Beef Enchiladas with Homemade Spice Mix and Enchilada Sauce Recipe
These Beef Enchiladas are a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring a spicy homemade enchilada sauce, seasoned ground beef, refried and black beans, wrapped in tortillas and topped with melted cheese for a deliciously comforting meal.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Spice Mix
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 – 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spiciness)
Enchilada Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) low sodium chicken stock/broth
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) tomato passata OR 1 can (8 oz) canned tomato sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Beef Mixture
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped (~1 cup)
- 1 lb / 500 g ground beef (mince)
- 400 g / 14 oz refried beans (1 can)
- 400 g / 14 oz black beans, drained (1 can)
Enchiladas Assembly
- 8 tortillas or burrito wraps
- 1.5 cups (150 g) grated melting cheese (Monterey Jack, tasty or cheddar)
- Cilantro/coriander leaves, roughly chopped (optional garnish)
- Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set this spice blend aside for seasoning later.
- Make the Enchilada Sauce: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring it doesn’t brown. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock to remove lumps, then add the tomato passata or canned tomato sauce along with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion; sauté until the onion turns translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef along with the prepared spice mix. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the refried beans and drained black beans, mixing well, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until heated through.
- Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a ladle of enchilada sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Warm the tortillas to make them pliable. Spoon a generous amount of the beef and bean mixture onto each tortilla, then roll it up tightly. Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the baking dish. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle the grated cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with roughly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Note 1: Use fresh spices for the best flavor in the spice mix.
- Note 2: Tomato passata is preferred for a smooth sauce, but canned tomato sauce works well too.
- Note 3: Rinse and drain black beans before adding to reduce saltiness and improve texture.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper amount based on preferred spice level.
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
Keywords: beef enchiladas, Mexican recipe, enchilada sauce, ground beef, refried beans, baked enchiladas, comfort food