Beef Enchilada Recipe

Introduction:
Embark on a culinary journey with this delicious Beef Enchilada recipe, a flavorful and comforting Mexican dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for bold spices and hearty ingredients. Tender beef, savory enchilada sauce, gooey cheese, and soft tortillas come together to create a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients:
For the Enchilada Filling:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Enchilada Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembling the Enchiladas:

• 10-12 corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
• Sliced jalapeños, for garnish (optional)
• Sour cream, for serving (optional)
• Sliced avocado, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
6. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute, then gradually whisk in the chicken or beef broth and tomato sauce.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. To assemble the enchiladas, spoon a small amount of the enchilada sauce onto the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
9. Warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds to make them pliable. Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the baking dish.
10. Once all the enchiladas are assembled, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, making sure to cover them evenly.
11. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the enchiladas.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the cheese.
14. Garnish the enchiladas with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños, if desired.
15. Serve the enchiladas hot with sour cream and sliced avocado on the side.

Tips for Success:

• You can customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans.
• For a spicier sauce, add more chili powder or diced green chilies.
• Make sure to tightly roll the tortillas to prevent the filling from falling out during baking.
• If using corn tortillas, you can soften them by dipping them in hot enchilada sauce before filling and rolling.
• Leftover enchiladas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy the bold flavors and comforting warmth of these Beef Enchiladas, a delicious meal that is sure to become a family favorite!