Cheesy Beef Enchiladas
Cheesy Beef Enchiladas are a delightful comfort food featuring savory beef, creamy cheese, and a rich sauce wrapped in warm tortillas, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the beef filling
- 1 lb 80/20 ground beef, chili grind if available
- 1 T kosher salt, divided 1/2 tablespoon for cooking, 1/2 teaspoon for seasoning
- 1/2 t black pepper
- 1/3 c minced white onion Plus 1/2 cup for topping
- 2 T Texas chili powder
- 1 t powdered garlic
- 1 t onion powder
- 1/2 t Mexican oregano
- 2 t cumin
- 1/4 c flour For thickening the gravy
- 2 1/2 c beef stock
- 1 t fresh lemon juice For added flavor
For assembly
- 12-16 pieces fresh yellow or white corn tortillas Adjust quantity based on how full the tortillas are filled
- 1 c oil for frying
- 12 oz medium cheddar, freshly grated
Instructions
Chili Gravy
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, 1/2 tablespoon kosher salt, and black pepper. Sear the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced onion and cook for an additional 2 minutes until softened. Mix in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cumin.
- Lower the heat slightly and sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture, stirring to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the beef stock while continuously stirring. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and fresh lemon juice.
Tortillas
- In another skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Lightly fry each tortilla for 1-2 seconds on each side until pliable, then drain on paper towels.
Assembly
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- For each tortilla, place a generous amount of the beef mixture, a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and a little minced onion. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour the chili gravy evenly over the enchiladas.
- Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Optionally, top with additional onion and cheddar before serving.
Notes
For added richness, include sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro when serving. You can also substitute ground beef with shredded chicken or beans for a vegetarian option. Freezing some enchiladas without sauce for later is a great idea.