Transform your dinner: easy and delicious ground beef enchiladas in 30 minutes

Enchiladas, a beloved Mexican dish, offer a tantalizing blend of flavors and textures. Ground beef enchiladas, in particular, are a crowd-pleaser, combining savory ground beef with a rich and flavorful sauce. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of cooking ground beef enchiladas, empowering you to create this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (4-ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 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
• Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté until the onion is softened.

3. Create the Enchilada Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chopped green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend.

4. Assemble the Enchiladas

Spread a thin layer of the enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Place a corn tortilla in the dish and spread a thin layer of the ground beef mixture down the center. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese.

Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in the baking dish.

Repeat with the remaining tortillas.

5. Pour the Remaining Sauce

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas.

6. Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Top with your desired toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.

Tips for Perfection:

• Use quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and flavorful ground beef will elevate the overall taste of your enchiladas.
• Don’t overfill the tortillas: This will make them difficult to roll and will result in a messy dish.
• Preheat your oven: This ensures that the enchiladas cook evenly.
• Cover the baking dish: This helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents the tortillas from drying out.
• Let the enchiladas rest: This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.

Variations:

• Cheese options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, queso Oaxaca, or a blend of cheeses.
• Meat options: Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be substituted for the ground beef.
• Sauce variations: Add some spice with additional chili powder or chopped jalapeños. You can also use a mole sauce or a salsa verde.
• Additional fillings: Include other fillings, such as cooked beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but they may not hold their shape as well as corn tortillas.

Q: How can I make my enchiladas more spicy?
A: Add more chopped jalapeños or chili powder to the enchilada sauce.

Q: Can I freeze enchiladas?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked enchiladas for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: How can I make my enchiladas gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free corn tortillas and ensure that your enchilada sauce is gluten-free.

Q: What are some other topping options?
A: Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or sliced avocado.