Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

4.50 from 2 votes

Discover the joy of making Cheesy Beef Enchiladas. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings. Dive into this comfort food classic!

Prep Time25

Cook Time25

Total Time50

Course: Dinner

Keyword: Cheesy Beef Enchiladas

Servings:

Calories: 664kcal

Ingredients

For the Beef Filling:

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 lb Ground Beef
1 medium Onion chopped
2 cloves Garlic minced
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Chili Powder
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup Canned Pinto Beans drained and rinsed

For the Enchiladas:

8-10 flour Tortillas
1 can 19 oz Red Enchilada Sauce
2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese shredded
Optional Garnish: fresh cilantro chopped tomatoes, sour cream, black olives

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Cook the Beef Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is tender. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute. Mix in pinto beans, and cook until heated through. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Enchiladas: Lay a tortilla flat on a surface. Spread about 2 tablespoons of enchilada sauce on the surface of the tortilla. Place a portion of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Sprinkle a generous amount of both cheeses over the beef. Roll up the tortilla and place it seam side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the sauce.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, chopped tomatoes, sour cream, black olives. Serve hot.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Cheesy Beef Enchiladas:

Storing and reheating your enchiladas is easy, ensuring they taste just as good the next day. To store, simply cover your baking dish with foil or transfer the enchiladas to an airtight container and refrigerate. They'll stay good for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Cheesy Beef Enchiladas:

For reheating, cover them with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, or just zap them in the microwave if you're in a hurry.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Frozen?

Yes, enchiladas freeze beautifully! Just wrap your baking dish tightly with foil, or freeze individual servings for a quick future meal. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these enchiladas a day in advance. Just assemble them, cover the dish with foil, and keep it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to eat, bake them as directed. This not only saves time but some say the flavors meld together even more when they sit overnight.

Substitutions & Variations

Meat: Swap ground beef with chicken, turkey, or even go vegetarian with beans and veggies.
Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella works great too.
Sauce: Green enchilada sauce can be a delightful variation if you prefer a tangier taste.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your heat preference.

Helpful Cooking Notes

Tortilla Tip: If your tortillas are cracking while rolling, heat them slightly before assembling.
Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, spread a little enchilada sauce on the bottom of your baking dish before placing the rolled enchiladas.
Cheese Matters: Shred your own cheese if possible. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the meltiness.

Nutrition