Are you craving a truly delicious and authentic El Paso-style enchilada? Look no further! This recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Texas with its rich flavors and simple preparation. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for those seeking quick dinner ideas or healthy meals.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes approximately 6 enchiladas. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or your preferred protein: chicken, turkey, or vegetarian substitute)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups your favorite enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This step creates a rich and flavorful base for your enchiladas.
Step 3: Assemble the Enchiladas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Warm the corn tortillas – you can do this in the microwave, oven, or on a dry skillet – to make them pliable.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture. Roll up tightly and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are mostly covered.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the enchiladas are heated through.
Tips for the Best Enchiladas:
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; this ensures even cooking.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade enchilada sauce. Numerous delicious homemade enchilada sauce recipes are readily available online.
Variations:
- Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute ground chicken or turkey for the ground beef.
- Vegetarian Enchiladas: Use black beans, corn, and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian filling.
- Cheese Enchiladas: Skip the meat filling and load up on different kinds of cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Enjoy your delicious and authentic El Paso-style enchiladas! This recipe is a testament to simple ingredients creating a truly satisfying and flavorful dish. It's a perfect example of how easy recipes can deliver incredible results. This recipe is ideal for those exploring healthy meals and homemade cooking. Share this fantastic recipe with your friends and family – they'll thank you for it!