Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These Beef Cheese Enchiladas are a delicious blend of savory beef, melted cheese, and rich enchilada sauce – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week. This recipe offers a simple approach to homemade cooking, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner. Get ready to experience the joy of creating a fantastic, healthy meal from scratch!
Ingredients:
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For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
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For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn or flour tortillas (your preference!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 2 cups your favorite enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Savory Beef Filling
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes (both cans), chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Assembling the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Warm the tortillas – you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable. This prevents them from cracking during rolling.
Spoon about 1/4 cup of the beef filling onto each tortilla. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Roll up tightly and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Baking to Perfection
Pour the enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are coated nicely. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is heated through.
Tips for Enchilada Success:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco all work well.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef filling or use a spicier enchilada sauce.
- Don't overfill the tortillas; otherwise, they may burst during baking.
- For easier cleanup, line your baking dish with foil.
Delicious Variations:
- Vegetarian Enchiladas: Substitute the ground beef with black beans or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Chicken Enchiladas: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add some veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, onions, and corn into the beef filling for extra nutrients and texture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This Beef Cheese Enchilada recipe is a perfect example of delicious and easy recipes you can make at home. It’s a fantastic quick dinner idea, a great way to use up leftover ingredients, and a surefire way to impress your family and friends with your homemade cooking skills. Enjoy!