“How to make authentic Mexican beef enchiladas” is one of the most common questions we’ve been asked. Well, there are various variations of the recipes out there, but we bet you would want the simplest but delicious way to go.
Now, stay with us to discover the recipe that fits your taste the best and find out tips to have a better experience. Let’s go!
How To Make Authentic Beef Enchiladas?
Before jumping to the material and step-by-step guide sessions, let’s take an overview of how we’re going to make your best-ever beef enchiladas.
- Cook ground beef with onion and homemade taco seasoning until the meat turns brown. Simmer the mixture with some tomato paste if you want.
- Make the enchiladas sauce, or pass this step if you already have it.
- Fry the corn tortillas to make them spread their flavor and don’t get a break while assembling.
- Add the filling, including the beef mixture and shredded cheese, to the corn tortillas and roll them up. Then put it all into a baking dish.
- Drench them with enchiladas sauce and top with additional shredded cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted. Take out and enjoy!
Ingredients And Equipment Needed (For 5 – 6 Servings)
Filling:
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Chili powder: 3 tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Dried oregano: ½ tsp
- Diced garlic: ¼ tsp
- Diced onion: 1 small onion
- Tomato paste: 3 tsp (optional)
Homemade enchiladas sauce:
- Beef broth: 2 cups
- Oil or butter: ¼ cup
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup
- Garlic powder: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp
- Ground cumin: ¼ tsp
- Onion powder: ½ tsp
- Chili powder: 6 tsp
Enchiladas:
- Oil
- Corn tortillas: 12-15 pieces
Equipment:
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Skillet
Notes:
- 1 tsp (teaspoon) = ⅓ tbsp (tablespoon).
- Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
- To substitute beef broth for the sauce, use meat bouillon cubes and water instead.
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cook the filling
Saute ground beef with diced onion until the mixture is no longer pink. Discard grease if the meat releases too much.
Gradually add seasonings, tomato paste (optional) as the last ingredient. Fully cook and set aside.
Step 2: Make the enchiladas sauce
Heat the oil or butter in a skillet.
Add the flour and stir for about 30 seconds.
Dissolve the bouillon cubes if you use them to substitute the broth.
Add chili powder and then the rest seasonings. Stir for 15 – 30 seconds over medium heat.
Pour the broth in, simmer until smooth and slightly thicken.
Step 3: Fry corn tortillas
Fry them with hot oil in a pan. Cook each side for about 10-15 seconds, or
Heat them in the microwave for about 1 minute with a damp paper towel above.
Then they will be pliable enough to roll without breaking.
Step 4: Assemble and baking enchiladas
Prepare the oven by preheating it to 350-375℉.
Lay the corn tortillas on a plate or something convenient for you, fill with a whole spoon beef mixture, top with shredded cheese, stuff with enchiladas sauce for more flavor (optional), and roll them up tightly.
Place the rolls into a baking dish, seam side down. Drench with enchiladas sauce, and sprinkle cheese if you are crazy about it.
Bake (with aluminum foil or not) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let them cool down and enjoy!
Pro tips:
- Pre-preparation: The beef mixture filling and enchiladas sauce can be made earlier and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Then, just increase baking time by 5 minutes.
- For proper storage: Put leftover parts in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To enhance protein rate: Place beans into the filling. Any kind of bean, for instance, black beans or green peas, contains a high level of protein and works well with the recipe.
- Want a healthier recipe with more veggies added? Don’t hesitate to put corn, herbs, and whatever kind of vegetable you like into the filling. Recipes are there to be adjusted to fit our tastes!
- Don’t have ground beef? It’s okay to go with a chuck steak and shred it before cooking.
The enchiladas are ready for your dinner rotation. Now, let’s dig deeper into the topic by discussing the most popular questions, so you’ll have more tips and tricks to treat your family.
Are Beef Enchiladas Popular In Mexican Culture?
No need to say, this dish is one of the most beloved ones in Mexican cuisine which is described as spicy, colorful, and mixed flavor. It is preferred for an appetizer or even a whole meal, enjoyed by both Mexicans and non-Mexicans.
Since enchiladas went widespread in Mexico many years ago, Mexicans have created various recipes with this sauce, and beef enchiladas have become the first food lovers’ choice. It is popularly served from street vendors to modern restaurants.
What Side Dishes Are The Best?
As a mixed flavor and spicy food, authentic beef enchiladas served well with healthy side dishes like:
- Avocado and corn salad.
- Broccoli salad.
And never go wrong with those Mexican dishes:
- Mexican rice
- Mexican corn
- Refried beans
- Jicama Slaw
Or simply add those ingredients for tastier: sliced avocado, cherry tomato, sour cream, lemon, chopped cilantro, and scallions.
What Sauces Should You Use For The Best Taste?
No doubt that enchiladas sauce is the best match for the recipe. But what to notice here is that there are two types of enchiladas: red sauce and green sauce. They are a bit different in ingredients and flavors.
Red enchiladas sauce:
- Ingredients: dried red chiles (a little sweet), tomato paste (sometimes), and seasonings such as garlic, onion, basil, oregano, and chili powder.
- Flavor: prefer to be a mild taste.
- Recommend: go with ground beef enchiladas.
Green enchiladas sauce:
- Ingredients: green tomatillos (a little sour), green chiles, and seasonings similar to the red version.
- Flavor: prefer to be a fresh but intense and spicy taste.
- Recommend: go with chicken enchiladas.
Still, no matter what people say, the best sauce will always be the one that fits your situation. The best way to decide is to look at the sauce’s ingredients and pair them with your materials and taste.
How Many Calories Are There In This Dish?
Well, it does depend on the ingredients. But for the basic recipe above, 1 unit of enchiladas contains about:
- 230 kcal, including 105 kcal from fat.
- 13g fat (including 5g saturated fat)
- 13g protein
- 400 mg sodium
- 15g carbohydrate
When Should You Not Eat It?
It totally makes sense for vegans and anyone that’s allergic to its ingredients to avoid this food. And who else?
As we already know, beef enchiladas go with high levels of calories and fat. Therefore, this is not an ideal choice for anyone who is watching the weight or following an extreme diet, especially for dinner.
But what if you are craving them?
Consider making it yourself by the recipe given, choose the lean meat, and adjust the amount of cheese. And don’t eat them before going to bed!
Conclusion
We did it! After a bunch of helpful information, you now know how to make authentic Mexican beef enchiladas that fit your taste the best. Yes, it may take several hours to finish if you are a newbie, but the flavor will make it worth your time and energy.
For further discussion, leave us a comment right at the session down below. Then, try the recipe, and share your moment with us!