Looking for an easy family meal that packs a cheesy punch? This One-Pan Cheesy Beef Enchiladas recipe is your answer! With tender ground beef, zesty spices, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, you’ll love how simple it is to prepare. Dive into a delicious dish that saves cleanup time and doubles as a fantastic weeknight dinner. Are you ready to cook something amazing?
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
For these One-Pan Cheesy Beef Enchiladas, the main ingredients make all the difference. Ground beef gives a rich flavor and hearty texture. The onions and garlic add a sweet and savory base. Black beans boost protein and fiber, making the dish more filling. You need enchilada sauce for a tasty kick and moisture.
Tortillas and Cheese
– 6 small flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
You can use flour tortillas, which stay soft and roll easily. They hold the filling well, making each bite delicious. For cheese, I like using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cheddar adds sharpness, while Monterey Jack brings creaminess. Together, they melt beautifully and create a cheesy topping.
Seasonings
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
Seasonings are key to great flavor. Chili powder adds warmth and a bit of heat. Ground cumin gives a smoky taste that pairs well with beef. Salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor, making each bite satisfying. Adjust these spices to suit your taste; cooking should always feel personal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step warms up your oven.
– In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add 1 small chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it turns soft. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another minute until it smells great.
Cooking the Beef
– Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it is brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. If there is extra fat, drain it out.
– Stir in 1 can of drained black beans. Add 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Then, pour in half of the enchilada sauce. Mix well until everything blends together.
Assembling the Enchiladas
– In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom. This helps the enchiladas not stick.
– Take a small flour tortilla and place a generous spoonful of the beef mix down the center. Roll it tightly and keep the seam on the bottom. Repeat this for all tortillas, placing them seam-side down in the dish.
– Pour any leftover enchilada sauce on top of the rolled tortillas. Then, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
Baking
– Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while baking. Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
– After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. This helps the cheese become bubbly and golden brown.
– Once baked, let the enchiladas rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with sour cream on the side if you like.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Enchiladas
To avoid soggy tortillas, warm them slightly in the microwave. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Don’t soak them in sauce for too long. A light layer of sauce on the bottom helps too.
Getting the cheese just right is key. Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack for great flavor. Sprinkle cheese on top generously. This gives a nice, gooey finish when baked.
Cooking Shortcuts
Using pre-cooked beef can save you time. You can find it in many stores. Just heat it up and mix it with the other ingredients.
Chopping onions and garlic can take time. Try using a food processor for quick chopping. Alternatively, buy pre-chopped onions and minced garlic. This saves you even more time!
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your dish with fresh garnishes. Chopped cilantro adds a nice pop of color and flavor. You can also add sour cream for a creamy touch.
Pair your enchiladas with simple side dishes. A fresh salad or rice works well. You can even serve them with tortilla chips and salsa for a fun twist!
Variations
Vegetarian Option
You can easily make these enchiladas meat-free. Swap the ground beef for black beans. This adds protein and fiber. You can also mix in other beans like pinto or kidney beans. Add more vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn work great. Just chop them small and sauté with the onions and garlic. This way, you keep a tasty filling without meat.
Spice Levels
Want to turn up the heat? You can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Mix them into the beef mixture or sprinkle on top before baking. For a milder version, use less chili powder. Kids may not like spicy food, so keep it simple for them. You can also serve sour cream on the side. This helps cool it down for little ones.
Different Cheeses
Cheese can change the whole dish. While cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic, you can try different blends. Pepper Jack adds a nice kick. For a lighter option, consider part-skim mozzarella. If you need a non-dairy choice, use vegan cheese. These options melt well and taste great. Just choose what fits your taste and diet.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftover enchiladas, place them in a sealed container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Just label the bag with the date to keep track.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the enchiladas in a baking dish and cover with foil. This keeps them moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Microwaving can make the tortillas soggy. If using a microwave, place a damp paper towel over the enchiladas to help keep them moist.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your enchiladas will stay good for about four days. After that, you should toss them out. Look for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look moldy, it’s best to throw them away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety.
FAQs
Can I make One-Pan Cheesy Beef Enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these enchiladas ahead. Prepare the dish, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you save time on busy nights.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works great if you want a lighter option. For a vegetarian choice, you can use black beans or lentils. Both will add protein and flavor. Another option is to use crumbled tofu, which soaks up flavors well. Each choice gives a unique taste and texture to your dish.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes, corn tortillas can be used, but they will change the texture. Corn tortillas are firmer and have a distinct flavor. They may break more easily when rolling. To help, warm them up in a pan first. This makes them more flexible and easier to work with. Enjoy experimenting with different types for your enchiladas!
In this post, we explored making delicious enchiladas step by step. You learned about key ingredients, such as beef, beans, and spices. I provided tips for perfecting texture and flavor. We also discussed variations for different diets and taste preferences. Remember, storing and reheating enchiladas correctly keeps them tasty. With this guide, you can impress anyone with your cooking skills. Enjoy creating your own enchiladas and feel free to experiment! You’ll make a dish that everyone loves.
