Beef Enchiladas with Extra Cheese are a comforting, cheesy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. The combination of seasoned beef, tortillas, savory enchilada sauce, and loads of melted cheese makes this dish irresistible. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more for extra cheese!)
For the Enchiladas:
- 8-10 corn or flour tortillas (depending on the size)
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Filling:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper, and stir well to coat the beef mixture evenly with the spices.
- Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth (or water), and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a thicker filling, stir in the tomato paste.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set the beef mixture aside.
2. Prepare the Enchiladas:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave to make them more pliable. This helps prevent them from tearing when rolling.
- Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
- Take each tortilla and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of the tortilla. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly around the filling and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat until all tortillas are filled and arranged in the dish.
3. Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the top of the rolled-up tortillas.
- Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese (and extra cheddar if you want even more cheese!) generously on top of the enchiladas.
4. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes. This helps the enchiladas cook through and the cheese melt.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips:
- Extra cheese: You can add more cheese between layers of tortillas or on top for that extra cheesy experience.
- Customize the filling: Add black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy option: If you like your enchiladas spicy, add chopped jalapeños to the beef filling or drizzle hot sauce over the top before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Beef Enchiladas with Extra Cheese, a deliciously cheesy, flavorful meal that everyone will love!