Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful Beef Enchiladas:

For the Enchiladas:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if desired)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 (1.5 ounce) package dry enchilada sauce mix (or 1 can of enchilada sauce)
• 10 (10-inch) flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Fresh salsa
• Guacamole
• Sliced green onions
• Jalapeños

Steps: How to Make Classic Beef Enchiladas

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Brown the Ground Beef
   Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up the beef as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef and return it to the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onions
   Add the chopped small onion to the browned beef and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
3. Add the Enchilada Sauce Mix
   Sprinkle the 1.5 ounce package of dry enchilada sauce mix over the beef and onion mixture. Stir to evenly coat the meat with the seasoning. If you’re using a can of enchilada sauce, simply add about 1 cup of sauce to the mixture instead of the dry mix and cook it for a few more minutes until it’s heated through. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of water to help create a smoother consistency.
4. Simmer
   Allow the beef and sauce mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set the mixture aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas

1. Warm the Tortillas
   To make the tortillas more pliable, heat the 10 flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 15-20 seconds per tortilla. This will make them easier to roll and prevent them from tearing when you fill them.
2. Layer the Ingredients
   Spread a small amount of the beef mixture onto each tortilla, followed by a generous handful of shredded Cheddar cheese. Sprinkle black olives on top for added flavor and texture.

Step 3: Roll and Arrange the Enchiladas

1. Roll the Enchiladas
   Carefully roll each tortilla around the filling, folding in the sides as you go to ensure that the filling stays inside. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in a greased baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Repeat the Process
   Continue rolling the remaining tortillas and placing them into the dish until the beef mixture is used up. You should be able to fit about 10 enchiladas into the dish, depending on the size of your tortillas.

Step 4: Add the Enchilada Sauce and Cheese

1. Top with Enchilada Sauce
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce (or more from the can) over the top of the rolled tortillas. Make sure the sauce evenly coats all the enchiladas. This will keep them moist while baking and add that signature enchilada flavor.
2. Add the Cheese
   Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas. The cheese will melt and create a bubbly, golden crust as the enchiladas bake.

Step 5: Bake the Enchiladas

1. Bake the Enchiladas
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the enchiladas uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
2. Optional: Broil for Extra Crispiness
   If you like your cheese to be extra crispy, you can broil the enchiladas for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to ensure they don’t burn.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Immediately
   Once the enchiladas are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors settle, making them easier to slice.
2. Add Toppings
   Top your enchiladas with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro, or a drizzle of fresh salsa. You can also sprinkle some fresh chopped green onions or add jalapeños for a little extra heat.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves approximately 6-8 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. Leftovers also store well, making it an ideal dish for meal prepping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Based on 8 servings, here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving:

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg

(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Beef Enchiladas are one of those classic comfort foods that everyone loves, and their timeless appeal lies in both their simplicity and their versatility. At its core, this recipe combines basic ingredients—ground beef, tortillas, cheese, and enchilada sauce—into a flavorful and satisfying dish that is universally adored. It’s the type of meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young kids to adults, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even holiday celebrations.

One of the reasons Beef Enchiladas have stood the test of time is that they are incredibly adaptable. While this recipe is for a traditional beef filling, enchiladas can easily be customized with different proteins like chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian options. Additionally, you can adjust the level of spice to suit your preference—whether you like them mild or with a bit of heat.

The process of rolling the tortillas with a flavorful filling, baking them with cheese, and then serving them with fresh toppings makes the dish both comforting and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great meal prep option. You can make the enchiladas ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and simply bake them when ready to serve, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

Another reason this recipe has stood the test of time is its affordability. Many of the ingredients can be found in most kitchens or can be bought on a budget, making this a cost-effective meal for large families or those looking to save a little money.

Tips for Making the Best Beef Enchiladas

1. Use Fresh Tortillas
   For the best flavor and texture, use fresh flour tortillas. They hold up better than older, dry tortillas and will give you that soft, pillowy texture when baked.
2. Don’t Overfill the Tortillas
   When rolling the tortillas, be careful not to overfill them. Too much filling can cause the tortillas to tear or the filling to spill out during baking. A small amount of filling is perfect for a neat, tidy enchilada.
3. Make Your Own Enchilada Sauce
   If you have extra time, consider making your own enchilada sauce. Homemade enchilada sauce is incredibly flavorful and can be customized with your preferred spices, heat level, and ingredients.
4. Add Vegetables
   Feel free to add extra vegetables to the filling for added nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can be sautéed with the ground beef and added to the mix for a hearty and healthy variation.
5. Garnish with Fresh Ingredients
   Top your enchiladas with fresh ingredients like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime for an added burst of flavor. These garnishes brighten up the dish and complement the rich, savory filling.

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers
Beef enchiladas store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh, wrap the leftover enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

Freezing Enchiladas
You can also freeze the enchiladas for future meals. After assembling the enchiladas, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake directly from the freezer (no need to thaw), but you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Beef Enchiladas are a timeless, delicious dish that combines bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a satisfying presentation. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family meal or preparing them for a special occasion, these enchiladas never disappoint. With their versatility and adaptability, they’re a dish that can be enjoyed in countless variations, ensuring that they’ll always have a place on the dinner table for years to come. So gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.