If you’re looking for a hearty, delicious meal that’s bursting with bold Mexican flavors, beef enchiladas are an excellent choice. This dish combines a juicy beef filling with creamy refried beans and a homemade enchilada sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with melted cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dinner option that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home, making it perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings.
Why You’ll Love These Beef Enchiladas
There’s something about enchiladas that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The savory beef combined with creamy beans and tangy, homemade sauce makes each bite irresistibly tasty. Unlike some enchilada recipes that rely on store-bought sauces, this one uses a scratch-made enchilada sauce that brings a fresh and vibrant flavor, elevating the dish.
The filling is perfectly balanced — the refried beans add moisture and richness, while black beans provide texture and extra protein. The homemade spice mix is fragrant and customizable, so you can adjust the heat to your liking. When baked with gooey cheese on top, the enchiladas develop a golden, bubbling crust that’s hard to resist.
This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible. You can make the filling ahead of time, adjust the spice level, or swap tortillas for burrito wraps depending on your preference. Plus, it makes a great family meal, offering leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Beef Enchiladas
To bring this flavorful dish together, you’ll use a combination of spices, fresh ingredients, and pantry staples. Each component plays a key role in building the layers of flavor and texture.
Spice Mix:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin powder
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper (optional for some heat)
Enchilada Sauce:
- Olive oil
- Plain flour (all-purpose)
- Chicken stock or broth (low sodium)
- Tomato passata or canned tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper
Beef Filling:
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic cloves
- Finely chopped onion
- Ground beef (mince)
- Refried beans (canned)
- Black beans (canned, drained)
To Assemble:
- Tortillas or burrito wraps
- Grated melting cheese (such as Monterey Jack or cheddar)
- Fresh cilantro or coriander leaves (optional garnish)
These ingredients combine to create a dish that is rich, hearty, and bursting with authentic Mexican flavors. The homemade spice mix and sauce allow you to control the seasoning, making the recipe adaptable to your personal taste.
How to Make Beef Enchiladas
Cooking beef enchiladas from scratch might seem like a big task, but it’s actually straightforward when broken down step by step. You’ll prepare the spice mix and sauce, cook the filling, assemble the enchiladas, and bake them to perfection.
Prepare the Spice Mix:
Mix together onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper if using. This blend will season both the filling and the sauce.
Make the Enchilada Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a paste and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in chicken stock, starting with half a cup to create a thick base. Add the rest of the stock, tomato passata (or canned tomato sauce), salt, pepper, and two tablespoons of the spice mix. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat.
Cook the Beef Filling:
Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; cook for about two minutes until fragrant and soft. Add ground beef, breaking it up as you cook, until browned (about two minutes). Stir in the remaining spice mix and cook for another two minutes. Then add refried beans, black beans, about a quarter cup of the enchilada sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for two more minutes to combine all flavors. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Enchiladas:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly spread some enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a portion of the beef filling on the lower third of each tortilla, then roll it up tightly and place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all tortillas are filled.
Bake the Enchiladas:
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Cover the dish and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
This process ensures your enchiladas are juicy, flavorful, and have a perfect balance of tender filling and melty cheese on top.
How to Serve Your Beef Enchiladas
Beef enchiladas are best served hot from the oven, with the cheese still gooey and the sauce rich and aromatic. For a classic touch, garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or coriander leaves to add a burst of freshness and color.
You can serve your enchiladas alongside simple sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice also complements the dish beautifully, cutting through the richness and adding a tangy finish.
If you like a bit of crunch, serve with tortilla chips or a side of sliced avocado. For an easy weeknight dinner, these enchiladas pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a quick guacamole.
Enjoy your meal with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or sparkling water to keep the flavors bright.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beef Enchiladas
To get the best results with this recipe, here are some tips from chefs and home cooks alike:
- Adjust the Spice Level: The spice mix includes cayenne pepper, which is optional. Start with a small amount and add more if you prefer a spicier dish. You can also add chili powder or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and onion bring great flavor to the filling. If you don’t have garlic powder on hand, minced fresh garlic works well but sauté it first to mellow the flavor.
- Refried Beans Make a Difference: Including refried beans in the filling adds creaminess and moisture, preventing the beef from drying out during baking. Don’t skip them!
- Make Your Sauce Ahead: The enchilada sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently before assembling your enchiladas for even better flavor.
- Choose the Right Cheese: Monterey Jack melts beautifully, but cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend also works well. Feel free to mix cheeses for a more complex taste.
- Prevent Soggy Enchiladas: Smearing some sauce on the bottom of the baking dish stops the tortillas from sticking or becoming soggy.
- Baking Covered and Uncovered: Covering the dish during the first part of baking keeps the enchiladas moist. Removing the cover near the end helps brown and crisp the cheese.
Following these tips will help you create enchiladas that are perfectly balanced, delicious, and sure to impress.
How to Store Your Beef Enchiladas
If you have leftovers, beef enchiladas store very well and can be enjoyed later without losing much flavor or texture. Let the enchiladas cool completely before storing to avoid condensation making them soggy.
Place the enchiladas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method preserves texture better.
You can also freeze the assembled but uncooked enchiladas. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen but add extra time (around 15 minutes) and keep covered initially to ensure thorough heating.
Variations of Beef Enchiladas
One of the best things about enchiladas is how adaptable they are. You can easily customize the filling, sauce, or toppings to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the beef for extra beans, sautéed mushrooms, or a mix of roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth in the sauce for a fully vegetarian meal.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the filling for smoky heat. Use hot sauce as a topping to boost flavor.
- Cheese Options: Try different cheeses such as queso fresco, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for varied melting textures and tastes.
- Corn Tortillas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more traditional taste and gluten-free option. Warm them first to prevent cracking.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Finish your enchiladas with diced avocado, sliced green onions, radishes, or a squeeze of fresh lime to brighten the flavors.
Feel free to experiment with these ideas or combine them to create your own signature enchiladas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Enchiladas
What is the best cheese to use for beef enchiladas?
Monterey Jack and cheddar are popular choices because they melt well and have a mild, creamy flavor. You can also mix cheeses or try a Mexican blend for variety.
Can I make beef enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and sauce in advance, assemble the enchiladas, and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for a fresh, hot meal.
How spicy are beef enchiladas?
The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix. You can adjust the heat to your liking or omit the cayenne for a milder dish.
What can I use if I don’t have tomato passata?
Tomato passata is pureed tomatoes with no seasoning. You can substitute canned tomato sauce or blend canned tomatoes until smooth.
Can I freeze beef enchiladas?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Reheat thoroughly before eating.
Are black beans necessary in the filling?
Black beans add texture and extra protein, but you can substitute with other beans like kidney beans or omit them if you prefer.
Beef Enchiladas
Ingredients
Spice Mix
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin powder
- Paprika
- Dried oregano
- Cayenne pepper optional
Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain flour all-purpose
- 2 cups chicken stock low sodium
- 1 cup tomato passata
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Beef Filling
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 medium finely chopped onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 can black beans drained
To Assemble
- 8 pieces tortillas or burrito wraps
- 2 cups grated melting cheese such as Monterey Jack or cheddar
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Mix together onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to create the spice mix.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a paste and cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in chicken stock, adding more until the sauce thickens. Add tomato passata, salt, pepper, and two tablespoons of the spice mix. Cook until syrupy.
- In a skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add minced garlic and onion; cook for two minutes. Add ground beef, breaking it up until browned. Stir in remaining spice mix, refried beans, black beans, and a quarter cup of enchilada sauce. Cook for two more minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place a portion of beef filling on each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam side down in the dish.
- Pour remaining enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas and sprinkle with cheese. Cover and bake for 10 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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