tortilla with the beef mixture and sprinkle with cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them in a baking dish. Repeat until all the tortillas are used.
4. Bake the Enchiladas
Pour the enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with additional cheese. Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations of Beef and Cheese Enchiladas
While beef and cheese enchiladas are a classic, there are many ways to personalize the dish:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with beans, vegetables, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spicy Enchiladas: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
- Cheese Lovers: Use a blend of multiple cheeses such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Queso Fresco to create a cheesy, indulgent experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making enchiladas is simple, but a few common mistakes can spoil the dish:
- Overstuffing the tortillas: Be sure to roll your tortillas tightly but not too tightly, as too much filling can make them difficult to bake evenly.
- Skipping the baking step: Don’t skip baking your enchiladas in the oven. This helps the flavors meld and the cheese to melt properly.
FAQs About Beef and Cheese Mexican Enchiladas
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, flour tortillas can be used as an alternative, but they won’t absorb the sauce as well as corn tortillas. Corn tortillas are more traditional and offer a firmer texture.
How Do I Make Enchiladas Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from the fridge.
How Can I Make Beef and Cheese Enchiladas Less Greasy?
To reduce the greasiness, be sure to drain the excess fat from the beef after cooking. Additionally, using a leaner cut of beef or swapping half the beef for ground turkey can help.
Conclusion
Making beef and cheese Mexican enchiladas is a fun and rewarding experience. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a hearty, flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends. Whether you opt for a spicy red enchilada sauce or a tender shredded beef filling, enchiladas are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal.
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Beef and Cheese Mexican Enchiladas Recipe – A Delicious and Hearty Meal
- Total Time: 50 Minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Beef and Cheese Mexican Enchiladas are bold and cheesy, smothered in a rich homemade enchilada sauce. Filled with seasoned ground beef, sautéed onions, and loads of melty cheese, they’re wrapped in soft tortillas and baked until bubbling. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or fiestas with family and friends.
Ingredients
For the Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 8 flour or corn tortillas (6–8 inches)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
For the Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 6 oz tomato paste
- Salt to taste
For Topping & Garnish
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes or red onion (optional)
- Sour cream or crema (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Instructions
1. Make the Enchilada Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk oil and flour until bubbly.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Gradually add broth while whisking, then stir in tomato paste.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly. Season to taste with salt.
2. Prepare the Beef Filling
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Drain excess grease.
- Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and green chilies.
- Stir well and cook for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ½ cup enchilada sauce on the bottom.
- Spoon beef mixture into each tortilla, top with shredded cheese, and roll tightly.
- Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
4. Top and Bake
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 8–10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbling and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, tomatoes, or jalapeños as desired.
Notes
- Tortilla Tip: Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Make Ahead: Assemble enchiladas and refrigerate unbaked up to 24 hours.
- Freezer Friendly: Freeze baked enchiladas for up to 2 months. Reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
- Add Veggies: Sautéed bell peppers, black beans, or corn can be added to the beef mixture.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and add hot sauce for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Beef Enchiladas
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Beef and Cheese Mexican Enchiladas