Beef Enchiladas Recipe by Joanna Gaines for a Hearty Meal

Joanna Gaines’s beef enchiladas burst with southwestern charm, turning simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

These sizzling rolls pack a punch of flavor that dances across your taste buds.

Spices weave magic through tender, succulent beef nestled in soft tortillas.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and passion from the kitchen.

The melted cheese blankets the filling, creating a harmony of textures that begs to be devoured.

Home cooks will adore how effortlessly these enchiladas come together, transforming an ordinary evening into a fiesta of deliciousness.

Grab your skillet and get ready to wow your dinner crowd with this irresistible southwestern sensation!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything You Need for Joanna Gaines’ Beef Enchiladas

• Chili Powder: Choose a fresh, vibrant blend with deep red color for maximum flavor intensity.
• Cumin: Select whole cumin seeds and grind fresh for a more aromatic punch.
• Oregano: Look for dried Mexican oregano for an authentic southwestern twist.

• Flour: Opt for all-purpose flour with fine, smooth texture for silky sauce consistency.
• Chicken Stock: Select low-sodium stock to control salt levels and enhance natural flavors.
• Tomato Passata: Choose smooth, rich passata without added seasonings for pure tomato essence.
• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and sea salt for layered taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Pick extra virgin olive oil for rich, fruity undertone.
• Garlic, Onion: Select firm, heavy garlic and sweet white onions for robust base flavor.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juicy, flavorful filling.
• Refried Beans, Black Beans: Use canned or freshly prepared beans with creamy, smooth texture.
• Tortillas: Select soft, pliable corn or flour tortillas without cracks.
• Cheese: Pick sharp cheddar or Mexican blend for melty, golden topping.
• Cilantro: Choose bright green, crisp leaves for fresh garnish.

Tools for Making Beef Enchiladas

• Large Saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, velvety enchilada sauce with perfect consistency.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing and preparing the flavorful spice blend.
• Skillet: Perfect for sautéing garlic, onions, and browning the ground beef.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Baking Dish: Provides the perfect vessel for rolling and baking enchiladas.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities for balanced flavors.
• Cheese Grater: Helps create fresh, melty cheese topping for the dish.
• Cutting Board: Useful for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for finely chopping onions and garlic.
• Foil: Covers the dish during initial baking to prevent excessive browning.

Cooking Instructions for Beef Enchiladas by Joanna

• Whip Up the Spice Sensation

Create a tantalizing spice blend by mixing your favorite seasonings in a small bowl, setting the stage for a flavor explosion.

• Craft the Saucy Magic

Unleash culinary creativity by heating olive oil in a saucepan. Swirl flour into a velvety paste, then gradually introduce chicken stock, transforming it into a silky base. Splash in tomato passata and sprinkle your spice mix, whisking until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick elixir.

• Build the Meaty Marvel

Fire up your skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Dance garlic and onions around the pan until fragrant. Introduce ground beef, breaking it into a sizzling symphony. Awaken the meat with your spice blend, browning it to perfection. Fold in beans and sauce, creating a rich, hearty filling that’ll make taste buds sing.

• Roll and Assemble the Flavor Rockets

Spread a whisper of sauce across your baking dish. Cradle the beef mixture in warm tortillas, rolling them into tight flavor packages. Nestle these enchilada rockets seam-side down, creating a delicious battlefield of taste.

• Bake to Crispy Perfection

Shower the rolled enchiladas with remaining sauce and a blizzard of cheese. Wrap in foil for a steamy start, then unleash the golden crispy finish by uncovering and baking until the cheese becomes a molten masterpiece.

• Finish with Flourish

Sprinkle a confetti of fresh cilantro over your creation. Serve these flavor bombs piping hot and watch as everyone dives in with pure culinary excitement.

Tips for Flavorful Beef Enchiladas

• Spice It Up: Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños to the beef filling for extra kick.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a meat-free version that's equally delicious.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a blend of monterey jack and cheddar to create your unique cheesy topping.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare enchiladas in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to a month – perfect for quick weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.

Serving Joanna Gaines’ Beef Enchiladas

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the enchiladas to add a burst of freshness and vibrant color that elevates the entire dish.
• Pair with Cooling Sides: Serve alongside creamy guacamole, zesty salsa, or tangy sour cream to balance the rich, spicy flavors of the enchiladas and provide a delightful contrast.
• Create a Complete Meal: Complement the enchiladas with Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to transform this dish into a satisfying and well-rounded dinner experience.
• Customize with Toppings: Let diners personalize their plate by offering extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, diced onions, or crumbled queso fresco for an interactive and fun meal.

Storage Tips for Leftover Beef Enchiladas

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook extra beef filling and sauce for quick future meals. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze with Finesse: Wrap unbaked enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.
• Refrigerator Storage Solution: Keep leftover enchiladas in sealed containers. Consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture. Reheat in oven at 180°C for crispy edges.
• Portion and Preserve: Divide enchiladas into individual servings before storing. This prevents repeated reheating and maintains optimal flavor quality. Use microwave-safe containers for convenient reheating.

Hearty Joanna Gaines Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Joanna Gaines’ beef enchiladas deliver a hearty Mexican-inspired meal that blends rich flavors and comforting textures. Melted cheese, tender beef, and spiced sauce create a delicious dinner experience you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb / 500g ground beef (mince)
• 400g / 14oz refried beans (1 can, Old El Paso)
• 400g / 14oz black beans, drained
• 8 tortillas (or burrito wraps)
• 1.5 cups (150g) grated melting cheese (Monterey Jack, tasty or cheddar)
• 2 cups (500ml) low sodium chicken stock / broth
• 1 ½ cups (375ml) tomato passata OR 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps plain/all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• ½ – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Cilantro/coriander leaves, roughly chopped (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Spice Preparation: Thoroughly blend all designated spices in a small bowl, setting aside for later incorporation into the dish.
2. Enchilada Sauce Creation: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, cooking for one minute. Gradually introduce chicken stock, avoiding lumps, then mix in tomato passata, salt, pepper, and prepared spice blend. Simmer and whisk until the sauce reaches a syrupy consistency, then remove from heat.
3. Meat and Bean Filling: Sauté garlic and onion in a skillet over high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned. Integrate spice mixture, refried beans, black beans, and a portion of enchilada sauce. Cook for an additional two minutes, ensuring thorough mixing.
4. Assembly and Initial Baking: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin sauce layer in a baking dish. Fill tortillas with meat mixture, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down. Cover with remaining enchilada sauce and sprinkle generously with grated cheese. Bake covered for 10 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
5. Serving: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Notes

• Spice Blend Mastery: Mixing spices beforehand ensures deep, consistent flavor throughout the entire dish, preventing last-minute seasoning challenges.
• Sauce Technique: Gradually adding liquid prevents lumpy sauce; constant whisking creates smooth, restaurant-quality enchilada base with rich consistency.
• Meat Preparation Tip: Breaking ground beef into small pieces while cooking guarantees even browning and optimal texture distribution in filling.
• Baking Dish Strategy: Spreading initial sauce layer prevents tortillas from sticking and adds extra moisture to the bottom of the enchiladas.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg