Effortless Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delectable Homemade Easy Beef Enchiladas! This recipe promises a journey into authentic Mexican comfort food, elevated by a rich, savory homemade enchilada sauce that truly sets it apart. Whether you’re planning a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration, a vibrant Taco Tuesday twist, or simply craving a hearty and flavorful meal, these beef enchiladas are guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire.

There’s something inherently comforting and deeply satisfying about a pan of perfectly baked enchiladas. The aroma of simmering spices, tender ground beef, and melted cheese fills the kitchen, promising a meal that’s both hearty and incredibly flavorful. For many, enchiladas aren’t just a dish; they’re a celebration of flavor, a symbol of gathering, and a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine.

Today, we’re diving into a recipe for Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas that stands out from the rest. While enchiladas might seem like a complex dish to tackle from scratch, this recipe breaks down the process into simple, manageable steps, proving that restaurant-quality flavor is easily achievable in your own kitchen.

This isn’t just another enchilada recipe; it’s an experience. The secret to its unparalleled taste lies in the homemade enchilada sauce. Forget the canned varieties – our scratch-made sauce is surprisingly simple to prepare, yet it delivers a depth of flavor and a perfect consistency that store-bought versions simply can’t match. It’s thicker, richer, and packed with authentic spice, transforming humble ingredients into an extraordinary dish.

As we approach festive occasions like Cinco de Mayo, or even just look for ways to spice up a regular weeknight meal, these enchiladas offer the perfect solution. They are the kind of Mexican comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat, holiday or no holiday, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. It’s truly a dish that brings joy with every bite.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Homemade Beef Enchilada Recipe

Beyond the undeniable deliciousness, there are several compelling reasons why these Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas will quickly earn a top spot in your recipe collection:

Unbeatable Flavor: The star of the show is, without a doubt, the homemade enchilada sauce. It’s vibrant, perfectly spiced, and far superior to any store-bought alternative. Its rich, spot-on flavor forms the perfect base for these enchiladas.
Creamy, Satisfying Filling: Our unique filling combines seasoned ground beef with creamy refried beans and plenty of cheese. The refried beans aren’t just an addition; they’re a game-changer, lending an incredible creamy texture and a deeper, more satisfying flavor to the beef mixture.
Simple to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these enchiladas are incredibly easy to prepare. We guide you through each step, from creating the sauce to assembling and baking, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking process.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration like Cinco de Mayo, a family dinner, or simply a craving for authentic Mexican food, these enchiladas fit every occasion. They’re hearty enough to be a standalone meal and versatile enough to be paired with your favorite sides.
Customizable: While the recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also highly adaptable. Adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add extra veggies to make it your own.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:

For the Homemade Enchilada Sauce:

**Olive Oil:** The base for our flavorful roux.
**All-Purpose Flour:** To create a thick, stable roux for the sauce.
**Chili Powder:** The primary spice, providing the classic enchilada flavor.
**Ground Cumin:** Adds warmth and earthy notes.
**Garlic Powder & Onion Powder:** Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
**Dried Oregano:** Brings a traditional Mexican herb essence.
**Salt and Pepper:** To season the sauce perfectly.
**Tomato Paste:** Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and richness.
**Vegetable Stock:** The liquid base, providing savory depth.

For the Beef Enchiladas:

**Ground Beef:** The hearty foundation of our filling.
**Yellow Onion:** Finely chopped for sweetness and aromatic flavor.
**Canned Green Chiles:** A mild kick and authentic Southwestern flavor.
**Refried Beans:** The secret ingredient for an incredibly creamy and rich filling.
**Cheddar Jack Cheese:** A blend that melts beautifully and adds a sharp, creamy element.
**Flour Tortillas:** The vessel for all that delicious filling. (10-inch recommended for this recipe, but 6-inch can also be used).

Unveiling the Irresistible Enchilada Filling

The filling is what truly makes these enchiladas sing. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors designed to deliver maximum satisfaction in every bite. Our filling consists of a robust blend of:

Perfectly Seasoned Ground Beef: Browned to perfection with finely chopped yellow onions and zesty green chiles, providing a savory and aromatic base.
Creamy Refried Beans: This is where the magic happens! The addition of refried beans not only enhances the Mexican flavor profile but also creates an incredibly smooth and creamy texture, preventing the filling from drying out.
Melted Cheddar Jack Cheese: Integrated directly into the filling, the cheese melts and blends with the beef and beans, adding a gooey, savory richness that is absolutely divine.
A Hint of Homemade Enchilada Sauce: A touch of our special sauce mixed into the filling ensures every component is infused with that signature, deep enchilada flavor, making each roll-up consistently delicious.

This combination ensures a filling that is not only flavorful but also wonderfully moist and creamy, making these enchiladas a true comfort food masterpiece.

Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting Your Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create your mouth-watering enchiladas:

Step 1: Prepare Your Signature Homemade Enchilada Sauce

The foundation of exceptional enchiladas is an outstanding sauce, and making it from scratch is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding. Start by heating olive oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Once shimmering, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until a pale golden color forms. This roux will be key to the sauce’s thickness. Next, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and salt. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to a minute, allowing the spices to become fragrant.

Gradually pour in the vegetable stock and tomato paste, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be rich and coating, not watery. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside. This sauce is thick, flavorful, and truly makes all the difference.

Step 2: Craft the Delicious Beef Filling

While your sauce is simmering, you can begin preparing the rich beef filling. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, finely chopped yellow onions, green chiles, salt, and black pepper. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are softened, which should take approximately 4-5 minutes. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to prevent greasy enchiladas.

Return the skillet to low heat. To the cooked beef mixture, add 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar jack cheese, 1/3 cup of your freshly made enchilada sauce, and the entire cup of refried beans. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined and heated through. The refried beans will create a wonderfully creamy and cohesive filling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Enchiladas

Before you start rolling, spread about 1/3 cup of the homemade enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents the tortillas from sticking and adds extra flavor.

Next, take your flour tortillas. For best results and to prevent tearing, gently warm them slightly in a microwave or dry skillet before filling. Lay a tortilla flat and spoon a generous portion of the beef filling onto the bottom half of the tortilla. Roll up the tortilla tightly, ensuring the filling stays securely inside. Place the rolled enchilada into your prepared baking dish, seam-side down. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging them snugly in the dish.

Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour about 1 to 1 1/4 cups of the remaining homemade enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the enchiladas. Ensure each one is nicely coated. Finally, sprinkle the desired amount of shredded cheddar jack cheese over the sauced enchiladas. (Approximately 3/4 cup works beautifully, but feel free to add more if you’re a true cheese lover!)

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly.

I typically don’t “over-cheese” the very top of my enchiladas, preferring a lighter sprinkle since there’s already so much delicious cheese mixed into the filling. However, if you adore extra cheesy goodness, don’t hesitate to pile on more! These easy beef enchiladas are the ideal way to jazz up your routine Taco Tuesday or to create a memorable feast for Cinco de Mayo. Give them a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Chef’s Notes & Expert Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

Here are a few additional insights to ensure your Easy Homemade Beef Enchiladas turn out perfectly every time:

Tortilla Size Matters: This recipe uses 10-inch flour tortillas, which typically yield 8 generously sized enchiladas. If you opt for smaller, 6-inch tortillas, you’ll likely get around 10 enchiladas from the same amount of filling. Adjust your baking dish size accordingly.
Warming Tortillas: Don’t skip this step! Briefly warming your flour tortillas (either in a dry skillet or microwave) makes them more pliable and less prone to tearing when rolling, ensuring a neat and tidy enchilada.
Cheese Preference: As mentioned, I prefer a balanced approach to cheese, incorporating it into the filling and then a lighter layer on top. However, feel free to adjust the amount of shredded cheese on top to your personal preference for extra cheesiness. A blend like Cheddar Jack offers great melt and flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend would also be delicious.
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and store them, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure they heat through evenly.
Freezing Instructions: Enchiladas freeze beautifully! Assemble them in a freezer-safe baking dish (without baking). Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Delicious Mexican Recipes to Complement Your Enchiladas

Looking to round out your Mexican-inspired meal? Here are some other fantastic recipes you might enjoy:

Mexican Baked Beans: A classic, flavorful side dish.
Mexican Street Corn Quinoa Salad: A fresh and vibrant salad.
Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Dulce de Leche Filling: A sweet treat to finish your meal.
Buffalo Chicken Crunchwrap Supremes: Another creative take on Mexican-inspired flavors.

Homemade Easy Beef Enchiladas

Author:
MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings:

8
enchiladas

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

These Homemade Easy Beef Enchiladas are Mexican comfort food done right! Homemade enchilada sauce makes these extra special. They’re perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

Prep Time

30

Cook Time

20

Total Time

50

Ingredients

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

3
Tbsp.
olive oil
3
Tbsp.
all-purpose flour
3
Tbsp.
chili powder
1
tsp.
ground cumin
1/2
tsp.
garlic powder
1/2
tsp.
onion powder
1/2
tsp.
dried oregano
1/2
tsp.
salt
1
Tbsp.
tomato paste
2
cups
low-sodium vegetable stock

Beef Enchiladas

1
Tbsp.
olive oil
1
lb.
ground beef
1
cup
yellow onion,
finely chopped
1
4.5-oz. can
chopped green chiles
1/2
tsp.
salt
1/4
tsp.
freshly ground black pepper
1
cup
refried beans
1 1/4
cups
cheddar jack cheese,
shredded and divided (you can add more on top, if desired)
2
cups
homemade enchilada sauce,
1/3 for bottom of pan, 1/3 added to beef filling and roughly 1-1 1/4 cups to top enchiladas
8
10-inch
flour tortillas

Instructions

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

In a medium sauce pan, heat oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, garlic and onion powders, oregano and salt. Stir to combine.
Slowly stir in the vegetable broth and the tomato paste and whisk until smooth and well combined. Reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Beef Enchiladas

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Add 1/3 cup enchilada sauce to the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, onions, green chiles, salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until meat is no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Drain fat. Add 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup enchilada sauce and the refried beans and mix until well combined.
Divide filling evenly among the 8 10-inch tortillas, placing the filling on the bottom half of the tortilla. Roll up and then place in the prepared baking dish, seam side down. Pour about 1-1 1/4 cups of the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas. Top with desired amount of shredded cheese. (I used about 3/4 cup) Bake for 10 minutes covered with foil and then 10 minutes uncovered.

Notes

I used 10-inch size flour tortillas for this recipe, but I have also used the 6-inch size.
Using the 10-inch size will yield 8 enchiladas. Using the 6-inch will yield 10 enchiladas.
I don’t over cheese the top of the enchiladas since I’ve also added cheese to the beef filling. If you enjoy really cheesy enchiladas, by all means add more to the top.

Nutrition

Keyword:
beef enchiladas recipe, beef recipe, Comfort Food

Cuisine:
Mexican

Course:
Main Dish

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