chili con carne enchiladas Recipe

How to Make Chili Con Carne Enchiladas: Step-by-Step Guide

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Growing up, I loved watching my grandmother make chili con carne enchiladas. The kitchen would smell amazing, making memories that last. Today, I’m sharing this special recipe that turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal.

Chili con carne enchiladas are more than food – they’re a journey through Mexican cooking. With just 1 lb of ground beef and 10-12 corn tortillas, you can make a dish for 5 people. It’s earned a 4.92-star rating from cooks everywhere.

Whether you’re experienced in the kitchen or new, this recipe will help you make a tasty dinner. You’ll bring the lively flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. Get ready to wow your family and friends with these amazing chili con carne enchiladas!

What is Chili Con Carne Enchiladas Recipe?

Chili con carne enchiladas are a tasty mix of Tex-Mex traditions. They blend the rich taste of enchiladas with the spicy kick of chili con carne. This dish is a true taste of the Southwest.

Origin and History

Enchiladas have their roots in ancient Mesoamerica, where people wrapped corn tortillas around fish. The Spanish conquistadors later added their own twist, introducing new ingredients and cooking methods. Chili con carne, a mix of Mexican and Texan flavors, became a staple in the American Southwest.

“Enchiladas are more than just a meal – they’re a culinary journey through history and flavor.” – Southwest Cooking Magazine

Key Ingredients

  • Lean ground beef
  • Flour tortillas
  • Pasilla chile cooking sauce
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Spices like chili powder and cumin

Differences from Other Enchiladas

The Recipe are known for their bold flavors. They differ from traditional enchiladas because of their spicy chili con carne filling. This filling makes the dish more substantial and flavorful, with a richer meat mixture and complex spices.

CharacteristicChili Con Carne EnchiladasTraditional Enchiladas
Meat PreparationSpicy chili con carne blendSimple shredded meat
Spice LevelHighModerate
Cultural InfluenceTex-Mex fusionTraditional Mexican

Whether you love spicy foods or comfort dishes, chili con carne enchiladas are a special treat. They mix old cooking ways with new, exciting flavors.

Essential Ingredients for The Recipe

To make a perfect Mexican-inspired casserole, you need the right ingredients. They should bring real flavors and textures to your meal. Knowing what to choose will make your chili con carne enchiladas stand out.

Chili Con Carne Basics

The main part of this dish is the meat. Pick high-quality ground beef with 90% lean meat for the best taste. The right spices turn simple meat into a delicious filling.

  • 90% lean ground beef
  • Fresh onions
  • Jalapeño peppers
  • Minced garlic
  • Essential spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano

Tortilla Selection

The base of your enchiladas is the tortillas. Mexican food often uses yellow corn tortillas. But, you can try soft flour tortillas for a different feel.

Cheese Options

Cheese makes your dish richer and more flavorful. Mixing different Mexican cheeses gives you a perfect, melty top.

Cheese TypeFlavor ProfileMelting Quality
Tillamook Mexican BlendCreamy, mildExcellent
Queso FrescoFresh, slightly saltyCrumbly
Monterey JackSmooth, butteryVery good

Toppings and Garnishes

Make your meal pop with fresh garnishes. They add color and taste:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Diced white onions
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream

“The secret to great enchiladas is in the details of your ingredients.” – Mexican Culinary Expert

Choosing each ingredient with care will make a memorable Mexican-inspired casserole. It will bring real flavors to your dinner.

Preparing the Chili Con Carne

Making delicious Mexican food begins with a great chili con carne for your enchiladas. The secret is using top-notch ingredients and cooking them just right.

Selecting the Right Meat

For the best enchiladas, pick 90% lean ground beef. It’s rich in flavor but not too greasy. Remember, 1 1/2 pounds of quality ground beef is key.

Cooking Techniques

Here’s how to make your chili con carne shine:

  • Tenderize beef with baking soda and salt
  • Brown the meat in a big nonstick skillet
  • Add onions and garlic for aroma
  • Spices add depth of flavor

Flavor Enhancements

Boost your Mexican dish with these ingredients:

SpiceAmountPurpose
Chili Powder2 tablespoonsAdds depth and heat
Ground Cumin1 teaspoonProvides earthy undertones
Dried Oregano1/2 teaspoonBrings authentic Mexican flavor

“The secret to great enchiladas is in the details of your chili con carne preparation.” – Mexican Cuisine Expert

For a smoky twist, brown your meat in bacon fat. This adds a smoky flavor that elevates your enchiladas. Simmer the chili with tomato sauce and chicken broth until it’s thick and perfect.

Making the Enchilada Sauce

Making enchilada sauce is an art that makes your dishes special. It needs the right ingredients and cooking skills.

Your homemade enchilada sauce will add depth to your chili con carne enchiladas. The key is using the right mix of dried peppers and spices.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Enchilada Sauce

  • 4 dried ancho peppers
  • 4 dried guajillo peppers
  • 4 dried chiles de arbol
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 small onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt

Cooking the Perfect Sauce

Start by toasting the dried peppers to bring out their flavors. Then, soak them in hot water and blend into a smooth paste.

“The magic of an authentic enchilada sauce is in the careful balance of heat and flavor.”

Tips for an Exceptional Sauce

Let your sauce simmer slowly to blend the flavors. This will give you a medium-spicy sauce that makes your enchiladas stand out.

CharacteristicDetails
Yield2-1/2 cups
Storage Time3-4 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen
Nutritional Content (per serving)19 calories, 3g carbohydrates, 777mg sodium
Recipe Rating4.97/5 (29 votes)

Adjust the spiciness to your liking. The best thing about homemade sauce is you can control the heat.

Assembling the Enchiladas

Making perfect homemade enchiladas needs careful steps. This easy dinner recipe will guide you to make tasty chili con carne enchiladas. They will surely impress your family and friends.

Choosing the Right Tortilla

For real flavor, pick yellow corn tortillas. Mission Super Size “Super Soft” tortillas are the best for this recipe. Before you start, make the tortillas soft by:

  • Lightly brushing with vegetable oil
  • Microwaving for 15-20 seconds
  • Keeping them warm and pliable

Layering Ingredients

Layering ingredients right is key for your enchiladas. Follow these steps for perfect assembly:

  1. Place 3 tablespoons of shredded Mexican blend cheese in the center
  2. Add 2 generous tablespoons of chili con carne sauce
  3. Distribute ingredients evenly across the tortilla

Rolling Techniques

Learning to roll the enchiladas right is important. Here are some pro tips:

  • Avoid overfilling to prevent tearing
  • Roll tightly but gently
  • Place seam-side down in the baking dish
  • Arrange in two rows of 5 enchiladas

“The secret to great enchiladas is in the careful assembly and love you put into each roll.” – Traditional Mexican Cooking Wisdom

Baking the Chili Con Carne Enchiladas

To turn your Mexican food into a delicious casserole, you need to bake it right. The baking step is key to a great dish.

Chili Con Carne Enchiladas Baking Process

Preheating and Preparing the Oven

Start by getting your oven ready. Heat it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the perfect temperature for your casserole. Make sure you have a clean dish ready for your enchiladas.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Knowing the right baking time is important. Here are some tips:

  • Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes
  • Look for sauce bubbles on the edges
  • Make sure the cheese is fully melted
  • Check the internal temperature is 165°F

Foil Technique for Perfect Results

Using foil can make your dish even better. Here are some tips:

  1. Cover with foil for the first 10 minutes
  2. Take off the foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp the top
  3. Keep an eye on moisture to avoid drying

“The secret to great enchiladas is in the baking technique” – Mexican Culinary Expert

Keep an eye on your enchiladas during the last baking stage. You want the cheese to melt perfectly and the filling to stay moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

When you serve your recipe, how you present them is crucial. It turns a simple meal into a memorable experience.

Ideal Side Dishes

Pair your enchiladas with these tasty sides to make your meal even better:

  • Cilantro lime rice
  • Mexican street corn
  • Refried black beans
  • Fresh garden salad
  • Homemade corn muffins

Best Pairings with Enchiladas

Choosing the right drink can make your Tex-Mex meal even better. Here are some great options:

Beverage TypeRecommended Choices
AlcoholicMargaritas, Mexican beer, Paloma cocktail
Non-AlcoholicHorchata, Mexican Coca-Cola, fresh agua fresca

Presentation Tips

Make your dish look as good as it tastes with these tips:

  • Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro
  • Sprinkle diced white onions
  • Add sliced jalapeños for heat
  • Top with a dollop of sour cream
  • Serve on a warm plate

“Great Tex-Mex food is about bold flavors and beautiful presentation!” – Professional Chef

Remember, presentation matters as much as taste. Take your time to arrange your dish beautifully. It will delight both your eyes and taste buds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making perfect homemade enchiladas needs careful attention. Even skilled cooks can make mistakes. Knowing these common errors helps you make enchiladas that wow everyone.

Common Enchilada Cooking Mistakes

Overstuffing Your Enchiladas

One big mistake is putting too much filling in. This can lead to:

  • Torn tortillas during rolling
  • Uneven cooking
  • Difficulty in maintaining the enchilada’s shape

Selecting the Right Tortillas

The right tortillas are key. Corn tortillas give the best taste and texture. Don’t use flour tortillas, as they get soggy and fall apart.

Respecting Cooking Times

It’s important to cook enchiladas right. Not following cooking times can cause:

  • Undercooked centers
  • Burnt edges
  • Improperly melted cheese

“Cooking is about passion, so it may look slightly temperamental in a way that it’s too assertive to the naked eye.” – Gordon Ramsay

To succeed with your easy dinner recipe, heed these tips. Paying attention to these details will make your enchiladas truly stand out.

MistakeConsequenceSolution
OverfillingTorn tortillasUse moderate amount of filling
Wrong TortillasSoggy textureChoose corn tortillas
Incorrect Cooking TimeUneven heatingFollow recipe timing precisely

Variations of Chili Con Carne Enchiladas

Exploring different variations of The recipe can turn this classic dish into a fun adventure. Traditional recipes are great, but trying new ingredients and methods can make your dishes even better.

Vegetarian Delights

If you prefer plant-based options, you can make tasty enchiladas without meat. Here are some ideas:

  • Black bean and quinoa filling
  • Roasted vegetable medley
  • Jackfruit as a meat substitute
  • Lentil and mushroom blend

Exciting Meat Alternatives

Try different proteins to spice up your Recipe:

  • Ground turkey for a leaner option
  • Shredded chicken for a lighter texture
  • Pulled pork for rich flavor
  • Chorizo for added spiciness

Unique Sauce Innovations

Make your enchiladas stand out with creative sauces. These can add a new layer of flavor:

Sauce TypeFlavor ProfileRecommended Pairing
Green Enchilada SauceTangy and FreshChicken or Vegetable Filling
Chipotle Cream SauceSmoky and RichBeef or Pork Filling
Roasted Poblano SauceMild and EarthyVegetarian Options

Trying out these variations lets you make a Mexican-inspired casserole that’s just right for you. Remember, cooking is an art of personal expression!

“Enchiladas are a canvas for culinary creativity – don’t be afraid to explore and innovate!” – Anonymous Chef

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Your delicious Mexican food doesn’t have to end after the first meal. Properly storing Recipe ensures you can enjoy this flavorful dish multiple times. Store your leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within the refrigerator, where they’ll remain fresh for 3-4 days.

Freezing is an excellent option for longer storage. Wrap your enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They’ll maintain their quality for up to three months, making this an ideal easy dinner recipe for meal prep enthusiasts. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating requires careful attention to preserve texture and flavor. For best results, use an oven preheated to 350°F, covering the enchiladas with foil to prevent drying. Most microwaves like the Toshiba EM925A5A-BS or Panasonic NN-SN67HS work well for quick individual servings. Sprinkle a bit of water before reheating to keep the dish moist and delectable.

Pro tip for preserving your delicious Mexican food: consume refrigerated leftovers within two days and frozen enchiladas within two months for optimal taste and quality. With these storage techniques, you’ll always have a satisfying meal ready to enjoy.

FAQ

What makes chili con carne enchiladas different from traditional enchiladas?

Chili con carne enchiladas have a spicy filling made with ground beef and chili spices. They use a thick sauce. This makes them more flavorful and substantial than regular enchiladas.

Can I make vegetarian chili con carne enchiladas?

Yes! Use plant-based meat or a bean-based filling instead of ground beef. Black beans or pinto beans work well. Add vegetables and spices to keep the flavor rich.

How long can I store chili con carne enchiladas?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Freeze them for up to 3 months. Eat refrigerated leftovers within 2 days and frozen ones in 2 months for the best taste.

What are the best tortillas to use for this recipe?

Use yellow corn tortillas, like Mission Super Size “Super Soft”. They’re better than flour tortillas. Soften them with oil and microwave before using to avoid tears.

How can I adjust the spice level of the enchiladas?

Change the spice by adjusting chili powder or pepper types. Use less jalapeño seeds for less heat or add more for spice. Always taste and adjust to your liking.

What are the best side dishes to serve with chili con carne enchiladas?

Serve with cilantro lime rice, Mexican rice, or corn muffins. Guacamole, refried beans, or a salad are also good. For a full meal, try enchiladas over rice or on a platter with tortilla chips and cheese.

Can I prepare chili con carne enchiladas ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them in advance and refrigerate. Bake at 425°F (218°C) covered for 15 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes to melt the cheese.

What cheese works best for these enchiladas?

Use shredded Mexican blend cheese, like Tillamook. Queso fresco or cotija cheese adds authentic flavor. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the chili con carne.

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