Irresistible Cheese and Beef Enchiladas: A Flavor Fiesta!
Get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with bold flavors and satisfying textures with our Cheese and Beef Enchiladas recipe! Bursting with savory ground beef, melty cheese, and vibrant veggies, these enchiladas are a delightful fusion of Mexican-inspired goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a fiesta with friends, these enchiladas are sure to be a hit. So let’s dive into the delicious details and get cooking!
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 3/4 lb Ground sirloin or turkey, lean
Produce:
- 1 cup Lettuce, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups Red or green bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup Tomato, diced
Condiments:
- 1 1/2 cups Salsa or picante sauce
Baking & Spices:
- 1 (1.25 ounce) package Taco seasoning
Bread & Baked Goods:
- 8 (7 inch) flour or corn tortillas
Dairy:
- 1/2 cup Sour cream, light
- 2 cups Sargento® fine cut or traditional cut shredded 4 cheese Mexican blend
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground sirloin or turkey until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Prepare the Filling:
- Add the diced bell pepper and taco seasoning to the cooked meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the bell pepper is tender.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Spoon a generous portion of the meat mixture onto each tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meat, reserving some for topping.
- Roll the Enchiladas:
- Roll up each tortilla tightly and place seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the salsa or picante sauce over the rolled enchiladas, making sure to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the enchiladas are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the foil and garnish the enchiladas with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Tortilla Options: Feel free to use either flour or corn tortillas for this recipe, depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Customize the Filling: Get creative with the filling by adding ingredients like black beans, corn, or diced onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the enchiladas ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Simply cover tightly with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the flour or corn tortillas with low-carb alternatives such as lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
- Use ground beef or turkey with a higher fat content for added keto-friendly fats.
- Choose a sugar-free salsa or picante sauce to keep the carb count low.
Low-Carb Version:
- Opt for low-carb tortillas made from almond flour or coconut flour to reduce the overall carb content.
- Use a moderate amount of salsa or picante sauce to keep the sugar content in check.
- Load up on low-carb vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe? Yes, pre-shredded cheese works perfectly fine for this recipe. However, for the best flavor and meltability, you can also shred your own cheese from a block.
2. Can I freeze leftover enchiladas? Absolutely! Allow the enchiladas to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
3. Can I make vegetarian enchiladas? Yes, you can easily make vegetarian enchiladas by omitting the ground meat and adding extra vegetables or a plant-based protein alternative such as tofu or black beans.
4. How spicy are these enchiladas? The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on the type of salsa or picante sauce you use and the amount of taco seasoning added to the filling. Feel free to customize the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
Cheese and Beef Enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings together the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine in every bite. Whether you’re a fan of classic comfort food or looking to spice up your dinner routine, these enchiladas are sure to impress. Plus, with keto and low-carb variations available, you can enjoy this flavorful dish while sticking to your dietary goals. So gather your ingredients, roll up those enchiladas, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this culinary masterpiece!
