Beef enchiladas from scratch: elevate your weeknight dinners

Master the art of creating mouthwatering beef enchiladas from scratch with this comprehensive guide. Embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Gather the Essential Ingredients

Before embarking on this culinary adventure, assemble the following ingredients:

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

Prepare the Savory Beef Filling

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you cook.
2. Add the Veggies: Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Season the Mixture: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 15 minutes.

Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas in the microwave or on a griddle until softened and pliable.
2. Fill the Tortillas: Spread a generous amount of the beef filling down the center of each tortilla.
3. Add Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro over the filling.
4. Roll the Enchiladas: Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

Create a Flavorful Sauce

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
2. Pour Over Enchiladas: Pour the sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the enchiladas for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

1. Top with Cheese and Cilantro: Sprinkle additional shredded Cheddar cheese and chopped fresh cilantro over the enchiladas before serving.
2. Serve with Accompaniments: Accompany the enchiladas with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for a complete and flavorful meal.

Tips for a Culinary Success

• Use High-Quality Ground Beef: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content for a juicier filling.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to add extra spices to your liking for a more flavorful dish.
• Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas make them more pliable and less likely to tear when rolling.
• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Overfilling will make it difficult to roll the enchiladas and can result in them breaking apart.
• Bake until Bubbling: Ensure the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling before removing the enchiladas from the oven.

The Art of Presentation

Arrange the enchiladas on a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded Cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with a side of guacamole and salsa for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

The Joy of Leftovers

Beef enchiladas are a fantastic option for leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of tortilla?
A: Yes, you can use flour tortillas as an alternative to corn tortillas.

Q: Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How can I make the enchiladas vegetarian?
A: Substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or crumbled tofu.