The Ultimate Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe for Home Cooks

Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe

Enchiladas are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings. This recipe for ground beef enchiladas is a classic that is sure to please everyone at the table. The enchiladas are made with a flavorful ground beef filling, a rich and savory sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. They are then baked until golden brown and bubbly.

To make the ground beef filling, simply brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Once the beef is browned, drain off any excess fat. Then, add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1-2 minutes more, or until the spices are fragrant.

To make the enchilada sauce, simply whisk together the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.

To assemble the enchiladas, simply spread some of the ground beef filling down the center of a tortilla. Top with some enchilada sauce and shredded cheese. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in a baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas and sprinkle with additional shredded cheese.

Bake the enchiladas at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. Let the enchiladas cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Benefits of ground beef enchiladas:

• They are a good source of protein and fiber.
• They are relatively easy to make.
• They are a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking.
• They are a delicious and satisfying meal.

Tips for making the best ground beef enchiladas:

Tip 1: Use high-quality ground beef. The better the ground beef, the better the enchiladas will be.

Tip 2: Season the ground beef well. Don’t be afraid to add plenty of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper to taste.

Tip 3: Use a flavorful enchilada sauce. A good enchilada sauce will make all the difference in the flavor of the enchiladas.

Tip 4: Don’t overfill the tortillas. If you overfill the tortillas, they will be difficult to roll up and will likely fall apart when you bake them.

Tip 5: Bake the enchiladas until they are golden brown and bubbly. This will ensure that the enchiladas are cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion

Ground beef enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a tasty and satisfying meal, give ground beef enchiladas a try.

Essential Aspects of Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe

Enchiladas are a delicious and versatile Mexican dish that can be made with a variety of fillings. This recipe for ground beef enchiladas is a classic that is sure to please everyone at the table. The enchiladas are made with a flavorful ground beef filling, a rich and savory sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. They are then baked until golden brown and bubbly.

• Ground beef: The ground beef is the main ingredient in this recipe. It should be cooked until browned and any excess fat drained off.
• Enchilada sauce: The enchilada sauce is what gives these enchiladas their flavor. It is made with a combination of tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper.
• Cheese: The cheese is what makes these enchiladas so delicious and satisfying. It is melted and gooey, and it adds a richness to the dish.
• Tortillas: The tortillas are what hold the enchiladas together. They should be warmed before assembling the enchiladas so that they are pliable and easy to roll.
• Toppings: The toppings are what add the finishing touch to these enchiladas. They can include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and shredded lettuce.
• Baking: The enchiladas are baked until golden brown and bubbly. This ensures that they are cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey.

These are just a few of the essential aspects of a ground beef enchilada recipe. By following these tips, you can make delicious and satisfying enchiladas that everyone will love.

Ground beef

Ground beef is the main ingredient in this recipe for ground beef enchiladas. It is important to cook the ground beef until browned and to drain off any excess fat. This will help to ensure that the enchiladas are not greasy and that they have a good flavor.

• Flavor: Browning the ground beef helps to develop its flavor. The Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars, occurs when meat is browned. This reaction creates new flavor compounds that give the ground beef a richer, more complex flavor.
• Texture: Browning the ground beef also helps to improve its texture. When ground beef is browned, the proteins in the meat coagulate and the fat melts. This gives the ground beef a firmer, more crumbly texture.
• Fat content: Draining off the excess fat from the ground beef helps to reduce the fat content of the enchiladas. This is important for people who are trying to lose weight or who have high cholesterol.
• Appearance: Browning the ground beef also helps to improve its appearance. Browned ground beef is more visually appealing than gray, uncooked ground beef.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the ground beef in your enchiladas is flavorful, has a good texture, and is not greasy.

Enchilada sauce

The enchilada sauce is a key component of any ground beef enchilada recipe. It is what gives the enchiladas their characteristic flavor and richness. A good enchilada sauce should be flavorful, well-seasoned, and have a good consistency. There are many different variations of enchilada sauce, but the basic ingredients are always the same: tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper. The proportions of each ingredient can be adjusted to taste, and other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, and green peppers, can be added for additional flavor. Once the enchilada sauce is made, it is poured over the ground beef and tortillas and baked until bubbly and hot. The enchilada sauce will thicken as it bakes, and it will coat the ground beef and tortillas in a delicious and flavorful sauce. Here are some tips for making a great enchilada sauce:

• Use a good quality tomato sauce. The tomato sauce is the base of the enchilada sauce, so it is important to use a good quality sauce that has a rich flavor.
• Season the sauce well. The enchilada sauce should be flavorful, so be sure to season it well with chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt and pepper. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to taste.
• Simmer the sauce for a while. Simmering the sauce for a while will help to develop its flavor and thicken it.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Once the sauce is simmered, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more chili powder, cumin, oregano, or salt and pepper to taste.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and flavorful enchilada sauce that will take your ground beef enchiladas to the next level.

Practical significance Understanding the connection between enchilada sauce and ground beef enchilada recipe is important for several reasons. First, it helps to ensure that the enchiladas have a good flavor. The enchilada sauce is what gives the enchiladas their characteristic flavor, so it is important to make sure that the sauce is flavorful and well-seasoned. Second, understanding the connection between enchilada sauce and ground beef enchilada recipe helps to ensure that the enchiladas are moist and juicy. The enchilada sauce helps to keep the ground beef and tortillas moist and juicy, so it is important to use enough sauce to coat the ingredients. Finally, understanding the connection between enchilada sauce and ground beef enchilada recipe helps to ensure that the enchiladas are cooked through. The enchilada sauce helps to cook the ground beef and tortillas through, so it is important to simmer the sauce for a while before baking the enchiladas.

Conclusion The enchilada sauce is a key component of any ground beef enchilada recipe. It is what gives the enchiladas their characteristic flavor, richness, and moisture. By understanding the connection between enchilada sauce and ground beef enchilada recipe, you can make delicious and flavorful enchiladas that everyone will love.

Cheese

Cheese is an essential ingredient in ground beef enchiladas. It adds flavor, richness, and texture to the dish. The type of cheese used can vary depending on personal preference, but some of the most popular cheeses for enchiladas include cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso Oaxaca.

• Flavor: Cheese adds a rich, savory flavor to enchiladas. The type of cheese used will determine the specific flavor profile of the dish. For example, cheddar cheese adds a sharp, tangy flavor, while Monterey Jack cheese adds a milder, creamier flavor.
• Texture: Cheese adds a gooey, melted texture to enchiladas. This texture helps to hold the enchiladas together and makes them more satisfying to eat.
• Richness: Cheese adds a richness to enchiladas. This richness helps to balance out the other flavors in the dish and makes it more satisfying.
• Versatility: Cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways in enchiladas. It can be used as a filling, a topping, or both. It can also be used to make a cheese sauce that can be poured over the enchiladas.

Overall, cheese is an essential ingredient in ground beef enchiladas. It adds flavor, richness, texture, and versatility to the dish. By understanding the connection between cheese and ground beef enchiladas, you can make delicious and satisfying enchiladas that everyone will love.

Tortillas

Tortillas are an essential component of ground beef enchilada recipe. They provide the structure and support for the enchiladas, holding the other ingredients together. Without tortillas, the enchiladas would fall apart and would not be able to be eaten. Warming the tortillas before assembling the enchiladas is important because it makes them more pliable and easier to roll. Cold tortillas are more likely to crack and tear, which can make it difficult to assemble the enchiladas and can also result in the enchiladas falling apart when they are baked.

The type of tortilla used for enchiladas can vary depending on personal preference and the region of the world. Corn tortillas are a traditional choice and are widely available. Flour tortillas are also a popular option and are often used in northern Mexico and the United States. Both corn and flour tortillas can be used to make delicious enchiladas, so the choice is ultimately up to the cook.

In addition to providing structure and support, tortillas also add flavor and texture to enchiladas. Corn tortillas have a slightly sweet flavor and a slightly chewy texture, while flour tortillas have a more neutral flavor and a softer texture. The choice of tortilla can therefore affect the overall flavor and texture of the enchiladas.

Overall, tortillas are an essential component of ground beef enchilada recipe. They provide structure, support, flavor, and texture to the dish. By understanding the connection between tortillas and ground beef enchilada recipe, you can make delicious and satisfying enchiladas that everyone will love.

Toppings

Toppings play a crucial role in enhancing the flavor and visual appeal of ground beef enchiladas. They add distinct textures, flavors, and colors to the dish, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience. Let’s explore the connection between toppings and ground beef enchilada recipe in more detail:

• Variety and Versatility:
  Toppings offer a wide range of options, allowing individuals to customize their enchiladas based on personal preferences. Sour cream adds a cooling and creamy contrast to the spicy enchilada filling, while guacamole provides a rich and velvety texture with a hint of avocado flavor. Salsa brings a vibrant kick of heat and acidity, and shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to the dish.
• Flavor Enhancement:
  Toppings not only complement the flavors of the ground beef filling and enchilada sauce but also elevate the overall taste profile. The acidity of salsa balances the richness of the enchilada filling, while the creaminess of sour cream adds a soothing touch. Guacamole introduces a nutty and earthy flavor that adds depth to the dish.
• Texture Contrast:
  The combination of toppings creates a delightful interplay of textures. The smooth and velvety texture of guacamole contrasts with the crunchy texture of shredded lettuce, while the creamy sour cream provides a cooling and softening effect. This variation in textures keeps the palate engaged and enhances the overall eating experience.
• Visual Appeal:
  Toppings add vibrant colors and visual interest to the enchiladas. The bright green of shredded lettuce, the creamy white of sour cream, the rich red of salsa, and the deep green of guacamole create a visually appealing dish that stimulates the appetite and adds to the overall presentation.

In conclusion, toppings are an integral part of ground beef enchilada recipe, contributing to the dish’s flavor, texture, and visual appeal. They provide variety, enhance the overall taste profile, create textural contrasts, and add vibrant colors, making ground beef enchiladas a truly satisfying and customizable culinary experience.

Baking

Baking is an essential step in the ground beef enchilada recipe. It ensures that the enchiladas are cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey. Without baking, the enchiladas would be undercooked and the cheese would not be melted. The baking process also helps to develop the flavors of the enchiladas and gives them a golden brown crust.

The enchiladas should be baked in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and bubbly. It is important to keep an eye on the enchiladas while they are baking so that they do not overcook. Overcooked enchiladas will be dry and the cheese will be rubbery.

Once the enchiladas are baked, they should be allowed to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help to prevent the cheese from running out of the enchiladas when they are cut.

Here are some tips for baking ground beef enchiladas:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the enchiladas.
• Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and bubbly.
• Keep an eye on the enchiladas while they are baking so that they do not overcook.
• Allow the enchiladas to cool for a few minutes before serving.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your ground beef enchiladas are cooked perfectly every time.

Conclusion

Baking is an essential step in the ground beef enchilada recipe. It ensures that the enchiladas are cooked through and that the cheese is melted and gooey. By understanding the connection between baking and ground beef enchilada recipe, you can make delicious and satisfying enchiladas that everyone will love.

A ground beef enchilada recipe is a culinary instruction that guides the preparation of a dish consisting of corn tortillas filled with a seasoned ground beef mixture, topped with a savory sauce, and baked until hot and bubbly. This recipe is a staple of Mexican cuisine, widely enjoyed for its versatility, affordability, and delicious combination of flavors.

Ground beef enchilada recipes have gained popularity beyond their origins due to their ease of preparation and adaptability to various tastes and dietary preferences. The ground beef filling can be customized with a blend of spices and seasonings, while the sauce can range from traditional red chili sauce to creamy cheese sauce or mole. Enchiladas can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenient weekday meals, making them a practical choice for busy individuals and families.

The main article will delve into the intricacies of a ground beef enchilada recipe, exploring the selection of ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor, and suggestions for variations and accompaniments. We will also provide insights into the cultural significance and historical evolution of enchiladas, tracing their origins from pre-Columbian Mesoamerica to their modern-day iterations.

FAQs on Ground Beef Enchilada Recipe

Ground beef enchilada is a beloved dish known for its flavorful combination of seasoned ground beef, savory sauce, and warm tortillas. While the recipe is relatively straightforward, some common questions and concerns arise among home cooks. This FAQ section aims to address these queries and provide valuable insights to enhance your enchilada-making experience.

Question 1: What type of ground beef should I use?

Answer: For optimal flavor and texture, choose ground beef with a fat content of 80/20. This ratio provides a balance of lean meat and fat, resulting in juicy and flavorful enchiladas.

Question 2: How can I make my enchilada sauce from scratch?

Answer: Creating a homemade enchilada sauce is simple and rewarding. Saut chopped onions and garlic in a saucepan, then add chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Gradually whisk in tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water. Simmer until thickened, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Question 3: What is the secret to rolling enchiladas without breaking them?

Answer: To prevent tortillas from tearing, warm them in the microwave or over a flame before filling and rolling. Use a small amount of filling and avoid overfilling, as this can make them difficult to roll and seal properly.

Question 4: How long should I bake my enchiladas?

Answer: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C). Place the filled enchiladas in a baking dish, pour the enchilada sauce over them, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.

Question 5: Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Answer: Yes, enchiladas can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Question 6: What are some variations on the classic ground beef enchilada recipe?

Answer: Feel free to experiment with different fillings, such as shredded chicken, black beans, or vegetables. You can also use different types of sauces, such as green chili sauce or mole sauce. Top your enchiladas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

Summary

Enchiladas are a versatile and customizable dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. By understanding the basics of the recipe and experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, you can create delicious and satisfying enchiladas that will impress your family and friends.

Transition to the next article section

Now that you have mastered the art of making ground beef enchiladas, let’s explore some additional tips and tricks to elevate your culinary skills and create restaurant-quality enchiladas at home.

Conclusion

This article has provided a comprehensive exploration of the ground beef enchilada recipe, guiding you through the selection of ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. We have also discussed variations and accompaniments, empowering you to customize your enchiladas and create a dish that suits your taste preferences.

Ground beef enchiladas are not merely a culinary delight but also a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. Their versatility, affordability, and delicious flavors have made them a beloved dish around the world. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, we encourage you to experiment with this recipe and discover the joy of creating this Mexican classic.

As you embark on your enchilada-making journey, remember that the best dishes are often the ones that are made with love and attention to detail. Take the time to carefully select your ingredients, season the ground beef with care, and simmer the sauce until it reaches the desired consistency. Each step in the process contributes to the overall flavor and satisfaction of your enchiladas.

We invite you to share your enchilada-making experiences, tips, and variations in the comments section below. Together, we can continue to explore the culinary possibilities of this beloved dish and inspire each other to create delicious and memorable meals.

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