Mexican-Style Ground Beef Enchiladas: Easy Old El Paso Recipe

Making Mexican-Style ground beef enchiladas at home is easy. Old El Paso’s ingredients bring traditional flavors to your kitchen. These enchiladas are great for weeknights or gatherings, with tender beef, savory spices, and melted cheese in warm corn tortillas.

Follow this guide to make a dish that tastes like it came from a Mexican kitchen. Mix ground beef with zesty seasonings, spread enchilada sauce, and top with shredded cheese. Old El Paso’s corn tortillas and sauce make every bite authentic and easy to make.

These enchiladas are perfect for family or friends, offering bold taste with little effort. The recipe is adaptable to dietary needs, using ingredients found in any store. Serve with salsa and sour cream for a complete, restaurant-quality meal.

Introduction to Authentic Beef Enchiladas

Enchiladas are more than just a meal; they celebrate Mexican culinary tradition. Ground beef enchiladas embody this with layers of flavor and history. Each part, from spiced beef to warm tortillas, comes together for a dish that’s both comforting and culturally rich.

These enchiladas are a connection to generations of cooking. They show how tradition meets modern kitchens. Every bite tells a story of Mexico’s vibrant food culture.

Making authentic ground beef enchiladas invites you to explore new flavors. With Old El Paso’s products, you’re not just cooking; you’re bridging cultures and tastes. This dish honors time-honored techniques and ingredients, inviting you to savor every layer.

What Makes These Ground Beef Enchiladas Authentic

Authentic Mexican food is more than just ingredients. It’s a celebration of history and tradition. This old el paso enchilada recipe shines because of its roots and the brands that honor them.

The Origins of Traditional Mexican Enchiladas

Enchiladas come from Mesoamerica, where corn tortillas wrapped fillings were common. Over time, chile-based sauces and spices became key. Today, recipes like the old el paso enchilada recipe keep this tradition alive, using red chile sauces and simple fillings.

Old El Paso’s Connection to Authentic Mexican Flavors

Old El Paso connects the past to the present with their products. Their corn tortillas and enchilada sauces use real chiles and spices. This way, when you make their recipe, you honor Mexico’s culinary history while making it easy for home cooks.

Key Differences Between Tex-Mex and Mexican-Style Enchiladas

• Tex-Mex: Often uses flour tortillas, melted cheese, and cumin-heavy sauces
• Mexican-Style: Relies on corn tortillas, red chile sauces, and fewer toppings

The old el paso enchilada recipe sticks to Mexican traditions. It uses corn tortillas and bold chile flavors, avoiding Tex-Mex’s cheese and cumin. This keeps the dish true to its cultural roots.

Essential Ingredients for Mexican-Style Ground Beef Enchiladas

The ground beef enchiladas recipe needs a mix of old and new. Each part adds to the dish’s taste and feel.

Selecting the Best Ground Beef for Enchiladas

Choose 80/20 ground beef for tender meat. If you want leaner, go for it. But avoid too fatty meat. For different tastes, try turkey, plant-based options, or chicken.

Old El Paso Products You’ll Need

• Old El Paso Enchilada Sauce (mild, medium, or hot)
• Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix for the beef filling
• Old El Paso Corn Tortillas for authentic crunch

These items keep the flavor consistent, sticking to the ground beef enchiladas recipe.

Fresh Ingredients That Elevate Your Enchiladas

Use white onion, garlic, and cilantro for a fresh taste. Queso fresco or Chihuahua cheese melt great. Add black beans or bell peppers for texture.

Substitutions and Variations for Dietary Needs

For gluten-free or dairy-free, use special tortillas and cheese. Add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or pickled onions for flavor. Top with avocado or Greek yogurt for creaminess.

Preparing the Ground Beef Filling

Getting the filling right makes your easy beef enchiladas stand out. Start by heating a skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbled. Use a spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks.

1. After the beef is browned, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until they soften and release their sweetness.
2. Then, add Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix. This coats the meat with cumin, chili powder, and oregano, the filling’s core.
3. Next, add ¼ cup of water or beef broth. This helps mix flavors and keeps the filling moist. Let it simmer until the liquid halves, intensifying the taste.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.

This approach keeps the filling moist but thick enough for tortillas. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness. For easy beef enchiladas, the filling should be tender, not dry. Adjust the seasoning as you go for that authentic taste without fuss.

How to Assemble Your Beef Enchiladas

Learning to assemble your beef enchiladas easy recipe is key. It makes sure every bite is full of flavor. Here’s how to make your dish look and taste like it came from a restaurant.

Properly Heating and Filling Corn Tortillas

Soft tortillas are essential. Use these methods to keep them soft:

• Stovetop Method: Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet. Toss a tortilla for 2-3 seconds on each side until flexible.
• Microwave Method: Wrap 4-5 tortillas in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds on high.

Spread 2-3 tablespoons of beef filling along the lower third of each tortilla. Make sure to leave room at the top and bottom to seal well.

Rolling Techniques for Perfect Enchiladas

Roll tightly to keep flavors in:

1. Bring the bottom edge of the tortilla over the filling, then fold the sides in slightly.
2. Continue rolling away from you, applying gentle pressure to form a tight cylinder.
3. Press the seam firmly to seal. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.

Arranging Enchiladas in Your Baking Dish

Arrange enchiladas in a greased 9×13-inch dish:

• Place each rolled enchilada seam-side down to prevent unraveling.
• Arrange them snugly side-by-side, leaving ½ inch between each for even baking.
• Brush with enchilada sauce before adding the final layer of sauce and cheese.

By following these steps, your beef enchiladas easy recipe will look great and taste amazing. It’s ready to be baked.

Cooking and Serving Tips for Perfect Enchiladas

Mastering the final steps of your easy beef enchiladas recipe ensures the dish shines with authentic flavor and texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking dish lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Before baking, spread a thin layer of Old El Paso enchilada sauce over the bottom of the dish to lock in moisture as you layer enchiladas.

Coat each rolled tortilla with sauce before placing it in the dish, then top with shredded cheese halfway through baking. This technique prevents sogginess while creating a melty core. Bake for 25–30 minutes until edges bubble and cheese browns. Overbaking dries out tortillas, so monitor closely after 20 minutes.

Serve with these pro tips for presentation:

• Let enchiladas rest 5–10 minutes post-bake to firm up, making them easier to slice and serve.
• Garnish with fresh toppings like diced cilantro, radish slices, or a drizzle of crema to add color and brightness.
• Pair with Mexican rice or black beans to balance the dish’s richness.

For the easy beef enchiladas recipe to impress, experiment with garnishes like lime wedges or pickled onions. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in a 300°F oven to avoid drying. These tips transform a simple meal into a restaurant-quality feast, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.

Conclusion

Now you know how to make Mexican-Style ground beef enchiladas. This recipe uses Old El Paso’s traditional ingredients and simple steps. It brings Mexico’s flavors right to your kitchen.

These enchiladas are perfect for any meal. They mix bold spices, tender meat, and creamy sauce. It’s a mix that’s hard to resist.

Feel free to make these your own by adjusting spices or adding your favorite toppings. Old El Paso corn tortillas and enchilada sauce are the starting points. But don’t be afraid to try different cheeses or garnishes like fresh cilantro.

Each time you make this dish, you’ll get better at it. You’ll learn how to roll tortillas and bake them just right.

Adding Mexican-Style ground beef enchiladas to your meal plan is a great idea. It’s comforting and authentic. This recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home easily.

Next time you crave enchiladas, try this method. It’s sure to please everyone with its delicious flavors.

FAQ

What type of ground beef is best for making enchiladas?

The best ground beef for enchiladas is 80/20. It has the right fat content for flavor and texture. But, leaner beef works too if you want a healthier option.

Can I use other types of meat in this beef enchiladas easy recipe?

Yes! You can swap ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based meat for a twist on traditional beef enchiladas.

Is there a specific way to heat the corn tortillas for enchiladas?

Yes, heat corn tortillas by frying them briefly in hot oil or microwaving them. This makes them pliable and easy to roll.

How do I store leftover beef enchiladas?

Keep leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat by covering with foil and baking at 350°F until warm.

What if I want to make my beef enchiladas spicier?

For spicier enchiladas, use hotter enchilada sauce or add jalapeños to the filling. You can also add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the beef.

Can I make enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes, assemble enchiladas a day before and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if they’re straight from the fridge.

What toppings go well with beef enchiladas?

Toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, sour cream, and avocado are great. Fresh cilantro, cilantro lime crema, and pico de gallo add extra flavor and texture.

How can I adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet?

For gluten-free enchiladas, use gluten-free corn tortillas. Make sure your Old El Paso sauce and seasoning are gluten-free. Choose fresh, whole ingredients for a naturally gluten-free dish.