Beef Enchiladas with Extra Cheese on Top
Beef enchiladas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish that brings together warm tortillas, seasoned ground beef, savory enchilada sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This recipe adds an extra layer of cheese on top, making it a decadent and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With the right blend of spices and ingredients, these enchiladas are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Enchilada Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 cup refried beans (optional, adds heartiness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 10-12 small flour or corn tortillas (about 6-8 inches)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (extra cheese)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Enchilada Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth, light brown paste (roux).
- Gradually pour in the chicken or beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly. Adjust the seasoning to taste, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- If using diced green chilies and refried beans, stir them into the beef mixture at this stage. Mix well to combine, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and well combined with the beef.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable. This prevents them from cracking when rolled.
- Spread about ¼ cup of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Take one tortilla and spoon about ⅓ cup of the beef filling along the center. Roll up the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and beef filling, lining them up snugly in the dish.
4. Add Extra Cheese and Bake:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well coated.
- Generously sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Once baked, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce to set slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for a bit of freshness and heat.
- Serve hot with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations:
- Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a combination of beef and pork for different flavors.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas provide a more authentic texture and flavor, but flour tortillas are softer and easier to work with.
- Sauce: For a richer sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with a mix of black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies.
These beef enchiladas are cheesy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit!
