Cheesy Green Chili Beef Enchiladas
Indulge in these delicious Cheesy Green Chili Beef Enchiladas, a comforting dish that combines savory lean ground beef, sautéed onions, and melty Monterey Jack cheese, all wrapped in soft flour tortillas. Enhanced by a rich sauce made from creamy chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and zesty green chilies, these enchiladas can also be made with leftover chicken or turkey, making them a versatile option for any family meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, these enchiladas are easy to prepare in advance and are a fantastic addition to your freezer for quick dinners. Each bite is a satisfying experience that is sure to please everyone at the table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs ((3 3/4 cups browned meat))
onions, finely chopped
1 1/4 cups ((3/4 cup sautéed))
chili powder
1 tablespoon
salt and pepper
to taste
Monterey Jack cheese, grated
2 cups ((1 cup reserved for topping))
flour tortillas
8
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can
sour cream or plain low-fat yogurt
1 1/2 cups
diced green chilies
1 (4 ounce) can
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned, about 15 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the chili powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
4
Take 1 cup of grated Monterey Jack cheese and reserve it in a 1-quart freezer bag for later use when serving.
5
Spoon an appropriate amount of the beef mixture and a sprinkle of cheese onto each flour tortilla, covering about one-third of the tortilla.
6
Roll each tortilla tightly from the filled edge and place them seam side down in a greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
7
In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or low-fat yogurt), and diced green chilies, mixing until smooth.
8
Pour the sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas and ensure that they are well-coated.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and freeze it, attaching the bag of reserved cheese to the dish for convenience.
10
To serve, remove the enchiladas from the freezer and thaw them completely.
11
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the enchiladas uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. In the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for a gooey finish.
12
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Green Chili Beef Enchiladas?
A comforting dish made with lean ground beef, onions, and Monterey Jack cheese rolled in flour tortillas and topped with a creamy green chili sauce.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef, but leftover chicken or turkey can also be used.
How long does it take to brown the ground beef?
It takes approximately 15 minutes to brown the beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
Finely chopped onions are sautéed with the beef until soft and translucent.
What spices provide the flavor for the beef mixture?
The beef is seasoned with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
What kind of cheese is recommended for these enchiladas?
Monterey Jack cheese is used for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor.
How much cheese is needed in total?
You will need 2 cups of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
How much cheese should be reserved for the topping?
Reserve 1 cup of the grated cheese to sprinkle on top during the final stage of baking.
What kind of tortillas are used?
The recipe specifies using 8 flour tortillas.
How do I assemble the enchiladas?
Spoon the beef and cheese onto one-third of a tortilla, roll it tightly, and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13x9x2-inch baking dish is recommended.
What are the ingredients for the enchilada sauce?
The sauce consists of cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or low-fat yogurt), and a 4-ounce can of diced green chilies.
Can I substitute the sour cream in the sauce?
Yes, plain low-fat yogurt is a suitable and healthy substitute for sour cream.
How do I apply the sauce to the enchiladas?
Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the rolled enchiladas, ensuring they are well-coated.
Can these enchiladas be frozen for later?
Yes, they are an excellent freezer meal; cover with foil and freeze before baking.
How should I store the reserved cheese if freezing the dish?
Place the reserved cheese in a 1-quart freezer bag and attach it to the baking dish.
Do I need to thaw the enchiladas before baking?
Yes, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw completely before cooking.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).
How long do the enchiladas bake?
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through.
When do I add the final layer of cheese?
Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of the baking time.
Are these enchiladas spicy?
They are mildly zesty due to the green chilies and chili powder, but not typically very spicy.
Can I use corn tortillas instead?
While the recipe calls for flour tortillas, you could use corn, though the texture and rolling process will differ.
Is this recipe suitable for leftover turkey?
Yes, it is a fantastic way to use up leftover turkey or chicken.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 8 tortillas, making it ideal for about 4 to 8 servings depending on appetite.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
The enchiladas are baked uncovered to allow the sauce to bubble and the cheese to melt properly.
What is the preparation time for the onions?
The onions take approximately 5 minutes to sauté until soft.
Should I let the enchiladas rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to allow them to cool slightly before serving for better consistency.
How much green chili is used?
One 4-ounce can of diced green chilies is mixed into the sauce.
Why is the meat placed seam-side down?
Placing them seam-side down prevents the tortillas from unrolling during the baking process.