Unveiled: the secret to irresistible ground beef enchiladas in minutes!

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more? Look no further, as we delve into the art of making easy ground beef enchiladas, a dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of everyday ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the Enchiladas:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• 1 (12 ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese

For the Sauce:

• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Enchiladas:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Spread 1 cup of the sauce into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the ground beef mixture and 1/4 cup of the shredded cheese. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam side down in the baking dish.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Assemble the Enchiladas:

1. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas.
2. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Bake:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips for Success:

• For a spicier enchilada, add more chili powder or diced green chilies to taste.
• If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead.
• You can add other ingredients to your enchiladas, such as cooked beans, corn, or shredded chicken.
• Serve your enchiladas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.

Variations:

• Chicken Enchiladas: Substitute the ground beef with cooked chicken.
• Vegetable Enchiladas: Omit the ground beef and add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Cheese Enchiladas: Fill the tortillas with a combination of shredded cheese and your favorite seasonings.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve your enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
• Top your enchiladas with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
• Serve your enchiladas with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo.

Beyond the Basics:

• Make-Ahead Enchiladas: Prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
• Freezer-Friendly Enchiladas: Assemble the enchiladas as directed and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
• Enchilada Casserole: Spread the enchilada filling into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with the sauce. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.

Conclusion:

Embarking on this culinary adventure will not only satisfy your taste buds but also ignite a passion for home cooking. With the convenience of everyday ingredients and the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, you can create a dish that will become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s embark on this delightful journey.

FAQ:

Q: What is the best type of ground beef to use for enchiladas?
A: For the best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef.

Q: Can I use other types of tortillas for enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas or even whole wheat tortillas.

Q: What are some alternative fillings for enchiladas?
A: You can fill your enchiladas with a variety of ingredients, such as shredded chicken, cooked beans, or vegetables.

Q: Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze assembled enchiladas for up to 3 months.