Enchiladas are often overshadowed by burritos in the world of Mexican cuisine, but they are deserving of the spotlight. Easy to assemble, full of flavor, and incredibly versatile, enchiladas can become a weeknight hero in your kitchen. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make enchilada recipe, the HelloFresh One-Pan Beef Enchiladas is a fantastic choice. This recipe combines spiced beef, charred green peppers, tangy salsa verde, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection. In this article, we’ll walk you through the details of this recipe, including preparation, ingredients, and variations.
Introduction to HelloFresh One-Pan Beef Enchiladas
Enchiladas are a great choice for a meal because they are:
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep work and a straightforward cooking process.
- Flavorful: Packed with spices, cheese, and sauces.
- Versatile: Adaptable with various fillings and toppings.
HelloFresh’s One-Pan Beef Enchiladas recipe simplifies the process of making this classic Mexican dish by using just one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
Main Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Ground Beef | 10 oz | Essential protein for the filling. |
Long Green Pepper | 1 unit | Adds a mild heat and flavor. |
Sour Cream | 3 tbsp | Used in the crema topping. |
Hot Sauce | 1 tsp | Adds a kick to the crema. |
Green Salsa | 7.06 oz | Provides a tangy flavor for the enchiladas. |
Flour Tortillas | 6 units | Wraps the beef mixture. |
Mexican Cheese Blend | ½ cup | For topping the enchiladas with a gooey finish. |
Southwest Spice Blend | 1 tbsp | Adds a flavorful kick to the beef. |
Additional Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Vegetable Oil | 2 tsp | For cooking the peppers and beef. |
Salt | To taste | Enhances the flavor. |
Pepper | To taste | Adds seasoning. |
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready to bake the enchiladas to perfection.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and Dry: Clean all vegetables and herbs.
- Slice the Pepper: Halve, deseed, and thinly slice the long green pepper.
- Chop the Scallions: Trim and slice the scallions, keeping the whites and greens separate.
3. Cook the Peppers
- Heat Oil: In a large, preferably ovenproof pan, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add Pepper: Add the sliced green pepper to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook: Stir and cook until the pepper is softened and lightly blistered, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Cook the Beef
- Add Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan with the softened peppers. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season: Stir in the Southwest Spice Blend and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add 1.5 ounces of tomato paste and mix well.
- Combine with Salsa: Stir in ¼ of the green salsa (reserve the rest for later). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer: Turn off the heat and transfer the beef mixture to a medium bowl. Wipe out the pan.
5. Assemble the Enchiladas
- Fill Tortillas: Place a small amount of the beef mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Roll them up, starting with the filled side.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the rolled tortillas seam-side down in the same pan used for cooking the beef. If your pan isn’t ovenproof, use a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Salsa and Cheese: Pour the remaining green salsa over the enchiladas and sprinkle with Mexican cheese blend.
6. Bake
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
7. Make the Lime Crema
- Prepare Crema: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sour cream with the juice of half a lime. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Pico de Gallo: In another bowl, mix the diced Roma tomato with a pinch of salt and pepper.
8. Serve
- Finish: Once the enchiladas are baked, remove them from the oven.
- Garnish: Drizzle the lime crema over the enchiladas and top with pico de gallo and scallion greens.
- Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious one-pan beef enchiladas.
Recipe Variations
1. Spice Level Adjustments
- Mild: Use less Southwest Spice Blend and opt for a mild salsa.
- Spicy: Add extra hot sauce or use a spicy salsa to ramp up the heat.
2. Meat Alternatives
- Chicken: Swap ground beef for shredded chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian: Replace the beef with black beans or a mix of vegetables for a vegetarian version.
3. Cheese Variations
- Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Monterey Jack: Try Monterey Jack cheese for a milder taste.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and assemble the enchiladas a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, covered. Bake them on the day you plan to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortillas if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time if necessary as corn tortillas may be more delicate.
What can I serve with enchiladas?
Enchiladas go well with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. You might also enjoy them with guacamole and additional salsa.
Conclusion
The HelloFresh One-Pan Beef Enchiladas Recipe is a fantastic option for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner. With its blend of spiced beef, charred peppers, and gooey cheese, topped off with tangy lime crema and fresh pico de gallo, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Not only is this dish delicious, but the one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze, which is always a plus. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe’s simple steps and adaptable ingredients make it an excellent choice for a busy weeknight meal.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delightful meal that celebrates the best of Tex-Mex cuisine. Happy cooking!