Beef Enchiladas Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm plate of enchiladas. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that might just become your new favorite: Beef Enchiladas. Even if you typically lean towards chicken or pork, this beef rendition will make you reconsider. With marinated beef and a homemade enchilada sauce, this dish promises flavor in every bite. It’s no wonder some claim it to be the BEST beef enchiladas recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: With a perfect blend of spices and tender beef, each bite is a burst of deliciousness.
• Comfort food at its finest: These enchiladas are hearty and satisfying, making them perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the heat level and add your favorite toppings.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Slow cooker
• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Forks (for shredding meat)
• Saucepan

Ingredients

For the beef:

• 4 pounds of beef (cheap cuts of meat work well)
• Salt & pepper to season meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 (7oz) cans diced green chile peppers, undrained
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 (5oz) bottle hot pepper sauce (e.g., Frank’s or Cholula)
• ¼ cup of water

For the enchiladas:

• 3-3.5 cups shredded Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
• 10-12 flour tortillas, burrito size

For the enchilada sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup minced onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 (8oz) cans tomato sauce
• 2 (4oz) cans chopped green chiles
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• Few splashes of hot sauce to taste (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Meat

1. Trim the meat of any excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat quickly on all sides.
3. Transfer the meat to a slow cooker and top with chopped onion, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and hot pepper sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until the meat is tender and falling apart, adding more liquid if necessary.
5. Transfer the meat to a bowl and shred using two forks.

For the Beef Enchiladas

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. For the enchilada sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté onions until soft and translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce (if using). Cook on medium/low heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.
3. Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, just enough to cover the bottom.
4. Lay out the flour tortillas and spoon a few heaping spoonfuls of the shredded beef and cheese into each. Roll like a burrito and place in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. Cover completely with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Tips for Success

• Use cheaper cuts of beef as they tend to become more tender and flavorful when slow-cooked.
• Ensure there’s always a small amount of liquid in the slow cooker to prevent the meat from drying out.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Make it spicier: Add more hot sauce or use spicier chiles.
• Cheese variation: Try using a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• Add beans: Include black beans in the filling for added texture and nutrition.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 450 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 40g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these enchiladas ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the enchiladas and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking.
• Can I freeze the enchiladas?
  Yes, they freeze well. Assemble them in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• What can I serve with beef enchiladas?
  Try serving with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

These Beef Enchiladas are a delicious blend of flavors that will surely become a favorite in your household. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists you might add. Happy cooking!