Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas Recipe Everyone Will Love

Beef enchiladas burst with zesty flavors that transform an ordinary dinner into a fiesta of culinary delight.

These rolled treasures pack a punch of robust seasoning and tender meat that’ll make taste buds dance.

Mexican-inspired magic happens when ground beef gets wrapped in soft corn tortillas, creating a symphony of textures.

Smothered in a tangy sauce and blanketed with melted cheese, this dish turns weeknight meals into something spectacular.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of spices that warms you from the inside out.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks craving authentic taste.

Check out these enchiladas and watch your dinner table come alive with excitement and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Breakdown for Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas

• Canola Oil: Choose a high-quality, neutral-flavored oil for smooth blending.
• Flour: Select all-purpose flour for perfect sauce thickening.

• Red Sauce: Opt for a robust, vibrant tomato-based sauce with deep flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Pick low-sodium broth for better control of salt levels.

• Salt, Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for maximum taste.

• Ground Beef: Select lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicy texture.
• Onions: Choose sweet yellow onions for mild, caramelized flavor.

• Tortillas: Pick soft corn or flour tortillas that are fresh and pliable.

• Green Chilies, Green Onions, Black Olives: Select fresh, crisp vegetables for bright flavor and texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Use a blend of monterey jack and cheddar for melty, rich coverage.

• Fresh Cilantro: Pick bright green leaves with no wilting for a vibrant finish.

Tools Checklist for Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas

• Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, flavorful enchilada sauce.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients without lumps.
• Skillet: Needed for browning ground beef and softening tortillas.
• Paper towels: Great for draining excess oil from tortillas.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking enchiladas.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: Useful for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Cheese grater: Perfect for shredding cheese topping.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas

• Whip Up the Flavor Base

Transform your kitchen into a sizzling Mexican haven by creating a rich, velvety sauce. Blend canola oil and flour in a saucepan, whisking together red sauce, broth, and seasonings until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

• Brown the Protein

Sear ground beef with diced onions in a hot skillet, letting the meat caramelize and release its deep, savory flavors. Drain away excess fat and season generously to enhance the taste profile.

• Craft Your Enchiladas

Warm tortillas quickly in hot oil, making them soft and pliable. Layer each tortilla with seasoned beef, green chilies, zesty onions, briny olives, and melty cheese. Roll tightly, creating perfect bundles of deliciousness.

• Bake to Perfection

Spread sauce in a baking dish, nestle your enchilada rolls inside, and drench them with more sauce. Sprinkle an extra handful of cheese on top. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until the cheese bubbles and the edges turn golden brown. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness.

How to Customize Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas

• Boost Flavor Power: Add a splash of Mexican beer or a dash of tequila to the enchilada sauce for an authentic, zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Customize Your Protein: Swap ground beef with shredded chicken, pulled pork, or black beans to create a personalized version that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Spice Control Technique: Adjust the heat level by selecting mild, medium, or hot green chilies, and experiment with different chili powder intensities to match your spice tolerance.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time for perfect heated enchiladas.

Serving Guide for Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas

• Serve with Zesty Toppings: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, diced onions, and sliced jalapeños on top for an extra burst of flavor and crunch.
• Create a Creamy Sidekick: Dollop sour cream or Mexican crema alongside the enchiladas to balance the spicy and rich flavors with a cool, tangy touch.
• Build a Colorful Plate: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that delights the senses.
• Enhance with Fresh Salsa: Add homemade or store-bought salsa on the side to provide a bright, fresh contrast to the warm, cheesy enchiladas.

Storage Tips for Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas Leftovers

• Meal Preservation Tactics
• Refrigerate leftover enchiladas in airtight containers for maximum freshness up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Smart Freezing Strategy
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for freezer storage. Freeze prepared dishes for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Recommendations
• Restore crispy edges and melty cheese by warming enchiladas in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Microwave works for quick heating, but might soften tortilla edges slightly. Add fresh cheese on top for extra deliciousness.
• Prep-Ahead Power Move
• Assemble enchiladas completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. This technique allows flavors to meld together, creating deeper, richer taste profiles. Bake directly from refrigerated state, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time.

Authentic Ina Garten Beef Enchiladas Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s beef enchiladas showcase authentic Mexican flavors in a comforting casserole. Rich beef, warm spices, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings families together around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef
• 3 cups (340 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 10–14 corn tortillas
• 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) enchilada or Mexican red sauce
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cans (4 oz / 113 g each) diced green chilies
• ½ cup chopped black olives
• 2 tbsps canola oil
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Canola oil for frying
• Cilantro for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Craft a rich roux by whisking canola oil and flour in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
2. Sauce Enhancement: Blend red enchilada sauce, chicken broth, salt, and pepper into the roux, simmering until the mixture reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
3. Meat Foundation: Sauté ground beef and white onions in a large skillet, breaking the meat into delicate crumbles and draining excess fat for a lean filling.
4. Tortilla Transformation: Quickly fry corn tortillas in canola oil, creating pliable wrappers that will cradle the savory filling.
5. Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F and layer the baking dish with a protective sauce coating to prevent sticking.
6. Enchilada Assembly: Dunk each tortilla in warm sauce, then meticulously fill with seasoned beef, green chilies, green onions, black olives, and cheddar cheese.
7. Rolling and Positioning: Tightly roll the tortillas, positioning them seam-side down in a snug arrangement within the baking dish.
8. Final Touches: Cascade remaining sauce over the enchiladas and crown with an additional layer of cheese.
9. Baking Perfection: Bake until the cheese melts into a golden blanket and the edges crisp slightly, approximately 20-25 minutes.
10. Serving Flourish: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately, presenting a vibrant and aromatic Mexican-inspired dish.

Notes

• Master the Roux: Whisk oil and flour continuously over medium-low heat to prevent burning, creating a smooth base for your enchilada sauce without lumps.
• Tortilla Technique: Briefly fry corn tortillas for 10-15 seconds to soften them, preventing cracking when rolling and ensuring a tender texture.
• Drain Excess Fat: Always remove fat from browned ground beef to keep enchiladas light and prevent a greasy finished dish.
• Cheese Distribution: Layer cheese inside and on top of enchiladas for maximum melty goodness, ensuring every bite is flavorful and gooey.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg