Satisfy Your Cravings with This Savory Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Quick, Easy, and Delicious

If you’re craving a bold, cheesy, and comforting meal, look no further than these Beef Enchiladas. With layers of savory ground beef, hearty black beans, and a rich homemade enchilada sauce, this dish is packed with flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of Mexican cuisine or just looking for something delicious to serve for dinner, these beef enchiladas are guaranteed to be a hit.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first discovered this recipe from Insanely Good Recipes, and it's quickly become a family staple. The smoky richness of the enchilada sauce paired with the gooey melted cheese makes each bite irresistible. If you’re searching for the perfect beef enchilada recipe that’s easy to make at home, you’ve come to the right place.

Did you know? Enchiladas originated in Mexico, where the practice of rolling tortillas around various fillings has been around since ancient times. This dish showcases how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful, hearty meal that brings everyone to the table.

What Makes These Beef Enchiladas Special?

The secret to this recipe lies in its homemade enchilada sauce. Instead of relying on store-bought options, this sauce uses dried ancho and guajillo chiles, which bring a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. Paired with ground beef seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and oregano, and topped with melted Mexican blend cheese, these enchiladas are a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings, or try swapping the beef for ground turkey for a lighter version. You can also make it vegetarian by using a mix of beans and vegetables like roasted peppers and corn. The possibilities are endless!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Beef Enchiladas:
• • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1⁄2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
  • 8-10 large flour tortillas
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream
• Red Enchilada Sauce:
• • 2 dried ancho chiles, rinsed and stemmed
  • 5-6 dried guajillo chiles, rinsed and stemmed
  • 2 1⁄2 cups boiling water
  • 3⁄4 cup chopped white onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
  • 3⁄4 tsp salt
  • 1⁄2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • 1⁄4 tsp ground cumin (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

How to Make the Best Beef Enchiladas

1. Prepare the Sauce:
   Begin by toasting the dried ancho and guajillo chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Transfer them to a bowl and pour boiling water over the chiles. Let them soak for 20 minutes until they soften. Blend the chiles with 1 1/2 cups of soaking liquid, onion, garlic, salt, oregano, and cumin until smooth. Heat oil in a saucepan and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes until thick.
2. Cook the Beef Filling:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 3 minutes, then stir in the garlic for another 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary, then stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, black beans, and green chiles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
   Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Place about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and roll them up tightly. Arrange them seam-side down in the dish.
4. Bake and Serve:
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, then sprinkle with the rest of the shredded cheese. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Pro Tips for Success

• Warm Your Tortillas: Warming the tortillas in the microwave or oven makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking when rolling.
• Make It Ahead: The enchilada sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge, saving you time on busy weeknights.
• Cheese Choice: While a Mexican blend cheese works beautifully here, feel free to experiment with cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

Serve your beef enchiladas alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. These enchiladas also pair wonderfully with a crisp margarita or cold beer!