Introduction to Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Why Enchiladas Are the Ultimate Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the heartwarming allure of enchiladas. These delightful rolls, often filled with savory ingredients and topped with gooey cheese, create a symphony of flavors and textures that resonate with many. Enchiladas are not just a meal; they are an experience, wrapping you in warmth and familiar tastes.
Imagine returning home after a hectic day. A plate of Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas awaits, sending aromas of rich enchilada sauce and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen. It’s the perfect remedy for stress—simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for meal prep.
Did you know that the origins of enchiladas date back to ancient Mexico, where tortillas were filled with various ingredients before being baked? Fast forward to today, they’ve become a staple in many homes, offering versatility and flavor. Whether enjoyed on a weeknight or at a festive gathering, cheesy beef enchiladas are sure to make any occasion a little more special. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this flavorful dish!
Ingredients for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
When you're ready to whip up a crowd-pleasing Mexican classic, having the right ingredients is key! Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to make delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas.
Essential Ingredients for Enchiladas
To get started, gather the following essentials:
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds, cooked and drained
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cumin: 2 teaspoons, for that warm, earthy flavor
- Jalapeños (or Green Chilies): 2 tablespoons, diced for heat
- Enchilada Sauce: A mix of 28 ounces & 15 ounces—this is crucial!
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheese: 3-4 cups each, shredded for extra gooeyness
- Flour Tortillas: 16 large, to wrap all that delicious filling
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Want to elevate your cheesy ground beef enchiladas even further? Consider these optional ingredients:
- Black Olives: 6.5 ounces, sliced can add a nice tang.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A ¼ teaspoon for those who love some heat.
- Bell Peppers: Chopped and sautéed can provide a colorful crunch.
Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences! These little additions can make your enchiladas uniquely yours, whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Preparing Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Making cheesy ground beef enchiladas can be a delightful culinary adventure, perfect for satisfying your cravings and impressing your guests. Let's dive into the essential steps to create this mouthwatering dish that promises cheesy goodness wrapped in flavorful tortillas.
Gather and Prepare Your Ingredients
Before starting your enchilada journey, it's important to have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds of ground beef: Cooked and drained for that lean filling.
- 1 medium onion: Chopped to add depth to the flavor.
- 3 cloves of garlic: Minced for a delightful aroma.
- Spices: Cumin, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos: Optional, but they provide an extra kick!
- 28-ounce and 15-ounce cans of red enchilada sauce: The heart and soul of your dish.
- Black olives and a mix of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese: For that irresistible cheesiness.
- 16 large flour tortillas: The wraps that hold all the goodness together.
Take a quick moment to set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with nonstick spray. Having everything prepped upfront makes the whole process much smoother!
Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, adding the chopped onions along the way. This combination creates a flavorful base. Once the meat is no longer pink, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for another couple of minutes. Remember to drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy filling, which can ruin the overall texture of your enchiladas.
Mix in the Seasonings and Enchilada Sauce
Now it's time to elevate those flavors! Sprinkle in the cumin, Slap Ya Mama® seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and diced jalapenos over the beef mixture. Stir well, so the spices distribute evenly. Pour in the larger can of enchilada sauce, stirring until it's hot and bubbly. This step is crucial—each bite should be packed with a delightful blend of spices and meaty goodness.
Assemble the Enchiladas
Take a tortilla and lay down a couple of heaping spoonfuls of your beef mixture in the center, followed by a generous helping of both cheeses and a few sliced olives. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this for all tortillas, creating a layer of cheesy ground beef enchiladas that will charm your taste buds.
Bake and Golden Brown
Cover the enchiladas with any leftover beef mixture, pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top, and sprinkle with more cheese and olives. Cover with foil (this keeps everything nice and moist) and pop it in the oven for about 60 minutes. When it's done, the cheese should be hot and bubbly, with golden edges tempting you to dig in!
Serve your cheesy ground beef enchiladas with toppings like sour cream, green onions, or avocados for an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy this delicious dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table!
Variations on Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Vegetarian Option with Black Beans and Veggies
Looking to lighten things up? Try swapping out the beef for hearty black beans and seasonal veggies, like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Not only does this create a satisfying texture, but it also adds a splash of color to your plate. Full of protein and fiber, this twist on Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas is a delicious way to cater to meatless diets while still keeping all that cheesy goodness.
Spicy Kick with Chorizo or Extra Jalapeños
For those who love a little heat, consider using chorizo in place of ground beef or adding extra jalapeños to the filling. Chorizo brings a rich, spicy flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the cheese. If you're a true spice enthusiast, toppings like sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can take your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas to fiery new heights!
Cooking tips and notes for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Importance of Draining Ground Beef
Draining your ground beef is crucial for delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas. Even if you use lean beef, it can release unnecessary fat during cooking. This ensures your filling remains flavorful without being greasy. A quick tip: place a colander in the sink to make this process easy. Once drained, your beef will be ready to absorb all those tasty spices and enchilada sauce without excess moisture impacting your dish!
Ensuring Tortilla Flexibility
To get perfectly rolled enchiladas, ensure your tortillas are flexible. If you choose corn tortillas, warming them briefly in a dry skillet or the microwave helps achieve that pliability. Alternatively, if you're using flour tortillas, they tend to be more forgiving, so just be careful not to overfill! Ensuring your tortillas are easy to work with will save you from tears and broken enchiladas.
For more tips, check out this guide on creating the best enchiladas!
Serving suggestions for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Toppings to Elevate Your Dish
Enhance your Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas with vibrant toppings! Fresh cilantro, sliced jalapenos, and a dollop of sour cream add zest and creaminess. For a crunchy twist, sprinkle some diced red onions or tortilla strips on top. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that tangy kick. All these toppings not only boost flavor but also offer a beautiful presentation, making your meal more inviting.
Sides that Pair Well with Enchiladas
Think of sides that complement the bold flavors of Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas. Creamy refried beans or a zesty Mexican street corn salad are perfect. For a lighter option, try a fresh avocado and tomato salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette. If you're feeling adventurous, consider serving it with homemade guacamole or tortilla chips with salsa. These side dishes are not only delicious but also help to balance out the richness of the enchiladas.
Get inspired and make your cheesy delight even more memorable!
Time Breakdown for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Preparation Time
Getting your delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas started is a breeze! Set aside about 30 minutes for prep. This includes chopping your veggies, cooking the beef, and assembling your wonderful enchiladas.
Cooking Time
Once your enchiladas are assembled, they will spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes in the oven. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to become gloriously bubbly and golden!
Total Time
All together, you’re looking at a total time of 1 hour and 50 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy evening at home or a fun gathering!
For more tips on the cooking process, check out this guide on baking times to ensure your dishes come out perfectly every time!
Nutritional Facts for Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
When it comes to comfort food, Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas hit the spot! Here’s a quick breakdown of their nutritional content, perfect for those looking to balance indulgence with nutrition.
Calories
Each serving packs a hearty 909 calories, making it a satisfying choice for dinner or lunch. Perfect for those days when you need a filling meal!
Protein
With 48 grams of protein per serving, these enchiladas are a great way to fuel your body. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall health, so dig in knowing you’re nourishing yourself.
Sodium
Keep in mind that these tasty bites come with about 2732 mg of sodium. While flavor is key, it's always good to keep an eye on sodium levels, especially if you’re watching your intake for health reasons.
For more nutritional tips, consider exploring resources like the USDA FoodData Central for an extensive look at food nutrition and preparation ideas. Enjoy your culinary journey with these delicious Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas!
FAQs about Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Can I freeze enchiladas for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze your cheesy ground beef enchiladas for up to three months. Just be sure to store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, defrost in the refrigerator overnight for the best results.
What’s the best way to reheat enchiladas?
To reheat your enchiladas, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C), then cover the enchiladas with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions at one-minute intervals but note that they may not heating evenly.
How do I make them less spicy?
If you want to dial down the heat in your cheesy ground beef enchiladas, simply reduce the amount of jalapeños and red pepper flakes you use. You can also opt for milder enchilada sauce options or even substitute with green chilies. Adding a dollop of sour cream can also help balance the spice when serving.
Conclusion on Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
In conclusion, these Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas are a delightful addition to any dinner table, offering a perfect blend of flavors that can satisfy both adults and kids alike. Their cheesy goodness makes them irresistible, so why not make a double batch for leftovers? Enjoy cooking and sharing this hearty meal with loved ones!
Cheesy Ground Beef Enchiladas
Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
- large frying pan or skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef cooked, drained
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama® seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapenos (can use diced green chilies instead)
- 28 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 15 ounces red enchilada sauce
- 6.5 ounces black olives sliced
- 3-4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3-4 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 16 large flour tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° and spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with a non stick spray right before filling.
- In a large frying pan or skillet cook ground beef over medium high heat, add onions and cook until meat is no longer pink.
- Add garlic to beef mixture and cook for an additional two or three minutes stirring occasionally. Drain grease and return to pan.
- Sprinkle seasonings, pepper, red pepper flakes and jalapenos over ground beef. Stir.
- Pour large can of enchilada sauce into meat mixture, stir until combined and cook over medium heat until hot and bubbly. Stir as needed.
- Open smaller enchilada sauce and pour a little bit into prepared baking dish. Set aside.
- Take one tortilla at a time, add a couple heaping spoonfuls of meat mixture into center of tortilla, followed by both types of cheese and about 5-6 olives.
- Roll and place each enchiladas in the baking dish.
- Once the bottom layer is filled, pour a little more enchilada sauce on top and then repeat by placing the remaining enchiladas on top of the first layer.
- Next, add any leftover meat mixture on top of the enchiladas then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, top with remaining cheese and then add the olives.
- Cover with foil and place baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any spillage.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until cheese is hot and bubbly.
- Carefully remove from oven and serve with sour cream, slice green onions, cilantro and sliced avocados, optional.
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