Ground Beef Enchiladas: Easy Recipe & Delicious Filling

Ground Beef Enchiladas: Just the name conjures up images of cheesy, saucy, and utterly satisfying comfort food, doesn’t it? I don’t know about you, but for me, enchiladas are synonymous with family gatherings, festive celebrations, and cozy weeknight dinners. This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a culinary experience that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Mexican kitchen.

Enchiladas have a rich history, dating back to ancient Mayan times when corn tortillas were simply filled with small fish. Over centuries, the dish evolved, incorporating new ingredients brought by the Spanish, such as cheese and meat. Today, enchiladas are a beloved staple throughout Mexico and the Southwestern United States, with countless regional variations.

What makes Ground Beef Enchiladas so irresistible? Well, it’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The tender, seasoned ground beef filling, the soft corn tortillas, the tangy enchilada sauce, and the gooey, melted cheese all come together in perfect harmony. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your liking, and even make them ahead of time for a quick and easy meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, salsa

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our enchiladas – the flavorful ground beef filling! This is where we build the foundation for a truly delicious meal.

1. Sauté the Aromatics: First, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the chopped onion. Cook the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes softened and translucent. This step is crucial because softened onions release their sweetness and create a wonderful base flavor for the entire filling. Don’t rush this process!
2. Add the Garlic: Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly. The aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan is one of my favorite kitchen smells!
3. Brown the Ground Beef: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook the ground beef, stirring frequently, until it is completely browned. Make sure there are no pink spots left. As the beef cooks, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy enchiladas!
4. Season with Taco Seasoning: Once the ground beef is browned and drained, it’s time to add the taco seasoning. Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the beef. Stir well to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat.
5. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the 1/2 cup of water. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the ground beef simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors of the taco seasoning to meld with the beef and the water to evaporate slightly, creating a richer, more concentrated flavor.
6. Incorporate Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Add the can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel) to the ground beef mixture. Stir well to combine. The tomatoes and green chilies add a touch of acidity, sweetness, and a little bit of heat to the filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use a can of mild Rotel or even just diced tomatoes.
7. Simmer Again: Continue to simmer the ground beef filling for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together even further and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste the filling and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or pepper, or even a little extra chili powder for more heat.
8. Set Aside: Once the ground beef filling is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and set it aside. We’ll need it later for assembling the enchiladas.

Preparing the Enchilada Sauce

Now, let’s move on to the enchilada sauce. This creamy, cheesy sauce is what really makes these enchiladas special. It’s super easy to make and adds so much flavor!

1. Combine Tomato Sauce and Cream of Mushroom Soup: In a large bowl, whisk together the can of tomato sauce and the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. Make sure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until it is fully incorporated. The sour cream adds a tangy richness to the sauce that is just divine.
3. Set Aside: Set the enchilada sauce aside. We’ll use it for dipping the tortillas and topping the enchiladas.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for – assembling the enchiladas! This is where all our hard work comes together to create a beautiful and delicious dish.

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking to the bottom of the dish.
3. Warm the Tortillas: This is a crucial step! Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when you roll them. There are several ways to warm tortillas:
   • Microwave: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for about 30-60 seconds, or until they are warm and pliable.
   • Oven: Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
   • Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side, until they are pliable.

   I usually opt for the microwave method because it’s quick and easy.

4. Dip Tortillas in Sauce: One at a time, dip each tortilla into the enchilada sauce, coating both sides. This step is important because it infuses the tortillas with flavor and helps them stay moist during baking.
5. Fill the Tortillas: Place a generous amount of the ground beef filling (about 1/4 cup) down the center of each tortilla.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese over the ground beef filling.
7. Roll Up the Enchiladas: Carefully roll up each tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
8. Arrange Enchiladas: Arrange the rolled enchiladas snugly in the baking dish. You should be able to fit all 12 enchiladas in a 9×13 inch dish.
9. Top with Remaining Sauce: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the enchiladas. Make sure all the enchiladas are covered in sauce.
10. Sprinkle with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.

Baking and Serving

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our enchiladas to golden, bubbly perfection.

1. Bake: Bake the enchiladas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
2. Let Rest: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the enchiladas to cool down enough to handle.
3. Serve: Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include:
   • Chopped cilantro
   • Sour cream
   • Guacamole
   • Salsa

   I personally love to top mine with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious homemade ground beef enchiladas! I hope you love them as much as I do.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Ground Beef Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they’re a fiesta in your mouth, a comforting hug on a plate, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one cheesy, saucy package. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful weeknight dinner, or even a special occasion feast. The combination of savory ground beef, perfectly seasoned with those warm spices, nestled in soft tortillas and smothered in that rich, homemade enchilada sauce… well, it’s simply irresistible.

But what truly sets these enchiladas apart is their versatility. Feel free to get creative and make them your own! Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture or a few chopped jalapeños to the sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Omit the chili powder altogether and use a mild enchilada sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Presentation: Serve these enchiladas straight from the oven, garnished with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a side of your favorite Mexican rice and refried beans.
* Make it a Fiesta: Set up a toppings bar with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, guacamole, and your favorite hot sauce so everyone can customize their own enchiladas.
* Vegetarian Option: Easily adapt this recipe by substituting the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn.
* Creamy Dreamy: For an extra decadent touch, stir a cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the enchilada sauce before pouring it over the tortillas.
* Breakfast Enchiladas: Transform these into a breakfast or brunch sensation by adding scrambled eggs to the ground beef mixture and topping with a fried egg after baking.
* Freezer-Friendly: These enchiladas are perfect for meal prepping! Assemble them ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves everyone feeling happy and satisfied. The beauty of cooking is that it’s all about experimentation and making a recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients, adjust the seasonings, and add your own personal touch.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I promise you, these Ground Beef Enchiladas will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did your family and friends think? I’m always eager to learn from your feedback and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! I can’t wait to hear how much you love these enchiladas!

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