Craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further than these Easy Cheese Enchiladas! Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. We're talking tender corn tortillas generously filled with a creamy, flavorful cheese blend, then smothered in a rich and savory chili gravy. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a satisfying solo meal. It's adaptable to your preferred spice level and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
These Easy Cheese Enchiladas are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The creamy cheese filling contrasts beautifully with the slightly spicy chili gravy, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Ready to transform simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create these irresistible enchiladas.
Tools Needed
- Cast iron skillet (or any pan)
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas: 14
- Cooking oil
- Diced onion: 1/4 cup
- Lean ground beef: 1 pound
- Salt
- Cracked black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Chicken bullion (or beef)
- Water: 2 cups
- American cheese: Part of a block (approx. 12-14 ounces)
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Avocado
- Salsa
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Filling and Gravy
- Sauté diced onion in a skillet with a little cooking oil.
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Push cooked beef to the side, add a dry mixture of flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and bouillon. Mix into the beef.
- Gradually add water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the mixture simmers and thickens into a gravy.
Step 2. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Preheat tortillas by quickly passing them through preheated cooking oil. This softens them and helps with texture later.
- Remove tortillas and use a cold tortilla to wipe off excess oil.
- Shred cheese.
- Fill each tortilla with cheese and roll it up.
- Place rolled enchiladas in a baking dish.
- Pour chili gravy over the enchiladas, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
Step 3. Bake the Enchiladas
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove foil and serve with desired toppings (onion, lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa).
Read more: Delicious Nicaraguan Enchiladas: A Leftover Recipe
Tips
- Using a cold tortilla to remove excess oil from the hot tortillas prevents burning.
- Ensure you stir constantly while adding water to the gravy to prevent lumps.
- Adjust salt and seasonings to your preference.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 35-45g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend all work well. Experiment to find your favorite!
2. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chili gravy, or use a spicier chili powder. You can also add some diced jalapeños to the filling.
So there you have it – a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. These Easy Beef & Cheese Enchiladas with Chili Gravy are perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Enjoy the delicious results and don't hesitate to experiment with your own favorite toppings and variations!