Enchilada
Enchiladas are a flavorful Mexican dish featuring seasoned ground beef wrapped in tortillas and topped with spicy enchilada sauce. Rich, savory, and slightly spicy, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a comforting combination of bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp flour ⓘ
- 2 to 3 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
- chopped or sliced jalapeno (optional) ⓘ
- 1 large can enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can chopped chili ⓘ
- 1 small can black olives ⓘ
- 5 to 6 large flour or corn tortillas ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef with onions if using, then drain off excess oil.
- Add flour, chili powder, cumin, salt, and garlic to the beef mixture.
- Mix well, then add water and cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.
- Taste the mixture and adjust chili powder if needed to achieve a taco seasoning flavor.
- Fill tortillas with the beef mixture, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
- Pour enchilada sauce over the assembled enchiladas, and top with chopped chili and black olives if desired.
- Bake in the oven until heated through and bubbly. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapenos to the beef mixture. If you don't have flour, you can use cornstarch as a thickener or omit it for a gluten-free version. Experiment with spices to tailor the flavor to your liking, similar to those found in Taco Biscuit Appetizers. Ensure the tortillas are warm before filling to prevent cracking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices. They pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. This dish is great for gatherings, so consider making it part of a Mexican recipes spread for a festive occasion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will keep the tortillas crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Enchilada contains roughly 885 calories, with 42g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (128% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2741mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are heated through.
What types of tortillas are best for enchiladas?
Both corn and flour tortillas work well for enchiladas. Corn tortillas are traditional and offer a nice flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make vegetarian enchiladas, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms or use black beans for protein. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).