Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas En Mole - A Must-Try Beef Recipe

Ground Beef Enchiladas en Mole Recipe

Enchiladas en mole is a traditional Mexican dish that combines the flavors of enchiladas with the rich, complex flavors of mole sauce. Mole sauce is a complex sauce made with a variety of ingredients, including chiles, nuts, and spices. This recipe for ground beef enchiladas en mole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic dish.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 corn tortillas
1 cup mole sauce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Spread 1/4 cup of the mole sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Dip each tortilla in the mole sauce and fill it with about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture.
Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining mole sauce over the enchiladas.
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and green onions over the enchiladas.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Benefits:

Ground beef enchiladas en mole is a delicious and satisfying meal.
It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins.
It is a relatively easy dish to make.
It can be made ahead of time and reheated when you are ready to serve.

Tips:

For a spicier dish, use a hotter mole sauce.
To make the dish more vegetarian, use ground turkey or tofu instead of ground beef.
To make the dish gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as black beans, corn, or zucchini.
Serve the enchiladas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Conclusion:

Ground beef enchiladas en mole is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. It is a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it is a relatively easy dish to make. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

Exploring Ground Beef Enchiladas en Mole Recipe

The ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe encompasses various fundamental aspects that contribute to its unique flavor and appeal. These key elements, ranging from ingredients to cooking techniques, play a crucial role in defining the dish’s overall character.

Ground Beef: The primary protein source, providing a savory and hearty base for the enchiladas.
Enchiladas: Corn tortillas filled with the ground beef mixture, forming the foundation of the dish.
Mole Sauce: A complex and flavorful sauce made from a blend of chiles, nuts, and spices, adding depth and richness to the enchiladas.
Cheese: Typically cheddar or Monterey Jack, providing a gooey and melted topping that enhances the dish’s texture.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and salt add warmth and depth to the ground beef filling.
Tomatoes: Used in both the mole sauce and the filling, contributing acidity and freshness.
Bell Peppers: Green and red bell peppers add color, texture, and a slightly sweet flavor to the filling.
Baking: The enchiladas are baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt and bubble.

These essential aspects work in harmony to create a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. The combination of the savory ground beef, the rich mole sauce, and the melted cheese creates a symphony of textures and tastes that make this recipe a beloved culinary creation.

Ground Beef

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” ground beef plays a pivotal role as the primary protein source, contributing significantly to the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Its versatility and affordability make it a popular choice for a wide range of culinary creations, including enchiladas.

Savoriness and Heartiness: Ground beef’s inherent savory flavor and hearty texture provide a solid foundation for the enchiladas. It adds a satisfying and filling element that complements the rich mole sauce and melted cheese.
Versatility: Ground beef’s adaptability allows for customization and experimentation. It can be seasoned with various spices and herbs to create different flavor profiles, catering to diverse palates.
Affordability: Ground beef is a relatively affordable protein source, making it accessible for home cooks and budget-conscious individuals.
Nutritional Value: Ground beef is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, contributing to the nutritional value of the enchiladas.

In conclusion, the ground beef in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” serves as the cornerstone of the dish, providing a savory and hearty base that complements the other ingredients and flavors. Its versatility, affordability, and nutritional value make it an ideal choice for this beloved recipe.

Enchiladas

Enchiladas, a central component of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas filled with a savory mixture, typically including ground beef. These enchiladas serve as the foundation of the dish, providing a base for the rich mole sauce and melted cheese.

Foundation and Structure: Enchiladas form the structural base of the dish, providing a vessel for the flavorful filling and ensuring that all components are held together.
Flavor Absorption: The corn tortillas absorb the flavors of the mole sauce and filling, contributing to the overall taste and complexity of the dish.
Texture Contrast: The soft and pliable tortillas provide a textural contrast to the crispy edges created during baking, adding depth and interest to each bite.
Cultural Significance: Enchiladas are deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine and culture, representing a staple dish that is enjoyed in various regions and households.

In conclusion, the enchiladas in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” play a crucial role in shaping the dish’s structure, flavor, texture, and cultural significance. They provide a foundation for the other ingredients, absorb and enhance flavors, offer a textural contrast, and represent a beloved element of Mexican cuisine.

Mole Sauce

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” mole sauce holds immense significance, profoundly impacting the dish’s overall flavor profile and character.

Depth and Richness: Mole sauce is renowned for its complex and flavorful nature, attributed to the harmonious blend of chiles, nuts, and spices. This rich and flavorful sauce adds depth and richness to the enchiladas, elevating them beyond a mere combination of ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Cultural Heritage: Mole sauce is deeply rooted in Mexican cuisine, with its origins traced back to pre-Columbian times. Its unique flavor profile reflects the cultural heritage and culinary traditions of Mexico, adding authenticity and depth to the dish.

Versatility: Mole sauce exhibits remarkable versatility, allowing for customization and experimentation. Different regions in Mexico have their own variations of mole sauce, each with distinct flavor nuances and characteristics. This versatility enables home cooks and chefs to explore diverse flavor profiles and cater to various palates.

Practical Significance: Understanding the importance of mole sauce in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” empowers home cooks and culinary enthusiasts to appreciate the dish’s complexities and prepare it with greater authenticity. It guides them in selecting the right ingredients, understanding the sauce’s nuances, and achieving the desired flavor balance.

Cheese

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” cheese plays a pivotal role in elevating the dish’s texture and overall appeal. Typically, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese is employed, renowned for their melting qualities and ability to create a gooey and flavorful topping.

The melted cheese serves several important functions: firstly, it adds a layer of richness and creaminess, complementing the savory ground beef filling and the complex mole sauce. Secondly, the melted cheese helps to bind the enchiladas together, ensuring that they maintain their structural integrity during baking and serving.

Moreover, the gooey texture of the melted cheese enhances the dish’s sensory experience. As one bites into an enchilada, the stretchy and flavorful cheese adds a delightful textural contrast to the other components, creating a symphony of sensations in the mouth.

Understanding the importance of cheese in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” empowers home cooks and culinary enthusiasts to select the right type of cheese and achieve the desired texture. It guides them in understanding the cheese’s role in the dish’s overall composition and flavor balance.

In conclusion, the melted cheese in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” is not merely a topping; it is an integral component that contributes to the dish’s texture, flavor, and overall appeal. By appreciating the significance of cheese in this recipe, home cooks can elevate their culinary creations and impress their guests with an authentic and delectable dish.

Spices

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” spices play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and complexity of the dish. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and salt adds warmth and depth to the ground beef filling, creating a savory and satisfying base for the enchiladas.

Chili powder, a blend of ground chiles and spices, imparts a characteristic warmth and smokiness to the filling. Cumin, with its earthy and slightly bitter notes, adds a distinctive flavor dimension that complements the chili powder. Salt, a fundamental seasoning, balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste profile.

The judicious use of these spices is essential to achieving the harmonious and flavorful ground beef filling that is central to the dish’s success. Without these spices, the filling would lack depth and character, resulting in a bland and uninspired enchilada.

Understanding the importance of spices in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” empowers home cooks to experiment with different spice combinations and tailor the flavor profile to their preferences. It also guides them in understanding the role of spices in enhancing the overall taste and appeal of the dish.

In conclusion, the spices used in the ground beef filling are not mere additives; they are integral components that contribute significantly to the dish’s flavor and character. By appreciating the significance of spices in this recipe, home cooks can elevate their culinary creations and impress their guests with an authentic and delectable dish.

Tomatoes

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” tomatoes play a dual role, contributing both acidity and freshness to the dish. Their presence in both the mole sauce and the filling highlights their importance as a fundamental component that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Tomatoes impart a vibrant acidity to the mole sauce, balancing the richness of the chiles, nuts, and spices. This acidity adds a refreshing contrast to the dish’s overall flavor, preventing it from becoming overly heavy or cloying. In the filling, tomatoes provide a juicy and fresh element, complementing the savory ground beef and adding a burst of brightness to each bite.

Understanding the significance of tomatoes in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” empowers home cooks to appreciate the delicate balance of flavors in this dish. It guides them in selecting ripe and flavorful tomatoes, ensuring that their acidity and freshness contribute optimally to the overall taste experience.

In conclusion, tomatoes are not merely an ingredient in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe”; they are an essential component that contributes both acidity and freshness, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile and overall appeal. By appreciating the significance of tomatoes in this recipe, home cooks can elevate their culinary creations and impress their guests with an authentic and delectable dish.

Bell Peppers

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” bell peppers play a crucial role in enhancing the dish’s visual appeal, texture, and flavor profile. The inclusion of green and red bell peppers brings a vibrant and colorful element to the filling, making the enchiladas more visually appealing and appetizing.

Beyond their aesthetic contribution, bell peppers provide a distinct textural element to the filling. Their crisp and slightly crunchy texture adds a delightful contrast to the soft and savory ground beef, creating a more dynamic and satisfying eating experience. Additionally, the natural sweetness of bell peppers complements the savory flavors of the ground beef and mole sauce, adding a subtle yet noticeable layer of complexity to the overall taste.

Understanding the significance of bell peppers in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” empowers home cooks to appreciate the careful balance of flavors and textures in this dish. It guides them in selecting fresh and crisp bell peppers, ensuring that their vibrant color, texture, and sweetness contribute optimally to the overall taste experience.

In conclusion, bell peppers are not merely an optional ingredient in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe”; they are an essential component that enhances the dish’s visual appeal, texture, and flavor profile. By appreciating the significance of bell peppers in this recipe, home cooks can elevate their culinary creations and impress their guests with an authentic and delectable dish.

Baking

In the context of “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” the baking process plays a crucial role in developing the dish’s distinctive flavors and textures. Baking the enchiladas in the oven serves multiple purposes, each contributing to the overall success of the dish.

Flavor Melding: Baking allows the various flavors of the enchiladas to meld and harmonize. The mole sauce, ground beef filling, cheese, and other ingredients gradually blend together, creating a complex and cohesive flavor profile.
Cheese Melting and Bubbling: The heat of the oven melts the cheese, allowing it to bubble and brown. This creates a visually appealing and texturally delightful topping that adds richness and depth to the enchiladas.
Structural Integrity: Baking helps to set the enchiladas and give them structural integrity. The tortillas soften and become more pliable, while the filling solidifies, ensuring that the enchiladas hold their shape when served.
Enhanced Texture: The baking process also enhances the texture of the enchiladas. The tortillas develop a slight crispness on the edges, while the filling becomes tender and flavorful.

By understanding the significance of baking in “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe,” home cooks can appreciate the careful orchestration of flavors and textures that make this dish so beloved. It guides them in selecting the right oven temperature and baking time, ensuring that their enchiladas achieve the desired qualities and impress their guests with an authentic and delectable dish.

Ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe refers to a traditional Mexican dish that combines the flavors of enchiladas with a rich, complex mole sauce. Enchiladas are corn tortillas filled with various ingredients, typically including ground beef, and then covered in a savory sauce. Mole sauce is a complex and flavorful sauce made from a blend of chiles, nuts, and spices, which adds depth and richness to the enchiladas.

This dish holds significance in Mexican cuisine, as it showcases the diverse flavors and culinary techniques of the region. The combination of savory ground beef, flavorful mole sauce, and melted cheese creates a harmonious and satisfying meal. Enchiladas en mole are often served with additional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, further enhancing their taste and presentation.

The preparation of ground beef enchiladas en mole involves several steps. First, the ground beef is seasoned and cooked until browned. The mole sauce is prepared separately by blending together a variety of chiles, nuts, and spices. Once the sauce is ready, the enchiladas are assembled by filling the tortillas with the ground beef mixture and then covering them with the mole sauce. The enchiladas are then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

FAQs about Ground Beef Enchiladas en Mole Recipe

This section addresses frequently asked questions about the “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” to provide additional information and clarify common misconceptions.

Question 1: What is the origin of enchiladas en mole?

Answer: Enchiladas en mole have their roots in Mexican cuisine, with origins traced back to pre-Columbian times. The dish is believed to have originated in the central and southern regions of Mexico, where it is still widely enjoyed today.

Question 2: What are the key ingredients in mole sauce?

Answer: Mole sauce is a complex blend of various ingredients, typically including chiles, nuts, spices, and sometimes chocolate. The specific ingredients and their proportions vary depending on the regional variation of the recipe.

Question 3: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe?

Answer: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. These substitutions will result in a slightly different flavor profile, but they can be good alternatives for those who prefer a leaner protein or have dietary restrictions.

Question 4: How can I make the mole sauce spicier?

Answer: To make the mole sauce spicier, you can add more chili peppers or use a hotter variety of chili peppers. Additionally, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to enhance the heat level.

Question 5: Can I use store-bought mole sauce instead of making my own?

Answer: Yes, you can use store-bought mole sauce as a convenient alternative to making your own. However, keep in mind that homemade mole sauce typically offers a more authentic and flavorful experience.

Question 6: What are some common variations of enchiladas en mole?

Answer: There are several variations of enchiladas en mole, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular variations include:

Enchiladas Poblanas: A traditional version from the state of Puebla, featuring a rich and spicy mole sauce made with various chiles and spices.
Enchiladas Oaxaqueas: Originating from Oaxaca, these enchiladas are known for their complex and flavorful mole sauce made with a blend of chiles, nuts, and seeds.
Enchiladas Verdes: A variation that uses a green mole sauce made with tomatillos, green chiles, and cilantro, resulting in a tangy and herbaceous flavor.

Summary:

The “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” encompasses a rich culinary tradition and offers a delicious and versatile dish. By understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors, ingredients, and variations of this beloved Mexican recipe.

Conclusion

The exploration of the “ground beef enchiladas en mole recipe” unveils the intricate flavors and culinary significance of this traditional Mexican dish. Through an examination of its essential aspects, such as the savory ground beef, flavorful mole sauce, melted cheese, and baking process, we gain a deeper understanding of how each element contributes to the overall symphony of tastes and textures.

Enchiladas en mole stand as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico, showcasing the harmonious blending of diverse ingredients and cooking techniques. The dish not only satisfies the palate but also offers a glimpse into the cultural traditions and regional variations that shape Mexican cuisine. As we continue to explore and savor this beloved recipe, we appreciate the dedication and artistry that goes into crafting this delectable dish.

Easy Ground Beef Enchiladas En Mole – A Must-Try Beef Recipe