Cheesy Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Enchilada Sauce

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Introduction

These cheesy beef enchiladas are a comforting Mexican-inspired dinner made with seasoned ground beef, soft tortillas, rich enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Served with a fresh cucumber, tomato, red onion, and cilantro salsa, this hearty meal is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

For the enchiladas

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups red enchilada sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the fresh salsa

  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  5. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  6. Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for another minute.
  7. Warm the tortillas briefly so they become soft and easy to roll.
  8. Spread a little enchilada sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
  9. Fill each tortilla with seasoned beef and a small amount of shredded cheese.
  10. Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
  11. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top.
  12. Sprinkle generously with the remaining cheese.
  13. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling.
  14. While the enchiladas bake, combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  15. Serve the hot enchiladas topped or accompanied by the fresh salsa.

Method

The key to flavorful enchiladas is seasoning the beef well and allowing the tortillas to absorb some of the enchilada sauce while baking. Covering the rolled tortillas with sauce and cheese creates a rich, creamy topping while keeping the filling moist and tender.

Benefits

  • Provides protein from the ground beef and cheese.
  • Fresh vegetables add fiber and important vitamins.
  • Homemade salsa adds freshness and crunch.
  • A satisfying family-friendly meal that can be customized with different fillings and toppings.

Nutrition

Approximate nutrition per serving, depending on ingredients and portion size:

  • Calories: 550–650
  • Protein: 30–35 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40–50 g
  • Fat: 25–32 g
  • Fiber: 4–6 g
  • Sodium: 900–1,200 mg

Tips

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
  • Corn tortillas give the dish a more traditional flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
  • Add black beans or corn to the beef filling for extra texture.
  • Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend all work well.
  • For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder.
  • Let the enchiladas rest for 5 minutes before serving so they are easier to portion.
  • Serve with avocado, sour cream, lettuce, or extra fresh salsa.

Conclusion

These cheesy beef enchiladas are the perfect combination of tender seasoned beef, flavorful enchilada sauce, soft tortillas, and melted cheese. Pairing them with fresh cucumber-tomato salsa balances the richness and adds a refreshing crunch, making this a delicious and satisfying homemade dinner.

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