Spicy Beef Enchiladas

Spicy Beef Enchiladas topped with sour cream and cilantro in a baking dish. pinit

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Prepare your taste buds for a flavor-packed journey with our Fiery Beef Enchiladas recipe. These mouthwatering enchiladas are a celebration of bold and spicy flavors, featuring seasoned ground beef, zesty chili sauce, and melted cheese, all rolled up in soft tortillas. Whether you’re craving a festive dinner or looking to impress your guests at the next fiesta, these enchiladas will deliver a spicy punch that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Join us as we explore the world of Tex-Mex cuisine and learn to create this sizzling sensation at home.

Spicy Beef Enchiladas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish with roots in both Mexican and American cuisine. The dish can be traced back to the concept of wrapping tortillas around various fillings, a practice that has been a part of Mexican culinary traditions for centuries.

  • The word “enchilada” comes from the Spanish word “enchilar,” which means “to season with chili.”
  • Indigenous peoples in Mexico used corn tortillas as a staple food, and they often wrapped them around various ingredients, including chili peppers and meat.
  • The fusion of Mexican and American cuisines in the southwestern United States gave rise to Tex-Mex cuisine, which popularized dishes like Spicy Beef Enchiladas.

Spicy Beef Enchiladas embody the rich history of culinary exchange and adaptation between cultures.

Spicy Beef Enchiladas

Fiery Beef Enchiladas are a Tex-Mex classic that embodies the vibrant and bold flavors of this beloved cuisine. The combination of tender ground beef, aromatic spices, fiery chili sauce, and gooey cheese creates a sensational dish that's perfect for spice lovers. With the option to adjust the heat level to your liking, these enchiladas are customizable to suit your palate. Serve them with sides like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a complete Tex-Mex experience.

Tools and Equipment

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins Difficulty: Advanced Servings: 8 Calories: 406.14 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

For the Spicy Beef Filling:

For the Enchilada Sauce:

For Assembling the Enchiladas:

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Spicy Beef Filling:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.

  2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

  3. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.

  4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to become aromatic. Set aside.

For the Enchilada Sauce:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the red enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.

Assembling the Enchiladas:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Pour a small amount of the enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.

  3. Take a flour tortilla and spoon some of the spicy beef filling onto it. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and roll the tortilla, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish.

  4. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas.

  5. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are generously coated.

  6. Top the enchiladas with the remaining shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños if you want an extra kick.

  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the enchiladas are heated through.

  8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

  9. Allow the enchiladas to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8


Amount Per Serving
Calories 406.14kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24.59g38%
Saturated Fat 10.86g55%
Trans Fat 0.92g
Cholesterol 67.91mg23%
Sodium 899.88mg38%
Potassium 361.99mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 25.53g9%
Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
Sugars 3.46g
Protein 20.24g41%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.

Note

Tips and Variations:
  • Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the enchilada sauce.
  • Enhance the flavor with ingredients like chopped green onions, black olives, or diced tomatoes in the filling.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro as a garnish for a refreshing contrast to the heat.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve Fiery Beef Enchiladas with classic Tex-Mex sides like rice and beans, guacamole, or a crisp green salad. Pair them with a margarita or Mexican beer for the ultimate Tex-Mex experience.
Allergen Information:
  • Spicy Beef Enchiladas typically contain ingredients like beef, cheese, tortillas, and spices.
  • Common allergens in this dish may include wheat (in flour tortillas), dairy (in cheese and sour cream), and soy (in some seasoning mixes). It's important to check ingredient labels and accommodate dietary restrictions.
Wine or Drink Pairing:

Spicy Beef Enchiladas pair wonderfully with a range of beverages:

  • Red wine: Try a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or a spicy Zinfandel to complement the heat of the enchilada sauce.
  • Beer: A cold Mexican lager or a craft beer with citrusy notes can balance the spice and richness.
  • Margarita: The classic choice, a margarita with a salted rim, offers a refreshing contrast to the spiciness.
Storage and Leftovers:
Keywords: spicy beef enchiladas, Tex-Mex cuisine, fiery enchilada sauce, Mexican-inspired dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
What can I substitute for ground beef in enchiladas?

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or black beans for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the substitute is seasoned well to maintain flavor and richness in your enchiladas.

Can I make the enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the spicy beef filling and assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Simply cover them and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the enchilada sauce and cheese before baking as instructed.

How can I make enchiladas less spicy?

To reduce the spice level, use mild enchilada sauce, omit the cayenne pepper, or add more tomato sauce to dilute the heat. Additionally, you can skip the jalapeños and choose a milder cheese to suit your taste.

What toppings go well with enchiladas?

Popular toppings for enchiladas include sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a complete meal.

How do I store and reheat leftover enchiladas?

Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them on medium heat until hot. For frozen enchiladas, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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