Hearty Beef Enchiladas with a Rich Red Chile Sauce

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a meal that warms the soul and brings back a flood of happy memories. And these Beef Enchiladas with their robust red chile sauce? They do just that! The tender ground beef, melded with savory spices and rich beans, all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a vibrant sauce, is pure comfort. It’s a dish that promises a satisfying and flavorful experience, a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly magical.

I remember my grandmother, with flour dusting her apron, always saying that the secret ingredient in any dish was love. Whether we were kneading dough for a sweet pie or assembling a hearty dinner, her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and endless experiments. She taught me that cooking, much like baking, is an act of heartfelt generosity, a way to share a piece of yourself with those you cherish.

This recipe for Beef Enchiladas is a wonderful example of that philosophy. It’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly straightforward to put together, making it perfect for a weeknight family dinner or a cozy weekend gathering. My practical tip for this dish? Don’t be shy with the cheese—it creates that irresistible golden crust we all adore!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For these delightful Beef Enchiladas, we’re focusing on hearty, wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Ground beef forms the savory core, beautifully complemented by earthy black beans and sweet corn, all brought together by a rich red enchilada sauce and a generous blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar. It’s a combination that truly sings, and you’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Beef Enchiladas

Crafting these delicious Beef Enchiladas is a journey of simple steps, much like building layers of flavor in your favorite dessert. First, you’ll create a savory beef and bean filling, bustling with aromatic spices. Then, you’ll lovingly fill and roll your tortillas, tucking them into a baking dish before generously coating them with that vibrant red chile sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. Finally, they’ll bake to golden perfection, ready to be devoured.

Hearty Beef and Black Bean Enchiladas

Dive into these savory beef and black bean enchiladas, featuring a robust, spiced ground beef filling, tender tortillas, and a generous blanket of cheese, all baked to golden perfection. A comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for any night.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Beef Filling

• 1 lbs Ground beef 80/20 lean preferred
• 1 medium Yellow onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic minced
• 2 tsp Chili powder
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper or to taste
• 1 can Black beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup Frozen corn kernels thawed
• 1 can Diced green chiles 4 oz, undrained

For Assembly

• 12 count Corn or flour tortillas 6-inch
• 1 can Red enchilada sauce 19 oz, mild or medium
• 2 cups Shredded Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese blend divided

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro chopped
• Sour cream
• Sliced avocado or guacamole

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

Prepare the Beef Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the rinsed black beans, thawed corn, and diced green chiles (undrained). Mix well and remove from heat. Set aside.

Assemble the Enchiladas

1. Pour about 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
2. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable (you can microwave them for 15-20 seconds or wrap them in foil and bake for 5 minutes). This prevents them from tearing.
3. Dip each tortilla quickly into the remaining enchilada sauce (this helps keep them moist and adds flavor). Place about 1/4 cup of the beef filling down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with a small amount of shredded cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons).
4. Tightly roll up each tortilla and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
5. Once all enchiladas are rolled and placed in the dish, pour any remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle generously with the remaining shredded cheese.

Bake and Serve

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. If you desire a slightly browned top, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
2. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, and sliced avocado or guacamole, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the beef filling or use hot enchilada sauce. These enchiladas freeze well; assemble them, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 45-55 minutes, or until heated through.

Pro Tips for Making This Beef Enchiladas

Making these Beef Enchiladas can be an even more joyous experience with a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years in my kitchen. Just like finding that perfect balance in a sweet tart, attention to detail here makes all the difference!

My Secret Trick: For a truly rich and deeply flavored enchilada sauce, I always warm the red enchilada sauce gently on the stovetop and whisk in a teaspoon of cocoa powder before pouring it over the assembled enchiladas. It won’t make it taste like chocolate, but it adds an incredible depth and complexity that elevates the entire dish!

When browning your ground beef, ensure you get a good sear and drain any excess fat. This prevents your enchiladas from becoming greasy and allows the spices to shine through more brightly. It’s a small step, but it makes a big impact on the overall flavor of your Beef Enchiladas.

Don’t be afraid to taste your beef filling before assembling! Adjust the salt, pepper, or chili powder to your liking. Just as I always taste my cookie dough (shhh!), a quick taste test here ensures your filling is perfectly seasoned for these Hearty Beef Enchiladas.

If you’re using corn tortillas, a quick warm-up in a lightly oiled skillet or microwave will make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing when you roll them. This little tip saves so much frustration and helps create perfectly wrapped Beef Enchiladas.

Fun Variations for Beef Enchiladas

One of the greatest joys of cooking, just like baking, is the freedom to get creative and make a recipe truly your own! These Beef Enchiladas are wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to play with flavors and textures. My sister always asks me to add a little extra heat, while my friend loves a veggie-packed version!

Spice It Up!

For those who love a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef filling. You could also mix in some finely diced jalapeños (seeded for less heat, if preferred) with the green chiles for an extra burst of fiery flavor in your Beef Enchiladas.

Veggie Boost

Boost the nutritional value and texture by stirring in finely diced bell peppers (any color!), zucchini, or even some sautéed mushrooms to the beef and black bean mixture. Just make sure to cook them down a bit so they don’t release too much moisture.

Cheese Please!

While Monterey Jack and Cheddar are classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Pepper Jack adds a spicy note, while a smoky Gouda could offer a sophisticated twist. Or, why not mix in a bit of Cotija cheese for a salty, crumbly texture?

What to Serve With Beef Enchiladas

When I’m serving up a comforting dish like these Beef Enchiladas, I always think about what will complete the meal and make it feel truly special, just like choosing the perfect frosting for a cake. These pairings are simple yet wonderful.

A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint to the richness of the enchiladas. The crispness and bright flavors help cleanse the palate, making each bite of the Beef Enchiladas even more enjoyable.

For a little extra texture and creaminess, a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro are absolute musts. My mom always has a bowl of sour cream on the table when we have anything with a hint of spice! Sliced avocado or a scoop of homemade guacamole also adds a lovely, cooling element.

Don’t forget some fluffy Mexican rice or a simple side of refried beans to complete the hearty meal. These classic accompaniments soak up any extra sauce beautifully and make the dinner feel truly authentic and satisfying.

How to Store Beef Enchiladas

After all the love and effort you’ve put into making these delicious Beef Enchiladas, it’s wonderful to know you can enjoy the leftovers! Proper storage ensures they taste just as good the next day.

Refrigeration

Leftover Beef Enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in a preheated oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. My personal tip is to add a tiny splash more enchilada sauce or a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to keep them from drying out!

Freezing

For longer storage, these Beef Enchiladas freeze beautifully. Assemble them in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. You can bake them from frozen (add about 30-45 minutes to the baking time, uncovering for the last 15-20 minutes), or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Nutritional Benefits

While these Beef Enchiladas are a comforting indulgence, they also offer some wonderful nutritional benefits. Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber from the black beans, they make for a satisfying and nourishing meal. The vibrant red chile sauce also provides beneficial antioxidants, proving that a hearty treat can be both satisfying and contribute to a well-rounded meal, aligning with my philosophy of combining wholesome ingredients with joyful cooking.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! The beef and black bean filling can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your Beef Enchiladas even quicker on a busy weeknight.

Faq 2

What kind of tortillas work best?
Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully for these Beef Enchiladas. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor and texture, while flour tortillas tend to be softer and easier to roll without breaking. It’s entirely up to your preference!

Faq 3

Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can! Ground turkey or shredded chicken breast are excellent alternatives if you’re looking for a lighter option. Simply cook and season them similarly to the ground beef for equally delicious Beef Enchiladas.

Faq 4

How do I prevent the tortillas from getting soggy?
To help prevent soggy tortillas, you can lightly fry or warm them in a little oil before assembling. Also, avoid overloading the Beef Enchiladas with too much sauce before baking; a good coating is enough!

Conclusion

Oh, dear bakers and cooks, I truly hope you feel inspired to bring the warmth and comfort of these Hearty Beef Enchiladas into your home. This dish isn’t just about a recipe; it’s about creating a moment, a memory around your table, where laughter and good food intertwine. With a little love, patience, and these simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a meal that gathers everyone together, reminding us all of the joyful, home-baked traditions that truly nourish the soul. Happy cooking, sweet friends!