What To Know
- Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot and simmering.
- For a spicier dish, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Bake them for a few minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
Enchiladas, a beloved Mexican dish, tantalize taste buds with their savory fillings, warm tortillas, and flavorful sauces. While they may seem daunting to prepare, making ground beef enchiladas can be surprisingly simple. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you create mouthwatering enchiladas with ease.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before embarking on your culinary adventure, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce
Prepare the Ground Beef
1. Brown the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as you go.
2. Drain the excess fat: Once the ground beef is cooked, drain any excess fat.
3. Add taco seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the ground beef and stir to combine.
4. Simmer: Add the water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the seasoning is well incorporated.
Assemble the Enchiladas
1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fill the tortillas: Spread about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture down the center of each tortilla.
3. Add cheese: Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Roll up the tortillas: Roll up the tortillas tightly, starting from one of the short ends.
5. Place in a baking dish: Place the enchiladas seam side down in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Sauce
1. Combine tomato sauce and enchilada sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce and enchilada sauce.
2. Pour over enchiladas: Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Bake and Serve
1. Bake: Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot and simmering.
2. Let stand: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them stand for 5 minutes before serving.
3. Garnish: Top with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or chopped cilantro.
Tips for Success
- Use a lean ground beef to reduce excess fat.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas, or they may burst during baking.
- If you don’t have enchilada sauce, you can use a combination of tomato sauce and chili powder.
- For a spicier dish, add a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the ground beef mixture.
- Serve the enchiladas with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
Variations
- Chicken enchiladas: Substitute cooked and shredded chicken for the ground beef.
- Black bean enchiladas: Use black beans instead of ground beef for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese enchiladas: Omit the ground beef and fill the tortillas with a mixture of cheeses.
- Green enchiladas: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red for a different flavor profile.
Troubleshooting
- My enchiladas are too dry: Add more sauce or sprinkle some water over the enchiladas before baking.
- My enchiladas are too spicy: Use less chili powder or cayenne pepper in the ground beef mixture.
- My enchiladas fell apart: Roll the tortillas tightly and ensure they are seam side down in the baking dish.
- My enchiladas are undercooked: Bake them for a few minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly.
Wrap-Up
Making ground beef enchiladas is a culinary adventure that yields delicious and satisfying results. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can create this classic Mexican dish with ease. Experiment with different variations and toppings to find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes.
Q: How can I store leftover enchiladas?
A: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes.
