If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that tastes like a fiesta in every bite, you have to try this Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake for Family Dinner Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of seasoned ground beef, creamy beans, spicy green chiles, and a luscious topping of melted Mexican cheese, all wrapped up in soft tortillas and baked to bubbly perfection. This dish not only satisfies hearty appetites but also brings everyone around the table for moments filled with flavor and smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring out the rich, layered flavors and pleasing textures that make enchiladas such a beloved classic. From aromatic spices to gooey cheese, everything plays a vital role.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing that adds a subtle fruitiness and helps develop flavor.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and a tender bite after cooking.
- Garlic (minced): Offers aromatic warmth that enhances the meat mixture.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that carries the spices and adds a satisfying texture.
- Chili powder: Brings bold, smoky heat to the filling.
- Cumin: Adds earthiness and depth to the spice profile.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky flavor without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors in balance.
- Black beans (drained and rinsed): Provide creaminess, fiber, and a complementary texture.
- Diced green chiles: Impart a pleasant mild heat and fresh zest.
- Enchilada sauce: The vibrant, saucy base that envelops every bite with tangy richness.
- Flour tortillas (8-inch): The soft, flexible wraps that hold the filling beautifully.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: Essential for that gooey, melty, irresistible top layer.
- Chopped cilantro (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish when garnished.
How to Make Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake for Family Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, ensuring it browns nicely. Once cooked through, drain excess fat to keep the bake from being greasy.
Step 2: Season the Beef Mixture
Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir well to coat every bit of the meat. Then fold in the black beans and diced green chiles for texture and an extra kick of flavor. Stir in half a cup of enchilada sauce to bind everything together and keep the filling moist.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour half a cup of enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This creates a flavorful base that prevents sticking and infuses the bottom tortillas with sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Enchiladas
Spoon about one-third cup of the beef mixture into each tortilla. Sprinkle a little shredded cheese over the filling for added creaminess. Roll up the tortillas tightly and arrange them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. This keeps everything snug and intact during baking. Repeat until you use all eight tortillas.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled tortillas. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheese all over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and brown to golden perfection. Let the bake rest for five minutes before serving so it firms up slightly and all the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake for Family Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add freshness and contrast to this rich dish. Chopped cilantro works wonderfully to brighten the flavors and provide a splash of green. You can also add dollops of sour cream or slices of ripe avocado if you want to add creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
This enchiladas bake pairs brilliantly with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or Mexican-style rice for even more comforting grains. Refried beans or a quick corn salad introduce more texture and color that complement the cheesy main beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or colorful ramekins straight from the oven. Another idea is to layer some fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or pickled red onions to add vibrant colors and fresh bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining both flavor and texture when refrigerated properly.
Freezing
You can freeze this enchiladas bake either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble and cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months. When frozen after baking, cover thoroughly and consume within 1 month for best taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and the cheese melts again, about 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave single servings on medium power, covering loosely, for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway if needed, though the oven method keeps the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken are great leaner alternatives that work beautifully with the spices and other ingredients in this bake. Just adjust cooking time until fully cooked and season well.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the meat and add extra beans or sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. This creates a deliciously hearty vegetarian version that still has plenty of flavor and satisfying texture.
Can I use corn tortillas in this recipe?
Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option, but they tend to be less pliable than flour tortillas. To prevent breaking, warm and slightly steam them before assembling your enchiladas bake.
What type of cheese is best for enchiladas bake?
A Mexican cheese blend typically includes cheddar, Monterey Jack, and sometimes queso quesadilla or asadero. This mix melts beautifully and offers a balanced flavor perfect for enchiladas, but feel free to use what you enjoy most.
How can I make the enchiladas bake spicier?
To kick up the heat, add more diced green chiles, use a spicy enchilada sauce, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños into the beef mixture. Just adjust to your preferred spice level!
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake for Family Dinner Recipe. It’s cozy, bursting with flavor, and a true crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together with smiles and satisfied appetites. So grab those ingredients and get baking—your next family dinner will be nothing short of unforgettable!
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Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake for Family Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free option, can be made Vegetarian
Description
This Deliciously Cheesy Enchiladas Bake is a perfect family dinner option combining seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a rich enchilada sauce wrapped in soft tortillas, all topped with melted Mexican cheese blend. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing Mexican-American casserole that’s easy to prepare and bake, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
Seasonings and Beans
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
Sauce, Tortillas, and Cheese
- 2 cups enchilada sauce, divided
- 8 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready to bake the enchiladas to perfection.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release the flavors.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the bake from being greasy.
- Season the Beef Mixture: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Then add black beans, diced green chiles, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Mix well and remove from heat.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Spoon about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture into each tortilla, sprinkle with a little shredded cheese, roll up tightly, and place seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all tortillas.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and cheese to melt.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the enchiladas sit for 5 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or sautéed vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this dish gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
