Homemade Tex Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe: Spicy Family Joy

Bubbling with flavor and packed with zesty goodness, these Tex-Mex beef enchiladas dance across your taste buds with irresistible southwestern charm.

Seasoned ground beef nestles perfectly between soft tortillas, creating a mouthwatering meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Layers of melted cheese and rich sauce complement the robust meat filling.

Authentic spices bring a bold kick to every single bite.

Each enchilada promises a journey through classic Mexican-inspired cuisine that will make your dinner table come alive.

Comfort food meets culinary excitement in this simple yet spectacular dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a fiesta of deliciousness.

Grab a fork and prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas Spicy And Filling

• Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a mouthwatering Tex-Mex adventure that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
• Master Customizable Cooking: Easily adapt the recipe by switching up protein, adjusting spice levels, or adding favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.
• Create Family-Friendly Feast: Packed with hearty beef, melted cheese, and zesty sauce, these enchiladas guarantee smiles around the dinner table and satisfy hungry crowds.
• Impress Without Stress: Learn a simple technique of frying tortillas and making homemade sauce that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal without complicated cooking skills.

Tex-Mex Enchiladas Ingredient Checklist

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the enchiladas.

• Corn Tortillas, Cheddar Cheese: Corn tortillas create the classic enchilada structure, while cheddar cheese adds richness and a melty texture.

• Tomato Paste: Offers a deep, concentrated tomato flavor to the enchilada sauce.
• Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and frying tortillas to enhance flavor and texture.
• Flour, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide thickening and essential seasoning for the sauce and beef mixture.
• Onion, Garlic: Add aromatic depth and savory notes to the beef filling.

• Broth: Helps create a smooth and flavorful enchilada sauce.
• Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to the sauce.

• Cilantro, Sour Cream, Diced Tomatoes, Avocado Slices: Fresh toppings that provide additional flavor, color, and texture.

How To Make Beef Enchiladas Easy

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for the enchilada magic.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Sauce

• Flour
• Spices
• Salt
• Olive oil
• Tomato paste
• Broth
• Vinegar
• Black pepper

Whisk dry ingredients in a small bowl.

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.

Add flour mixture and stir constantly for one minute until aromatic.

Blend in tomato paste, then gradually pour broth while whisking to eliminate lumps.

Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and black pepper.

Step 3: Brown Beefy Goodness

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, crumbling until fully cooked.

Toss in onions and garlic, cooking until vegetables soften.

Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Step 4: Warm Tortilla Dance

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet.

Quickly fry each tortilla for 10 seconds per side until flexible.

Drain on paper towels to remove extra oil.

Step 5: Roll and Assemble

Dunk each tortilla in sauce, coating completely.

Spoon beef mixture down the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll tightly.

Place seam-side down in baking dish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Drench rolled enchiladas with remaining sauce and shower with additional cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let cool briefly.

Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, or creamy avocado slices.

Tips For Best Tex-Mex Enchiladas

• Add a splash of red wine or dark beer to the homemade enchilada sauce for deeper, richer taste complexity.
• Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot chili powder, or mix different varieties to create your perfect spice balance.
• Pat tortillas dry after frying and before dipping in sauce to ensure they maintain a slight crispness and hold their shape.
• Use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for melty texture and robust flavor, or experiment with queso fresco for authentic Mexican touch.
• Assemble enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal preparation.

Tex-Mex Enchilada Flavor Combos

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace ground beef with black beans, sautéed bell peppers, and corn for a hearty plant-based version that keeps the same zesty flavor profile.
• Chicken Enchiladas: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option that still delivers maximum taste.
• Gluten-Free Enchiladas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and replace wheat flour in sauce with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• Low-Carb Enchiladas: Substitute tortillas with large lettuce leaves or use low-carb tortilla alternatives, and serve with cauliflower rice to reduce overall carbohydrate content.

Serving Beef Enchiladas With Sides

• Fiesta Flavor Enhancers: Pair these sizzling enchiladas with Mexican-style rice for a complete meal that bursts with complementary textures and tastes.
• Fresh and Zesty Companions: Top with diced fresh jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the rich, spicy beef filling.
• Sidekick Sensations: Serve alongside black beans or a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette to cut through the enchiladas' hearty richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Drink Pairings: Complement the meal with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Corona, a tangy margarita, or a refreshing agua fresca for an authentic dining experience.

Tex-Mex Enchilada Storage For Leftovers

• – Refrigerate Promptly store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• – Chill Safely keep refrigerated enchiladas for 3-4 days, ensuring they remain tasty and safe to consume when properly sealed.
• – Freeze Carefully wrap individual or entire batch of enchiladas in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• – Reheat Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes until heated through, adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

• What kind of ground beef should I use for these enchiladas?

Choose ground beef with 80/20 or 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio. This ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful while preventing the enchiladas from becoming too greasy.

• Can I make the beef mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling the enchiladas to save time during meal preparation.

• How do I prevent my tortillas from breaking while rolling?

Briefly fry the tortillas in oil for about 10 seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and less likely to crack when you roll them with the beef filling. Make sure to drain excess oil on paper towels.

Tex Mex Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty tex mex beef enchiladas bring zesty southwestern comfort straight to dinner tables with bold, cheesy layers of spiced ground beef wrapped in warm tortillas. Simmering sauce and melted cheese create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll savor with pure southwestern delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups enchilada sauce

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 pinch ground cinnamon

Vegetable and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, sliced avocados

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s fully heated for optimal baking.
2. Create a robust enchilada sauce by whisking flour and spices in hot olive oil until fragrant. Gradually incorporate tomato paste and broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens, then finish with a splash of vinegar and black pepper.
3. In a large skillet, thoroughly brown ground beef over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and soft. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
4. Warm vegetable oil in a small skillet and quickly fry tortillas for 10 seconds per side. This process makes them pliable and enhances their flavor. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Dip each tortilla in enchilada sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Place a portion of seasoned beef down the center, sprinkle with cheese, and carefully roll into a compact cylinder. Arrange rolled enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Generously pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden, melted finish. Bake for 20 minutes until cheese is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
7. Allow enchiladas to rest briefly after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, or creamy avocado slices to enhance the presentation and flavor profile.

Notes

• Adjust the heat by using mild or hot chili powder, or add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for extra kick.
• Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, covered. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.
• Easily substitute ground beef with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Corn tortillas work best for authentic flavor and texture, but flour tortillas can be used if preferred. Briefly frying tortillas helps prevent them from becoming soggy during baking.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg