Arabella Lombardi This easy enchilada recipe, featuring beef as its star ingredient, offers a delicious and straightforward approach to a classic dish. The recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor, making it ideal for both novice and experienced cooks. This guide details the ingredients, instructions, nutritional information, and helpful tips for achieving perfectly cooked enchiladas. The recipe is designed for ease of preparation and offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences, allowing for customization.
The foundation of this recipe rests on tender, flavorful beef, complemented by a rich tomato-based sauce and a blend of spices. Proper preparation of the beef ensures a tender and juicy result, contributing significantly to the overall taste experience. The assembly process is intuitive and manageable, making it a perfect choice for weeknight meals. This recipe delivers satisfying portions, and leftovers reheat beautifully, offering convenience for busy lifestyles. The balance of textures and flavors makes this a consistently popular dish.
Careful attention to the cooking process ensures the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, resulting in a satisfying and visually appealing dish. Achieving the perfect balance of flavors hinges on the careful selection and proportioning of spices. This recipe provides a template that allows for culinary exploration and creativity, encouraging adjustments to taste preferences.
Ingredients for Easy Beef Enchiladas
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions for Easy Beef Enchiladas
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, Rotel, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Fill each tortilla with about 1/4 cup of the beef mixture. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Pour any remaining sauce over the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Estimated Cooking Time and Servings for Easy Beef Enchiladas
This easy beef enchilada recipe requires approximately 45 minutes of active preparation and cooking time, yielding approximately 6 servings. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on oven temperature and the desired level of doneness for the beef filling. The recipe’s simplicity and efficiency makes it an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Careful attention to the cooking instructions ensures a consistently delicious outcome. This recipe provides a flexible framework, enabling adjustments to suit individual taste preferences. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated later for convenience.
| Cooking Time | Servings |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 6 |
Nutritional Information for Easy Beef Enchiladas
This recipe provides a good source of protein from the beef, along with carbohydrates from the tortillas and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and spices. While cheese adds richness and flavor, it also contributes to the overall fat content. The nutritional values can be adjusted by using leaner ground beef or reducing the amount of cheese. A balanced and nutritious meal can be achieved with this recipe by incorporating a side salad or vegetables.
Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutritional data, consult a nutrition calculator using the exact brands and measurements of ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 25-30g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35g |
Tips for Cooking Easy Beef Enchiladas
Mastering this simple recipe involves a few key techniques for optimal results. These tips will guide you in achieving delicious, well-cooked enchiladas every time. Careful attention to detail in each step ensures consistent quality and flavor.
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Proper Beef Browning:
Ensure the ground beef is thoroughly browned before adding other ingredients. This step develops flavor and ensures a richer taste profile. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary to prevent steaming instead of browning. Thoroughly draining excess grease contributes to a less greasy final product.
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Spice Balance:
Adjust the amount of chili powder and other spices to suit your taste preferences. Start with the recommended amounts and add more if desired. Remember that flavors meld and deepen during the simmering process, so consider this when seasoning.
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Tortilla Preparation:
Warming the tortillas slightly before filling them makes them more pliable and less likely to break. This can be done by briefly microwaving them or warming them in a dry skillet. Using slightly dampened tortillas can also aid in preventing breakage.
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Even Sauce Distribution:
Ensure the enchiladas are evenly coated with sauce for consistent flavor and moisture. Pouring the sauce over the enchiladas before adding the cheese helps prevent the cheese from burning before the enchiladas are fully cooked. Stirring the sauce prior to pouring also aids in even distribution.
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Cheese Melting:
The cheese should be melted and bubbly by the end of the baking time. If its not, increase the oven temperature or bake for a few more minutes. The type of cheese used will impact the melting properties. Cheddar or Monterey Jack are good choices.
These simple yet effective tips will greatly enhance the outcome of your enchiladas, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience. Attention to detail in these steps contributes to the overall enjoyment and success of this recipe.
Consistency in following these methods ensures predictable, high-quality results each time this recipe is prepared. The ease of preparation, coupled with these helpful tips, makes this recipe suitable for both experienced and inexperienced cooks. The final product, well-cooked and flavorful, is sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions about Easy Beef Enchiladas
This section aims to address common queries encountered when preparing this simple recipe, focusing on addressing practical challenges and enhancing the overall cooking experience.
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Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would all work well. Consider the melting properties of the cheese when making your choice. Using a combination of cheeses can add complexity and depth of flavor.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and bake them later. Store the assembled enchiladas, unbaked, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
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What can I do if my tortillas are breaking?
Slightly warming the tortillas before filling will make them more pliable. If they are still breaking, try using larger tortillas or slightly overlapping them as you place them in the baking dish.
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Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or corn to the filling. Consider adding them along with the onions and garlic. Chopping them to a similar size as the other ingredients will help to ensure even cooking.
Addressing these frequently asked questions aids in achieving optimal results and enhances the overall ease of preparing this dish. Clear and concise responses to these common concerns alleviate potential cooking challenges.
This comprehensive approach ensures a smoother cooking process, leading to a consistently delicious and satisfying final product. This recipe’s flexibility and straightforward nature encourage culinary experimentation and adaptation to suit individual tastes and preferences.
In conclusion, this easy beef enchilada recipe offers a delightful and convenient culinary experience. The detailed instructions, coupled with helpful tips and frequently asked questions, ensure a successful outcome every time. The straightforward nature of this recipe makes it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks.