If you're craving a savory, cheesy, and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired meal, you're going to love these Beef and Bean Enchiladas! This recipe is packed with flavor, featuring seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and melted cheese all wrapped in soft tortillas and smothered in a rich enchilada sauce.
Why You'll Love This Simple Weeknight Meal
- Quick & Easy. Ready in under an hour with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Hearty. Packed with seasoned beef, protein-rich beans, and plenty of melty cheese.
- Customizable. Add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for endless variations.
- Perfect for Leftovers. These enchiladas taste even better the next day!
Whether you’re making a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, these enchiladas are a crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone at the table.
What Do Beef And Bean Enchiladas Taste Like?
Beef and Bean Enchiladas are a comforting, flavorful dish with a balance of protein from the beef and beans, the richness of cheese, and the savory enchilada sauce.
They offer a mix of textures and flavors that will make this dish a go-to recipe for weeknights or gatherings.
Why Do My Enchiladas Turn To Mush?
By addressing these common issues, you can achieve enchiladas that have the perfect texture—soft tortillas that hold their shape, a flavorful filling, and just the right amount of sauce:
- Properly prepare tortillas by warming or lightly frying them.
- Use the right amount of sauce, avoiding over-saturation.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking dish.
- Monitor baking time and temperature to prevent overcooking.
- Choose corn tortillas over flour for better texture.
- Ensure fillings are not too wet by draining and cooking off excess liquid.
- Serve enchiladas promptly after baking.
- Bake uncovered to prevent steam buildup.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Ground Beef- Lean ground beef is the base of the filling, providing a savory and meaty flavor.
- Black Beans or Pinto Beans- Adds heartiness and extra protein to the filling.
- Taco Seasoning- A blend of spices that brings classic Mexican flavors to the filling.
- Enchilada Sauce- Either homemade or store-bought, this is essential for smothering the enchiladas.
- Tortillas- Flour or corn tortillas work well; use your preference.
- Shredded Cheese- Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for that perfect melted topping.
- Onion and Garlic- Adds depth of flavor to the beef filling.
- Olive Oil- For sautéing the onions and browning the beef.
How To Make Beef And Bean Enchiladas
- Cook the Beef. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Season the Filling. Once the beef is browned, stir in taco seasoning and black beans (or pinto beans). Add a small amount of water and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Fill the Tortillas. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a tortilla on a flat surface, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and bean mixture into the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, making sure to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like the cheese extra crispy, broil the enchiladas for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Serve. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Tips And Tricks
Making Beef and Bean Enchiladas is easy, but these tips will help you achieve the best results:
- Use Fresh Tortillas. Slightly warm the tortillas before filling them to prevent them from cracking.
- Customize the Filling. Add veggies like diced bell peppers, corn, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Extra Cheesy. For an ultra-cheesy dish, layer some cheese in the middle of the enchiladas and on top.
- Sauce Control. If you like your enchiladas saucier, add a bit more enchilada sauce to the top before baking.
Variations
Want to switch things up with your enchiladas? Here are some tasty variations:
- Chicken Enchiladas- Substitute the ground beef with shredded or diced chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Vegetarian Enchiladas- Skip the beef and double up on the beans and veggies for a plant-based version.
- Creamy- Stir in a bit of sour cream or cream cheese into the filling for a creamy texture.
- Beef and Green Chile- Use green enchilada sauce and roasted green chiles for a Southwestern twist.
What To Eat With Beef And Bean Enchiladas
These enchiladas pair perfectly with a variety of sides:
- Mexican Rice- Fluffy and flavorful, this is a classic side to serve alongside enchiladas.
- Refried Beans- Creamy and hearty, refried beans complement the richness of the enchiladas.
- Guacamole and Chips- Serve some creamy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips on the side.
- Pico de Gallo- A fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and balances the richness of the enchiladas.
How Long Do They Last?
Store leftover beef and bean enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
Can You Freeze Them?
Yes! Beef and Bean Enchiladas are freezer-friendly. Assemble the enchiladas but hold off on baking. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
To cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 15 ounces Canned Pinto Beans, rinsed
- Taco Seasoning, to taste
- 1 Onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 6 Tortillas, corn or flour
- 2 cups Enchilada Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Cook the Beef. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks.
- Season the Filling. Once the beef is browned, stir in taco seasoning and black beans (or pinto beans). Add a small amount of water and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.
- Fill the Tortillas. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a tortilla on a flat surface, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the beef and bean mixture into the center, sprinkle with cheese, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled enchilada seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of the rolled enchiladas, making sure to cover them evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
- Bake. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like the cheese extra crispy, broil the enchiladas for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Serve. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
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