Some dinners sneak up on you, the kind where the day slips away and suddenly it’s almost dinnertime with nothing planned. That’s exactly what happened last week. I remember the moment I opened the fridge and saw a lonely pack of tortillas, some cheddar cheese, and ground beef waiting patiently. It was one of those evenings where the kitchen smelled like a warm hug as the spices began to sizzle in the pan.
The aroma of cumin and chili powder swirling together filled the air, mingling with the soft sizzle of onion and garlic. As I rolled those tortillas tight and nestled them into the baking dish, the anticipation grew. When the melted cheese bubbled up golden and the enchilada sauce glazed every edge, the whole kitchen felt alive and inviting. Sitting down with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro, I realized how simple ingredients and a little love turn into something truly satisfying.
Here’s why you’ll want to add these Tex-Mex Enchiladas to your dinner rotation:
- Rich, layered flavors that balance smoky spices with creamy cheese.
- Comforting warmth that feels like a meal made just for you.
- Flexible enough to suit weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve.
- Leftovers that reheat beautifully for another cozy meal.
If you’re worried about time or complexity, don’t be. This recipe is straightforward enough to fit into a busy week but delivers enough flavor to feel special. Plus, it’s a great way to bring a little southwestern flair to your table without fuss.
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Tex-Mex Enchiladas
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Delicious Tex-Mex Enchiladas filled with seasoned ground beef, topped with a flavorful enchilada sauce and melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a classic southwestern twist.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Remove the skillet from heat.
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
Spread 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Place about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture down the center of each tortilla, then sprinkle with a tablespoon of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the enchiladas, cover them, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the tortillas tender.
Can I swap the beef for another protein? You can use shredded chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your preferences.
Is it okay to freeze these? Yes, freeze them before baking by wrapping tightly in foil. Thaw overnight before baking for best results.
Ready to bring this cozy Tex-Mex dinner to your table? Scroll down, save the recipe, and get cooking—your next comforting meal awaits.