Easy Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Irresistible Comfort Food

Crafting delectable tex-mex beef enchiladas sparks joy in kitchens everywhere.

Layers of savory flavors dance across warm tortillas stuffed with seasoned meat.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket that hugs each carefully rolled bundle.

Spices whisper stories of culinary adventure and comfort.

Authentic ingredients bring southwestern charm right to your dinner table.

Hearty and satisfying, these enchiladas promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Grab a plate and let the deliciousness begin!

Tips to Keep Enchiladas from Falling Apart

• Customize Tortilla Selection: Choose corn tortillas for authentic flavor or flour tortillas for softer texture, ensuring they're fresh and pliable before rolling.
• Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent greasy enchiladas and maintain a rich, concentrated meat flavor.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and green chilies to match your heat preference, using mild or hot varieties based on personal taste.
• Enhance Cheese Blend: Mix different cheese types like cheddar and monterey jack for deeper, more complex flavor profile and improved melting consistency.
• Prepare Ahead Strategically: Assemble enchiladas earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning and maximum flavor development.

Best Ways to Save and Heat Enchilada Leftovers

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen enchiladas maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F, cover enchiladas with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.
• Place enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warmed, typically 1-2 minutes.

Top Pairings for Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas

• Grab a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona to cut through the rich, spicy enchilada flavors. The light, refreshing beer balances the heavy beef and melted cheese perfectly.
• Select a bold, fruity red like Zinfandel or Malbec that stands up to the robust meat and complements the smoky spices. These wines have enough body to match the hearty enchilada profile.
• Prepare a zesty homemade salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. The bright, tangy salsa adds a fresh counterpoint to the warm, cheesy enchiladas and enhances the overall meal experience.
• Whip up a classic margarita with tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec. The citrusy, slightly tart cocktail cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Enchilada Filling and Sauce Variations

• Vegetarian Bean Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with a mixture of black beans, refried beans, and roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Enchiladas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free cornstarch or rice flour when making the sauce to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Chicken Enchilada Swap: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option that maintains the classic Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Enchiladas: Wrap the beef filling in large cauliflower leaves or use cauliflower rice as a base, reducing the carbohydrate content while keeping the spicy, cheesy essence of traditional enchiladas.

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Q&A

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked and seasoned similarly to the ground beef.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free tortillas and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the enchilada sauce to keep the recipe celiac-friendly.

• How spicy are these enchiladas?

The recipe has a moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the chili powder and omit green chilies. For more heat, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños in the beef mixture.

• Can I prepare enchiladas ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the enchiladas, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.

Why Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Always Win Crowd Approval

• Perfect weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour, delighting everyone at the table with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
• Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or make vegetarian by using black beans, allowing flexible meal preparation to suit different preferences.
• Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing post-meal dishwashing and saving precious time for busy home cooks.
• Delivers authentic southwestern taste with melted cheese, spicy beef, and homemade sauce that transforms an ordinary dinner into a festive family feast.

What You’ll Need for Beef Enchiladas

Main Ingredients:

Meat: – Ground Beef: Rich protein base with robust flavor, good for those who prefer hearty meat fillings.

• Onions: Natural flavor enhancer that adds depth and sweetness to the beef mixture.

Tortillas: – Corn Tortillas, Flour Tortillas: Soft wrappers that hold the delicious filling, corn provides authentic Tex-Mex texture while flour offers softer bite.

Cheese: – Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds sharp, creamy richness to the enchiladas.

Sauce Ingredients:

Liquid Base: – Beef Broth: Creates smooth, rich sauce foundation with meaty undertones.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides tangy, deep red color and classic Mexican-style sauce profile.

Spices: – Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Warm, complex spice blend that brings authentic Tex-Mex flavor complexity.

• Oregano: Adds subtle herbal notes to enhance overall sauce character.

Garnish and Seasoning Ingredients:

Herbs and Aromatics: – Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor to the beef mixture.

• Green Chilies: Introduces mild heat and authentic southwestern taste.
• Green Onions, Cilantro: Fresh, bright garnishes that provide color and zesty finish.

Extras: – Sour Cream: Optional creamy topping that balances spicy flavors.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out ingredient flavors.

How to Roll and Bake Tex-Mex Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Slide the oven rack to the middle position. Heat the oven to 375F (190C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil.

Step 2: Craft the Spicy Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Salt

Let the sauce bubble and thicken for 5-7 minutes. Set it aside to cool down.

Step 3: Build the Meaty Filling

• Minced garlic
• Green chilies
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir for another couple of minutes. Fold in a handful of shredded cheese and take the skillet off the heat.

Step 4: Roll Up the Enchiladas

Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Take a tortilla, scoop in some beef mixture, and roll it up tight. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the dish.

Step 5: Dress with Sauce and Cheese

Pour the remaining sauce over the rolled tortillas. Make sure every enchilada gets a good coating. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and gets all bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Pull the enchiladas out and let them rest for a few minutes. Scatter chopped green onions and cilantro on top. Add a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy tex-mex beef enchiladas deliver a flavor-packed journey through Mexico’s culinary landscape. Melted cheese, zesty sauce, and tender beef create a hearty meal that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (4 ounces) can diced green chilies
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, divided
• 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce

Toppings:

• Sliced green onions
• Fresh chopped cilantro
• Sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Craft a robust enchilada sauce by warming oil in a saucepan, whisking in flour for one minute, then gradually integrating beef broth while stirring continuously to eliminate potential lumps.
3. Enhance the sauce with tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and salt, allowing it to simmer until it reaches a thick, luxurious consistency.
4. In a separate skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions, draining excess fat to ensure a lean filling.
5. Elevate the beef mixture by incorporating minced garlic, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a deeply flavored foundation.
6. Fold in shredded cheese to the beef mixture, creating a creamy, cohesive filling that will bind the enchiladas.
7. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
8. Carefully fill each tortilla with the seasoned beef mixture, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down in the baking dish.
9. Generously cascade the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Liberally sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese across the top, creating a golden, melted blanket.
11. Bake uncovered until the cheese becomes molten and slightly crispy around the edges, approximately 20-25 minutes.
12. Allow the enchiladas to rest briefly before garnishing with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, and optional sour cream for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Notes

• Optimize tortilla softness by warming them briefly in the microwave or skillet before filling to prevent cracking.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy enchiladas and ensure a crisp texture.
• Select corn tortillas for a more authentic Tex-Mex experience and gluten-free option.
• Balance heat levels by adjusting chili powder and using mild green chilies for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg