Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico? These Spinach and Beef Enchiladas are not just a meal; they are a celebration of flavors wrapped in warm tortillas, drenched in savory enchilada sauce, and topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish is both hearty and healthy, thanks to the added fresh spinach. In just under an hour, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 can enchilada sauce
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Remove the skillet from heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of the enchilada sauce with the beef and spinach mixture. This will help keep the filling moist and flavorful.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread ½ cup of the enchilada sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Take a corn tortilla and fill it with about ¼ cup of the beef and spinach mixture. Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Once all the enchiladas are in the baking dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring each enchilada is well covered.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the enchiladas.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the enchiladas hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the beef and spinach filling a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble the enchiladas when you're ready to bake.
- Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients to your filling, such as black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: While shredded cheese is a must, experiment with different types like pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a richer taste.
- Sauce Variations: If you want to spice things up, try using a green enchilada sauce or make your own homemade sauce for a personal touch.
- Baking Tips: Cover the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking to keep the enchiladas moist. Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to create a complete meal. Don't forget to top with sour cream, avocado slices, or fresh cilantro for added flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 294kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 57mg
