Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe: Simple & Delicious!

A simplified beef enchilada recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for weeknights. This easy approach maintains the authentic flavors while reducing preparation time, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The recipe prioritizes simple techniques and readily available ingredients, ensuring a consistently excellent result. This streamlined method allows for customization, accommodating various dietary needs and preferences. The resulting enchiladas are both comforting and flavorful, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

The ease of preparation is a key advantage. This recipe minimizes complex steps and lengthy cooking times, making it ideal for busy schedules. The straightforward instructions guarantee success, even for novice cooks. Furthermore, the recipe’s flexibility allows for ingredient substitutions based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. The result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and time. Using readily available pantry staples streamlines the shopping process, making it incredibly convenient.

The focus on simplicity enhances the overall cooking experience, making the process enjoyable and stress-free. The recipe provides a satisfying culinary outcome without the need for advanced techniques or specialized equipment.

Ingredients for an Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (15 ounce) can enchilada sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions for an Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

1. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat; drain excess grease.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
5. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
6. Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
7. Fill each tortilla with approximately 1/3 cup of beef mixture.
8. Roll up tortillas and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
9. Pour remaining sauce over enchiladas.
10. Top with shredded cheese.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Estimated Cooking Time and Servings for this Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

This streamlined recipe minimizes preparation and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The precise cooking time and the number of servings are detailed below; these values are approximate and may vary based on oven temperature and individual serving sizes. The simplicity of this recipe is designed for convenience and consistently delicious results. This easy-to-follow guide ensures a successful culinary experience for all levels of cooking expertise. The recipe’s flexibility makes it suitable for different dietary preferences and group sizes.

Nutritional Information for this Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

This recipe provides a balanced meal, incorporating protein from the beef, carbohydrates from the tortillas, and healthy fats. The specific nutritional content will vary based on the exact ingredients used, but generally, it’s a good source of protein and fiber. The enchilada sauce contributes vitamins and minerals. Its important to note that this is an approximate analysis; individual nutritional needs may vary. This information aims to provide a general understanding of the nutritional profile of this dish. Precise calculations require specialized software using the exact brands of ingredients.

Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used. This is not a substitute for professional nutritional advice.

Tips for Cooking this Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

Achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures is key to a satisfying enchilada experience. These simple tips ensure consistently delicious results. Remember that subtle adjustments can make a significant difference in the final dish. These suggestions enhance the overall cooking process and elevate the final product. Experimentation is encouraged; culinary creativity is paramount.

1. Use good quality enchilada sauce:

   The enchilada sauce forms the foundation of the flavor profile. Selecting a high-quality sauce significantly improves the overall taste. Consider exploring different brands or even making your own for a more customized experience. A richer sauce enhances the overall depth of flavor in your final dish.

2. Don’t overcook the beef:

   Overcooked ground beef can become dry and tough. Aim for a slightly pink center for optimal juiciness. Ensure the beef is thoroughly cooked but avoid excessive cooking to retain moisture and tenderness.

3. Warm the tortillas:

   Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and less likely to break when rolling. This prevents cracking and ensures a neat presentation. Microwaving or lightly pan-frying the tortillas prior to filling greatly improves ease of handling.

4. Use a well-seasoned skillet:

   Using a well-seasoned skillet helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning of the ground beef and onions. This leads to better flavor development and enhances the overall texture of the finished dish. This will also prevent the meat from sticking and burning.

5. Grate your cheese:
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   Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own cheese for a better melt and more flavorful result. Freshly grated cheese contributes to a more authentic and enjoyable final product.

6. Let it rest:

   Allow the enchiladas to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle and serve. This short rest period ensures easier portioning and a more cohesive presentation.

The simplicity of this recipe is designed for convenience and consistently delicious results. Every element, from ingredient selection to cooking techniques, is carefully chosen to maximize flavor and minimize effort. The recipe’s straightforward approach ensures a satisfying culinary experience regardless of cooking skill level. It’s a recipe designed to be easily adaptable to different dietary needs and preferences.

This adaptable recipe can easily be modified to suit individual preferences. Experiment with different cheeses, add beans, or incorporate other vegetables to create a unique variation. The fundamental elements of the recipe remain consistent, ensuring delicious results, regardless of customization. The versatility allows for creative expression in the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Easy Beef Enchilada Recipe

This section addresses common queries about the recipe, ensuring a smooth and successful cooking experience. The questions and answers are designed to anticipate and resolve potential challenges, allowing for a seamless culinary process. The aim is to provide comprehensive guidance for the most satisfying results.

1. Can I use different types of cheese?

   Absolutely! Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses. The cheese selection contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile, so feel free to customize this aspect of the recipe to suit your personal preferences. A blend of cheeses often provides a more complex and layered flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

   Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them when ready. Simply cover the baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. This feature adds convenience, allowing for efficient meal preparation in advance. This time-saving approach is ideal for busy schedules.

3. What if I don’t have Rotel?

   You can substitute with a can of diced tomatoes or a combination of diced tomatoes and chopped green chilies. These substitutions maintain the overall flavor profile, while accommodating diverse pantry inventories. The key is maintaining a balance of tomatoes and chili for the best taste.

4. Can I freeze the leftover enchiladas?

   Yes, you can freeze leftover enchiladas. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Freezing allows for portioning and easy access to a quick meal later. This option provides a convenient way to enjoy leftovers.

This simplified recipe is intended to provide a convenient and delicious enchilada experience. By using readily available ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe makes a traditionally involved dish accessible to a wider range of cooks. The focus remains on achieving maximum flavor with minimal effort and preparation time.

In conclusion, this easy beef enchilada recipe delivers a satisfying and flavorful meal without sacrificing quality or taste. The recipes simplicity and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any cooks repertoire. Enjoy!